Yearly Milestones
13-15 Years
Speech & Communication
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Speech should be clear and confident
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Remaining sound errors may affect self-esteem
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Speech clarity matters for presentations and reading aloud
Social & Learning Skills
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Maintains peer conversations
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Begins navigating more complex friendships
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Understands basic sarcasm and tone
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Follows multi-step academic instructions
Language & Academic
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Understands grade-level reading material
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Writes paragraphs with clear main ideas
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Summarizes information
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Explains thinking and reasoning
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Participates in class discussions
Red Flags
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Avoids speaking in class
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Struggles to explain ideas clearly
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Has difficulty organizing written work
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Feels overwhelmed by school demands
Common Reasons Families
Seek Therapy
Many teens experience these difficulties—and targeted therapy can help reduce stress and build confidence.
Speech & Communication
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Ongoing r or th errors
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Mumbling or reduced clarity
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Embarrassment speaking in class
Language & Academic
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Difficulty expressing ideas
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Weak reading comprehension
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Trouble summarizing or explaining
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Disorganized writing
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Executive Function
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Disorganization
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Missing assignments
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Difficulty starting tasks
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Poor time management
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Overwhelm with long-term projects
Social Communication
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Difficulty making or maintaining friendships
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Misreading tone or sarcasm
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Anxiety in group conversations
Confidence & Emotional Impact
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Avoidance of speaking
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Low classroom participation
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Stress related to communication demands
Helping Families Support Communication & Independence
You’ll learn how to support communication and independence through:
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Homework and study routines
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Organization systems
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Planning and time management
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Encouraging self-advocacy
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Ongoing communication about progress
What Support Can Look Like
Speech Therapy
Refines remaining sound errors
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Improves clarity and confidence
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Supports presentations and public speaking
Executive Function &
Cognitive-Communication
Time management
Planning and prioritizing
Study strategies
Organization systems
Memory strategies
Problem-solving
Flexible thinking
Classroom listening strategies
Academic Language
Strengthens vocabulary and grammar
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Improves reading comprehension
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Supports writing organization
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Builds summarizing and note-taking skills
Social
Communication
Understanding social cues and tone
Conversation and friendship skills
Conflict resolution
Self-advocacy​​​​​​
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Care Tailored to Your
Child Needs
Depending on your child’s needs, therapy may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, feeding and swallowing therapy, and/or myofunctional therapy.
FAQs
The teen years bring new communication demands, and many families have questions about how to best support their child. Below are answers to common questions we hear from parents of adolescents.
Don't Navigate Alone
If communication, organization, or daily demands feel overwhelming for your teen, you don’t have to handle it alone. Our team partners with families to listen, understand concerns, and support meaningful next steps.
Comprehensive Therapy Services
Clearer Speech & Language
