“I Think My Child Is Behind in Speech. Where Do I Start?”
Hi there, I'm Eliana, a bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist and the owner of Monarch Speech and Language Institute here in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
If you're reading this because you're wondering, “Is my child behind in speech?”—I want you to know: you are not alone, and you’ve already taken an important first step just by asking the question.
As parents and caregivers, we have this amazing instinct to notice when something just doesn’t feel quite right. Maybe your child isn’t saying as many words as their peers, or they’re struggling to put words together. Maybe they’re quiet, or frustrated, or not responding when you call their name.
Whatever brought you here—I see you. And I’m here to help.
Step One: Trust Your Gut
You are the expert on your child. If something feels off, it’s okay to ask questions. You don’t need to wait for a doctor or a teacher to bring it up. Early action leads to better outcomes, and honestly, it brings peace of mind—whether your child needs support or not.
Many parents tell me, “I wasn’t sure if it was just a phase,” or “People told me to wait it out.” But here’s what I want you to know:
It’s never too early to ask!
You don’t need to wait for a diagnosis to start supporting your child’s communication!
Step Two: Know the Signs
Children develop at their own pace, but there are key milestones we look for in early speech and language development. If your child:
Isn’t babbling by 12 months
Doesn’t use gestures like pointing or waving by 12–15 months
Isn’t saying words by 16 months
Isn’t combining two words by age 2
Has trouble understanding simple directions
Gets frustrated when trying to communicate
…then a speech and language evaluation could be helpful.
And if your child is bilingual or growing up in a Spanish-English household—don’t worry! Bilingual kids may mix languages or switch between them, and that’s totally normal. The key is making sure they are progressing in total communication across both languages.
Step Three: Get Support (That’s Where I Come In!)
At Monarch Speech and Language Institute, we offer consultations and developmental screenings—so you don’t have to guess or google everything. I’ll sit with you (virtually or in person), listen to your concerns, observe your child, and walk you through what’s typical, what’s not, and what we can do next.
If your child does need speech therapy, we offer:
Play-based, child-led therapy that fits into your daily routines
Parent coaching (because you are your child’s best teacher)
Bilingual support in Spanish and English
In-network services with SoonerCare and BlueCross BlueShield
Step Four: Start Where You Are
Whether your child is just learning to babble or already speaking in phrases, there are simple things you can do right now:
Talk, talk, talk. Narrate your day, label what you see, respond to their sounds.
Read together. Even if they’re chewing the book, it counts!
Sing songs and use gestures. These support both verbal and nonverbal communication.
Slow down and wait. Give your child time to respond—sometimes they just need a few extra seconds.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
I know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re worried about your child. But here’s the good news: there are answers, and there is help. And I would be honored to walk with you through this journey.
If you’re ready to learn more, have questions, or just want to talk it out—I’m here. Let’s take that next step together.
With care,
Eliana Provenzano-Lewis, M.S., CCC-SLP
Bilingual Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder, Monarch Speech and Language Institute
Tulsa, Oklahoma
(918) 918-840-0870
www.monarch-tulsa.com
