Speech Therapy for Late-Talkers: what parents need to know

Is your toddler not talking as much as other kids their age? Are they getting frustrated when they can’t communicate? If you're concerned about a speech delay in your child, you're not alone. Many parents wonder whether their child is just a “late bloomer” or may need some extra support. Fortunately, speech therapy for late talkers can make a big difference. Especially when provided right in your own home where much of their communication is taking place.

A late talker is a toddler between 18 and 30 months who has a limited vocabulary but is otherwise developing normally. These children typically understand what others are saying, use gestures to communicate, and meet other developmental milestones—except for spoken language.

While some late talkers eventually catch up on their own, others benefit greatly from early speech therapy to build strong language and communication skills.

Signs Your Toddler May Need Speech Therapy

Here are some common red flags that may indicate a speech or language delay. If your toddler is showing any of these signs, it's a good idea to consult with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for a developmental evaluation:

• By 12 months: Not babbling or using gestures like pointing or waving

• By 18 months: Saying fewer than 10–20 words

• By 24 months: Not using at least 50 words or combining two-word phrases like “more juice” or “mommy go”

  How Speech Therapy Helps Late Talkers

  Speech therapy for toddlers with delayed speech is engaging, personalized, and highly effective. Here's what to expect:

• Play-Based Activities: Children learn best through play. Speech therapists use toys, books, songs, and games to encourage speech and language in a natural, fun environment. 

• Parent Involvement: Parents are a key part of the therapy process. You'll learn how to support your child’s communication during daily routines, like mealtime, bath time, and playtime. Building “verbal routines” and “modeling” into your day means you can support a language-rich environment without having to do anything beyond your normal routine! 

• Language Modeling: Therapists use strategies like repetition, expansion, and modeling to show your child how to use new words and combine them into phrases.

AAC Support When Needed: For some late talkers, tools like baby sign language or picture communication systems (AAC) can reduce frustration and actually encourage spoken language—not replace it (research supports this). “Baby-sign” can actually be extremely powerful in encouraging speech sounds.

When to Get Help for a Late Talker

If you’re searching terms like “toddler not talking at 2 years” or “speech delay in toddlers,” it may be time to take action. Trust your instincts—if you're worried, it's worth seeking professional guidance. A simple evaluation can provide peace of mind or help you start a personalized therapy plan.

Need Help with a Late Talker?
As a licensed speech-language pathologist, I have provided speech therapy for toddlers and young children for over a decade. Contact Mindful-Speech today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward helping your child find their voice. There are many options, we can set up an evaluation and  a bundle of sessions, including parent training, or consistent speech therapy until your child is on their way, the choice is yours. Recommendations can be provided following a consult and evaluation or review of previous evaluation reports.