Is My Child Just a Late Talker? Why It’s Worth Checking Early
- reception5127
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 12
It’s one of the most common questions parents ask: “Why is my child not talking as much as other kids their age? Are they just a late talker?”
Family and friends often reassure parents with phrases like, “They’ll catch up in their own time” or “Uncle so-and-so didn’t talk until he was 4” and while it’s true that every child develops at their own pace, waiting and hoping for their speech and language to catch up can sometimes mean missing the window where intervention strategies are the most effective.
What Does “Late Talker” Actually Mean?
A late talker is a child who is developing in line with typical development in other areas (like play, motor skills, and social interaction) but isn’t meeting expected speech and language milestones. For example:
By 18 months, most children use at least 10–20 words.
By the age of 2, most children use more than 50 words and are starting to put 2 words together (e.g., “more juice”).
By the age of 3, most children can use short sentences and are understood by familiar adults most of the time.
If your child isn’t hitting these milestones, it’s a sign they may need extra support.
Why Waiting Can Be Risky
Yes, some late talkers do “catch up”, but research shows that many do not. For those children, early language difficulties can continue into school age and beyond, negatively influencing various critical aspects of a child’s growth, such as, learning, reading, friendships, and self-confidence. In fact, around 2 children in every classroom will present with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a lifelong condition that makes understanding and using language difficult. DLD often shows up as a “late talker” in the toddler and preschool years, which means these early signs should never be ignored.
Signs You Should Seek Support
Being able to identify the signs that your child is a late talker is key in determining whether to seek support for their language and/or speech difficulties. Common signs to look out for are:
Not using 50 words by the age of 2.
Isn't combining words into short phrases by 2½.
Uses few or no gestures to communicate.
Struggles to follow simple instructions.
Becomes frustrated or has frequent meltdowns when trying to communicate.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s a good idea to seek a speech and language assessment.
The Positives of Getting Help Early
Seeking support doesn’t mean there is something “wrong” with your child - it means you’re giving them the best possible foundation for future growth and success.
Early intervention with a speech therapist can:
Reduce frustration at home.
Build your child’s vocabulary and confidence.
Give you practical strategies for everyday routines.
Ensure your child is ready for learning, friendships, and school success.
Peace of Mind for Parents
The truth is, there’s no downside to checking in with a speech pathologist. If your child truly is a late talker who will catch up, you’ll walk away with reassurance and some simple strategies to use at home. If they need more help, you’ll have a clear plan to support them now rather than waiting until challenges become harder to overcome.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
IIf you’re concerned about your child’s speech or language, don’t wait to see if it improves; instead, schedule an appointment with our clinic speech therapist. Why? Because early intervention is key, especially when it concerns your child’s development! At Milestones Kids Therapy Hub, we offer warm, family-centred assessments and therapy to help your child thrive.
📞 Call us on 8201 3599 or click here to book an assessment today.
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