Late Talkers: When to Seek Support
- Beyond Speech Therapy
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
Every child develops at their own pace, and language is no exception. While this wide range of development is absolutely normal, it can leave parents wondering if they should reach out for extra support.
What is a Late Talker?
According to ASHA “Late language emergence (LLE) is a delay in language onset with no other diagnosed disabilities or developmental delays in other cognitive or motor domains. Children between 18–30 months who understand language well, and are developing play, motor, and social skills as expected, but are not using as many words as other children their age would be considered “late talkers.”
*An SLP may see a toddler earlier than 18 months depending on different milestones that are apparent or not being exhibited.
By 12 months: Most children are saying 2-3 words and trying to imitate simple words.
18-23 months months: Children typically use about 50 words and are beginning to use 2 word phrases
24-36 months: Vocabulary jumps to around 200–300 words, and children are starting to put 3-4 words together.
When Should You Contact a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Trust your instincts! If you’re feeling unsure about your child’s abilities, reach out for support.
Here are some specific signs it’s time to check in with an SLP:
Your child is not using words by 18 months.
At age 2, your child has fewer than 50 words or isn’t combining words.
Your child has difficulty understanding directions or simple requests.
Your child relies mostly on gestures or sounds instead of words.
There is a family history of speech/language delays, learning difficulties, or hearing challenges.
You feel worried, and your child’s communication is affecting daily routines or play.
Why Early Support Matters
Speech Therapists no longer rely on the “wait and see” model. There is extensive research demonstrating how early intervention services can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with speech and language or communication delays. Research also shows that without intervention, persistent language difficulties can greatly impact literacy, social skills, and academic success.
Next Steps...
You don’t have to navigate your child’s development alone. If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or language development, reaching out to an SLP is a proactive step that can bring peace of mind and, if needed, valuable early support.
At Beyond Speech, we offer comprehensive assessments, direct therapy, and parent consultations to ensure that you feel confident in your ability to support and make progress with your child.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions at info@beyondspeech.ca
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