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
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
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
