When to Seek Help: Signs Your Child May Need Occupational, Speech, or Physical Therapy
Why Early Intervention Matters
Every child develops at their own pace, and small delays can be perfectly normal. Still, there are certain red flags that—when caught early—can be supported through therapy to greatly improve outcomes.
Getting an evaluation “just in case” is never wrong. If everything is fine, that’s wonderful. And if something is going on, beginning therapy early (before habits deepen or gaps widen) can make a meaningful difference in communication, motor skills, and confidence.
Speech & Language Signs
Consider seeking a speech/language evaluation if you notice:
By 12–15 months
Not babbling
Not using gestures such as pointing or waving
By 2 years
Using fewer than ~50 words
Not combining two words (e.g., “more juice”)
Speech is difficult to understand—even for parents
At any age
Regression (losing words they previously used)
Difficulty understanding language:
Not responding to their name by 1 year
Not following simple directions (e.g., “Get the ball”) by ~12–18 months
Possible concerns related to comprehension or hearing
Motor Skills Signs (OT/PT)
Gross Motor – PT
Signs that may indicate the need for physical therapy:
Not rolling by ~6 months
Not sitting independently by ~8–9 months
Not crawling by ~10 months
Not walking by ~15–18 months
For older toddlers and preschoolers:
Frequent falling or tripping
Clumsiness beyond peers
Avoiding physical play (climbing, running, playground structures)
Possible low muscle tone or balance challenges
Fine Motor – OT
Consider an OT evaluation if your child has:
Trouble grasping/releasing objects
Still using a full-fist crayon grip at ~4 years
Difficulty self-feeding:
Finger feeding by ~1 year
Spoon use by ~2 years
Ongoing challenges with:
Stacking blocks
Using a pincer grasp by ~12 months
Scissor skills by ~5–6 years
Handwriting difficulties in school-age children
Sensory & Behavior Clues (OT)
Occupational therapists also support sensory processing. Signs of sensory difficulties include:
Extreme reactions to sounds (vacuum, blender)
Avoiding certain textures (finger paint, sand)
High movement-seeking behaviors (constant spinning, crashing, jumping)
Very restricted “picky eating” affecting nutrition
Battles with grooming (haircuts, toothbrushing, clothing textures or tags)
If these sensory challenges impact daily life, OT or feeding therapy can help.
Social & Play Indicators
While not tied to one specific therapy, social/play delays often overlap with areas treated by speech, OT, or developmental therapy.
Look for:
By age 2: little interest in interaction or back-and-forth play
Not showing or sharing items with parents
Preschool age: lack of pretend play
Persistent frustration behaviors (biting, hitting) due to difficulty communicating needs
These patterns may suggest a social-communication delay, autism spectrum condition, or a need for speech or OT support.
School-Age Academic & Attention Signs
For early elementary children, therapy may help with:
Difficulty learning to write letters
Trouble using both hands together (stabilizing paper while writing)
Inability to sit/attend for brief periods compared to peers
Persistent articulation delays:
Not producing “r” by age 6–7
Persistent lisp past ~5 years
Speech or OT can support academic readiness, handwriting, confidence, and communication clarity.
How to Seek Help
If you notice any of these signs, here are next steps:
Talk to your pediatrician and request therapy referrals.
Under age 3: Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) provides evaluations for free.
Age 3+: School districts offer Child Find screenings.
You can also contact a pediatric therapy provider directly (such as Pure Hearts Therapy) for a private evaluation—no referral or “wait and see” needed if you feel something is off.
A Final Encouraging Note
Needing therapy is extremely common and nothing to be ashamed of. Many children in the developmental disability community receive support and go on to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
By paying attention to early signs and seeking guidance when needed, you are taking a proactive, empowering step for your child’s future.
Ready to take the next step? 👟
📞 Book your free 15-minute consultation to get personalized guidance.
📚 Read more on our blog for helpful articles, sensory-friendly ideas, and real-world strategies.
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