Helping Late Talkers Find Their Words: A Guide for Parents
Helping Late Talkers Find Their Words: A Guide for Parents
Hearing a child’s first words is a milestone every parent eagerly anticipates. While some children start speaking early, others take more time to develop verbal language. A late talker is a toddler who has a limited vocabulary for their age but otherwise develops normally in other areas such as play, motor skills, and social interactions.
If your child is a late talker, early support can make a significant difference in helping them build communication skills. In this guide, we’ll explore why some children talk later than others, when to seek help, and effective strategies to encourage speech development at home.
Who Is Considered a Late Talker?
A late talker is typically a child between 18 and 30 months who:
Has good understanding (receptive language) but struggles with verbal expression.
Uses fewer words than expected for their age.
May rely on gestures or sounds instead of spoken words.
Speech and Language Milestones
By 18 months, a child should:
✅ Say at least 10-20 words.
✅ Imitate familiar words.
✅ Follow simple directions (“Get your shoes”).
By 24 months (2 years), a child should:
✅ Say at least 50 words.
✅ Start combining two-word phrases (“More milk,” “Go outside”).
✅ Be understood by caregivers 50% of the time.
By 30 months (2.5 years), a child should:
✅ Use 100+ words.
✅ Begin forming short sentences.
✅ Ask simple questions (“What’s that?”).
By 3 years, a child should:
✅ Have a vocabulary of 300+ words.
✅ Speak in three- to four-word sentences.
✅ Be understood by strangers at least 75% of the time.
If a child is not meeting these speech milestones, they may be a late talker.
Why Do Some Children Talk Later Than Others?
Several factors can contribute to speech delays, including:
1. Family History
If parents or siblings were late talkers but later developed typical language skills, the child may follow a similar pattern.
2. Differences in Temperament and Learning Style
Some children are more observational, choosing to listen rather than speak.
Others may be naturally more quiet or reserved.
3. Limited Verbal Interaction
Less exposure to conversation, reading, and language-rich play can slow speech development.
4. Hearing Issues
Frequent ear infections or hearing impairments can make it harder to learn speech sounds.
5. Developmental Conditions
Speech delays may be linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), or other language disorders.
While some late talkers catch up on their own, others need speech therapy to develop verbal language effectively.
When Should You Be Concerned?
It’s important to seek guidance if your child:
🔴 By 18 months: Does not say at least 10 words.
🔴 By 24 months: Has fewer than 50 words or does not use two-word phrases.
🔴 By 30 months: Struggles to form basic sentences or frequently replaces words with gestures.
🔴 At any age: Seems frustrated when trying to communicate.
🔴 Has difficulty understanding or following directions.
🔴 Regresses (loses previously learned words).
If you notice these signs, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can evaluate your child’s communication skills and provide targeted strategies to support language growth.
How Speech Therapy Helps Late Talkers
Speech therapy focuses on:
✅ Building vocabulary – Introducing new words and reinforcing them in daily activities.
✅ Encouraging verbal expression – Helping children use words instead of gestures or sounds.
✅ Developing sentence structure – Teaching how to combine words into meaningful phrases.
✅ Enhancing social communication – Strengthening conversation and interaction skills.
SLPs use play-based therapy, interactive storytelling, and engaging activities to make speech development fun and natural.
Ways Parents Can Help Late Talkers at Home
Parents play a crucial role in helping late talkers develop their speech. Here are some effective strategies to encourage language growth:
1. Use the “Pause and Wait” Strategy
Give your child extra time to respond before speaking for them.
Example: If they reach for a toy, pause and wait for them to say “ball” instead of immediately handing it to them.
2. Expand on Their Words
If your child says “dog,” expand by adding more words:
Child: “Dog!”
Parent: “Yes! A big, fluffy dog is running!”
3. Offer Choices to Encourage Speech
Instead of yes/no questions, give options that require a verbal response:
Instead of “Do you want a snack?” say, “Do you want an apple or banana?”
4. Read Together Every Day
Choose books with repetition and rhyming words (e.g., “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”).
Ask your child to point to objects and name them.
Leave out a word in familiar phrases and let them fill in the blank.
5. Sing Songs and Use Rhymes
Songs with repetitive lyrics help reinforce speech patterns (e.g., “The Wheels on the Bus”).
Encourage clapping or gestures to make it interactive.
6. Narrate Everyday Activities
Talk to your child throughout the day, describing what you’re doing:
“I’m cutting an apple. Do you want a slice?”
“Let’s put on your blue shoes!”
7. Reduce Screen Time and Increase Face-to-Face Interaction
Screen time does not replace real-world speech practice.
Focus on conversational play, storytelling, and hands-on activities.
8. Encourage Play-Based Learning
Engage in pretend play (e.g., playing restaurant, doctor, or grocery store).
Use toy animals, cars, or puppets to act out stories and encourage speech.
9. Imitate and Model Speech Sounds
Copy your child’s sounds and words to encourage back-and-forth conversation.
Example: If they say “ba,” respond with “Ball! Yes, that’s a big ball!”
10. Celebrate Small Wins and Keep It Positive
Praise any attempt to use words, even if they aren’t perfect.
Keep speech practice fun and pressure-free.
When Will My Late Talker Catch Up?
Every child develops at their own pace, but early intervention leads to faster progress. Some late talkers catch up by age 3, while others need ongoing speech support.
If your child is struggling with verbal communication, early speech therapy can help strengthen their language skills and confidence.
Final Thoughts
Helping a late talker find their words requires patience, encouragement, and the right strategies. While some children naturally catch up, others benefit from speech therapy and language-enriching activities at home.
If your child is struggling with speech development, early support makes a difference. Reach out to us today to schedule a free evaluation, and let’s help your child find their words with confidence!