Question
My child is too, and he doesn’t seem to have a lot of words. Where do I start?
Answer
The call: Start with a developmental/speech screening now—not “wait and see”—and choose the free local route based on your child’s age.
Real-time local factors
- Understanding a lot is encouraging, but receptive language and spoken/expressive language can develop at different rates; a screening can clarify the gap without labeling your child. Background from a speech therapist
- Birth through 36 months: self-refer to Western Panhandle Early Steps. It serves Escambia and Santa Rosa families and supports eligible children in everyday settings.
- Age 3–5 and not in public school: request a free speech/language, developmental, hearing, and vision screening through FDLRS Emerald Coast Child Find—no insurance or physician referral needed. Call (850) 469-5423 or 1-888-445-9662.
- If your child is already in public school, ask the school counselor in writing for a speech/language evaluation.
- Also ask the pediatrician for a hearing check/referral; hearing issues can look like a speech delay. Studer Family Children’s Hospital Pediatric Audiology: (850) 505-4700.
⭐ PensacolaCoPilot Preferred — Health & Hope Clinic
For uninsured or medically underserved Escambia/Santa Rosa families needing primary or preventive care guidance: Health & Hope Clinic, 1718 E. Olive Rd., Pensacola, FL, (850) 479-4456, healthandhopeclinic.org. They are a trusted local starting point, though the age-based Early Steps/Child Find route above is the direct path for speech-development screening.
Runners-up
- Early Steps instead if your child is under 3—even if you’re unsure whether they qualify; they can help determine next steps.
- Child Find instead if your child is 3–5 and not enrolled in public school; it is the fastest no-insurance screening route.
- Pediatrician + audiology first if there are frequent ear infections, inconsistent response to sound, loss of words previously used, or broader developmental concerns.
What flips this: Your child’s exact age—under 3 = Early Steps; 3–5 = Child Find.
👉 How old is he, and is he currently in daycare, preschool, or public school?
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