Is my child a late talker?
Is your toddler taking their time to find their words?
Don't worry, they might just be a late talker! In this blog post, we'll explore these questions:
How can I practice at home? (TONS of simple & fun activity ideas)
Who is a “late talker”?
Late talkers are children who start speaking later than their peers. Typically, they are between 18 and 30 months old and have a limited vocabulary. They may find it challenging to combine words into phrases or sentences. And, they may have difficulties understanding language.
The term "late language emergence" is commonly used by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and speech therapists to describe children who are late talkers. This term is used because these children may experience delays not only in speaking but also in their understanding and receptive language skills. The term "late talker" can be confusing, but it's important to know that understanding skills and speaking skills are closely linked and typically develop together.
How common are late talkers?
Late talkers are actually quite common. Around 13% of children at 24 months old show signs of late language emergence. So if you're concerned about your child's language development, know that you're not alone. Many parents have experienced similar situations, and there is support available to help you and your little one along the way.
Do I have a late talker?
Are you concerned that your child might be a late talker? You're not alone! Many parents find themselves worrying about their child's communication development. In fact, in a recent poll I conducted on Instagram with over 500 parents, more than 80% expressed concerns about their child's communication skills. It's natural to compare your little one to their peers or siblings and feel a bit worried when you notice differences in their abilities.
To help you determine if your child might be a late talker, here are some specific signs to look out for:
Limited vocabulary: Late talkers often have a vocabulary of fewer than 50 words by the age of two, or their vocabulary may grow at a slower pace compared to their peers.
Difficulty with word combinations: They might struggle to put words together to form two-word phrases, such as saying "more juice" or "bye-bye daddy."
Typical understanding (or not): Late talkers may have age-appropriate receptive language skills, meaning they understand language at a level that aligns with their peers.
There’s no easily identifiable cause of the delay: It's important to note that late talkers typically don't have other significant developmental delays or cognitive impairments, such as hearing loss or intellectual disabilities.
If you notice these signs in your child, it may be beneficial to seek guidance from a healthcare professional or a speech-language pathologist. Remember, being a late talker doesn't necessarily indicate a long-term language disorder. Some children catch up to their peers without any intervention, while others may benefit from early intervention services, such as speech-language therapy, to support their language development.
Milestones - A guide for identifying late talking toddlers
It's essential to keep in mind that there's a wide range of what's considered typical development for children at any age. To gain a clearer understanding of your child's progress, it can be helpful to reference milestones or benchmark skills for each age group. By doing so, you can determine whether your child is on track or may require additional attention in a particular area.
Here are some age-specific benchmarks that can assist you in identifying late talking:
At 18 months, look for children to:
Follows some familiar directions
Use gestures, such as pointing or waving.
Copy words they hear you say.
Say about 20 different words on their own.
At 24 months, look for children to:
Understands the meaning of new words quickly
Have a vocabulary of more than 50 words.
Begin combining two words to form short phrases.
Engage in simple conversations using basic language skills.
At 30 months, look for children to:
Have an expanding vocabulary of several hundred words.
Use 3- to 4- word sentences to express themselves.
Combine words to ask and answer questions.
Remember, these milestones are general guidelines, and every child develops at their own pace. If you have concerns about your child's language development, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a speech-language pathologist. They can provide a more accurate assessment and recommend appropriate interventions if necessary.
I think my child’s a late talker… Help!
If you suspect that your child may be a late talker, it's essential to understand that it doesn't necessarily indicate a long-term language disorder. Many children do catch up to their peers without any intervention, while others may benefit from early intervention services like speech-language therapy to support their language development.
Now, you might be wondering, "Will my child catch up on their own?" The answer is, it varies. Research indicates that more than half of late talkers do catch up on their own. However, it's impossible to predict which group your child will fall into—those who catch up naturally or those who may require some additional support for expressive language development.
To determine the best course of action, consult with a speech-language pathologist. They can assess your child's language skills and provide expert guidance. If necessary, they'll recommend strategies and activities to facilitate language development.
As a parent, you play a vital role in supporting your child's communication skills. Engage in interactive activities like reading, singing, and talking with your child to create a language-rich environment. Incorporate play and everyday interactions into learning experiences.
Late Talker Recommendations:
I recommend two things to parents who have concerns about late talking:
1. Start practicing at home!
Many early intervention speech therapy strategies can be implemented by parents. Spend 15-30 minutes a day during an activity you already do to make a difference.
Here are three proven strategies to support late talkers at home during your family's favorite activities (click the links for activities and more information on each strategy!)
Focused Stimulation - this strategy involves repeating the names of people, things, and actions more often to help your child learn
Increase Commenting - Most of us ask a ton of questions! But for toddlers learning to talk, comments are more helpful than questions! It's a small change that can make a big impact on your child's learning.
Following Children's Interest - Pay attention to what captures your child's interest, as it plays a crucial role in learning new words. By following their lead, you'll find that your at-home practice becomes more effective and enjoyable.
2. Schedule a speech and language evaluation.
You may be wondering, “Is speech therapy really necessary? Won’t they just catch up on their own?”
