Bilingualism & Speech Therapy: What Parents Should Know
From the team at Expansion Speech Therapy
At Expansion Speech Therapy, we love working with bilingual families—and we often hear the same question:
“Will speaking two languages confuse my child or delay their speech?”
The answer: no! In fact, bilingualism offers so many cognitive, social, and academic benefits. Let’s bust some myths and explain when speech therapy might help.
Myth: Bilingualism Causes Speech Delays
Many parents worry that hearing or using more than one language might “confuse” their child. But research shows that bilingual children hit speech and language milestones around the same time as monolingual children (Pope & Paradis, 2024).
✅ First words? On time.
✅ Two-word combinations? On time.
✅ Learning new words? Just as strong—especially when you count both languages together!
The Benefits of Bilingualism
Bilingual kids get a brain boost. Studies show they often have stronger skills in:
- Attention and memory
- Flexible thinking
- Understanding how language works
- Connecting with family and culture (De Houwer & Bornstein, 2018)
That’s why we call bilingualism a superpower!
When Should You Be Concerned?
While bilingualism doesn’t cause delays, some children do have speech or language challenges. If your child is having a hard time in both languages—not just one—it might be time to reach out.
Here are signs to look for:
- Not using words by 18 months
- Trouble combining words after age 2
- Hard to understand by age 3
- Struggling to express themselves in any language
If you’re unsure, our team at Expansion Speech Therapy is here to help with evaluations that look at both languages and your child’s full language experience.
What Speech Therapy Looks Like for Bilingual Kids
Speech therapy should never ask a child to “drop” a language. At Expansion Speech Therapy, we:
- Evaluate in both languages, using the best tools available
- Support your child’s strongest language first—often the home language
- Include families every step of the way
- Celebrate your child’s culture and background
We also work with interpreters or bilingual team members when needed, to make sure your child gets the support they deserve.
How You Can Help at Home
You don’t need to choose between languages. You can support your child’s development in both! Try this:
✨ Talk, read, sing, and play in both languages.
✨ Use everyday moments—like meals, bathtime, and walks—to connect.
✨ Don’t worry if your child switches between languages. It’s totally normal!
✨ Celebrate every word, in every language.
Final Thoughts
Being bilingual is a gift. If your child needs speech therapy, they can succeed in both languages—with the right support. At Expansion Speech Therapy, we believe in empowering families and building on the strengths your child already has.
Wondering if your child might benefit from support?
📩 Contact us today or fill out our inquiry form to schedule a free consultation.
We’re here to help your child grow!
References (for curious parents!)
- Bialystok, E., et al. (2012). Bilingualism and cognitive control. Psychology and Aging, 19(2), 290–303.
- De Houwer, A., & Bornstein, M. H. (2018). Bilingualism in the early years. Developmental Review, 49, 63–80.
- Pope, K., & Paradis, J. (2024). Language milestones in bilingual toddlers. Journal of Child Language.
- Bedore, L. M., & Peña, E. D. (2008). Assessment of bilingual children. Int. J. of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 11(1), 1–29.
