Yearly Milestones
5-7 Years
Speech & Sound
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Speech should be mostly clear to unfamiliar listeners
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Correct use of most early sounds (p, b, t, d, k, g, f, v, s, z, sh, ch, j)
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Errors with r, l, th may still be emerging
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Begins producing longer and multi-syllable words
Social & Learning Skills
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Participates in group activities
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Takes turns in conversation
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Begins problem-solving with peers
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Understands basic classroom routines
Language Development
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Uses full sentences
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Answers who, what, where questions
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Understands story sequences
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Begins explaining ideas and events
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Follows multi-step directions
Red Flags
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Is difficult to understand
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Struggles to follow directions
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Has trouble explaining ideas
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Avoids speaking in class
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Becomes frustrated during schoolwork
Common Reasons Families
Seek Therapy
These concerns are common—and with support, kids can build strong skills for learning and play.
Speech Sound
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Ongoing articulation errors
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Difficulty with r, l, th, blends
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Embarrassment or reduced confidence
Language
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Difficulty expressing ideas
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Trouble following directions
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Weak grammar or sentence structure
Reading & Academic
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Difficulty decoding or comprehending text
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Poor spelling related to speech errors
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Trouble organizing written work
Social Communication
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Difficulty making or keeping friends
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Misreads social cues
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Trouble staying in conversations
Behavior Related to Communication
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Homework frustration
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Avoidance of classroom participation
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Meltdowns when misunderstood
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Guiding Families as Independence
Grows
You’ll learn how to support communication during:
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Homework routines
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Daily conversations
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Reading and writing activities
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Organization and planning
An evaluation does not commit you to therapy—it simply helps clarify what is happening and whether support could help.
What Support Can Look Like
Speech & Language
Improves clarity and confidence
Corrects persistent sound errors
Strengthens production of complex sounds
Builds vocabulary and grammar
Improves comprehension
Supports classroom learning
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Social Communication
Perspective-taking
Conversation and friendship skills
Understanding nonverbal cues
Reading & Literacy
Sound-letter awareness
Reading fluency and comprehension
Writing organization and story structure
Executive Function Support
Planning and organization
Following multi-step directions
Homework and study strategies
Care Tailored to Your Child
Depending on your child’s needs, therapy may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, feeding and swallowing therapy, and/or myofunctional therapy.
FAQs
School-age communication skills continue to develop, and many parents have questions as academic and social demands increase. Below are answers to common questions families ask during the elementary and middle
school years.
Don't Navigate Alone
If communication, organization, or daily skills are affecting your child’s confidence or school experience, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team is here to listen, answer questions, and help guide next steps.
Comprehensive Therapy Services
Clearer Speech & Language