The truth is, it varies from child to child. While some children do catch up on their own, others benefit from extra help in acquiring language skills. That's why I strongly recommend scheduling an evaluation for your child. During this appointment, you'll gain valuable insights into your child's strengths and areas that may require support. Moreover, you'll receive specific techniques to assist your child's language development throughout the evaluation process. Following the evaluation, speech therapy may or may not be recommended, depending on your child’s individual needs.
Request a referral from your pediatrician or contact your state's early intervention program (in the US). Even if your child catches up through at-home practice, it's wise to have an appointment booked in case extra support is needed down the road. Planning in advance provides peace of mind if your progress at home doesn’t go as you’ve planned.
Here are 2 great resources for speech & language evaluation:
Remember, every child is unique, and their language journey unfolds at their own pace. Seeking professional advice and actively participating in your child's language development will ensure they receive the support they need to thrive.
How to support a late talker at home - more ways!
1. Play Activity Guides - I’ve put together guides to growing your child’s talking skills using some of the most popular toddler toys. Check out the suggested activities for your child’s current level using:
2. First Words - resources to help your little one say their first words
Tips & Activities for first words - encourage your toddler to say their first words with these speech therapy tips and activities.
Baby first words list - learn common first words and how to know if your toddler said one
3. Growing Vocabulary - these are my favorite strategies, tips, and activities for helping your child learn to say more words
My favorite strategy for growing vocabulary! - this strategy can be used in any activity!
More tips and activities to grow your little one’s vocabulary - we have tips, activities, and videos to help you practice at home
4. Putting Words Together - support your child in combining words when talking with these speech therapy tips, activities, and strategies
Start putting words together using these speech therapy tips and activities.
Ultimate guide to early sentences - encourage your child to combine 3+ more words at home
5. Kickstart - If you're looking for extra reassurance and personalized support for your late-talking toddler, I'm here to help!
I've been providing one-on-one guidance to families, and it has been a wonderful experience. Families have appreciated the individualized support, and I've enjoyed connecting with them on a deeper level. If you're interested in personalized recommendations and support, I invite you to consider my new Kickstart Program. This program is designed to provide tailored strategies to enhance your child's language development and empower you as a parent. Feel free to reach out to me to learn more about the Kickstart Program and how it can benefit you and your child. I'm here to support you every step of the way on this journey.
A few more common questions about late talkers:
-
If you have a late talker, it's natural to feel concerned, but remember not to worry too much. The good news is that there are numerous ways you can support your child's emerging language skills and help them thrive. Research has consistently shown that early intervention plays a vital role in helping late talkers catch up. Instead of worrying, let's focus on proactive steps you can take. Talk to your pediatrician to request a speech and language evaluation, and don't forget the power of practice at home!
-
The question on every parent's mind: Will my late talker eventually catch up? While research shows that more than half of late talkers do catch up on their own, it's important to note that not all of them will. That's why it's crucial to take proactive steps if you suspect your child may be a late talker. By seeking early intervention and providing support, you can empower your child's language development journey and give them the best chance to thrive.
-
Late talkers are children:
between the ages of 18-30 months
who have smaller vocabularies than their peers
who may or may not have difficulties with understanding skills
who are late to combine words into phrases or sentences
-
While many late talkers catch up by the age of 4, it's essential to understand that each child is unique. Some children may naturally catch up on their own by this age, while others require early intervention support to reach similar language levels.
The key is to be proactive and provide the necessary support to help your child thrive on their language development journey.
-
You can help your late talker grow their vocabulary by setting aside 15-30 minutes a day to practice at home. Refer to these tips to help toddlers learn to talk at home.
Written By: Stephanie Hatleli, MS CCC-SLP
References:
Fisher, E. L. (2017). A systematic review and meta-analysis of predictors of expressive-language outcomes among late talkers. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 60(10), 2935-2948.
Kruythoff‐Broekman, A., Wiefferink, C., Rieffe, C., & Uilenburg, N. (2019). Parent‐implemented early language intervention programme for late talkers: parental communicative behaviour change and child language outcomes at 3 and 4 years of age. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 54(3), 451-464.
Rescorla, L. (2011). Late talkers: Do good predictors of outcome exist?. Developmental disabilities research reviews, 17(2), 141-150.
Rescorla, L. A., & Dale, P. S. (2013). Late talkers: Language development, interventions, and outcomes. Paul H Brookes Publishing Co..
Taylor, C., Zubrick, S., & Rice, M. L. (2013). Population and public health perspectives on late language emergence at 24 months as a risk indicator for language impairment at 7 years. In Late talkers: Language development, interventions, and outcomes (pp. 23-40). Brookes Publishing.
© 2020-2023. Stephanie Keffer, MS CCC-SLP. All Rights Reserved.
The content offered on ToddlerTalk.com is for informational purposes only. Toddler Talk is not engaged in rendering professional advice, whether medical or otherwise, to individual users or their children or families. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, speech language pathologist, or other health professional. By accessing the content on ToddlerTalk.com, you acknowledge and agree that you are accepting the responsibility for your child’s health and well-being. In return for providing you with information related to home speech and language practice, you waive any claims that you or your child may have as a result of utilizing the content on ToddlerTalk.com.