Is My Child a Late Talker? What Can I Do?
Table of Contents
Early Language Development Milestones: What to look for from 12 months to two years.
Seven Steps to Develop Language at Home: Simple steps to increase verbal communication at home.
As a parent, hearing your child’s first words is a magical moment. However, what happens when those first words don’t come at the expected time? Some children are late talkers, meaning they develop language skills more slowly than their peers. While this can be concerning, it’s important to understand there are steps which can be taken to support language development. With early intervention and proper support, most late talkers catch up to their peers. If your child is a late talker, there are several strategies you can implement at home to support their language development.
Is My Child a Late Talker?
Late talking typically refers to a child who isn't using as many words or speaking as clearly as other children their age. While children develop at different rates, there are general milestones that most children hit by certain ages. For example:
By 12 months: Most children will say one or two words (such as "mama" or "dada").
By 18 months: Children should have around 10-20 words and be able to understand simple instructions.
By 2 years old: A child should have a vocabulary of at least 50 words and begin combining two words together, like "want cookie" or "big truck."
A child who isn't meeting these milestones, particularly after 18-24 months, may be considered a late talker. However, it's important to remember that every child is different, and variations in speech development are common.
Late Talking: Steps to Take
Talk to Your Child Often: Engage in constant conversation, even if your child isn’t responding with words. Describe what you’re doing (“Mom is making lunch now”) or talk about what they’re doing (“You’re playing with the red truck”). Narrating the world around them helps build their vocabulary and understanding.
Read Together: Reading is one of the best ways to expose your child to new words. Choose books with colorful pictures, simple words, and repetition. Point to the pictures and say the words aloud, helping your child connect objects with their names. Make silly voices for characters and read with enthusiasm.
Encourage Play: Play is a natural way for children to practice language. Engage in pretend play, like playing “house” or pretending to cook. This encourages your child to use language creatively in a variety of contexts. Play is a great time to narrate what you and your child are doing.
Listen and Respond: Even if your child isn’t saying words yet, make sure to respond to their non-verbal communication. If they point to something, acknowledge it by saying the word they’re pointing to. This reinforces the connection between gestures and words.
Teach simple signing: A common misconception is simple sign language hinders verbal language development. In fact, the opposite is true. The area of the brain activated when producing sign language is the same area activated when verbally speaking. Simple signs such as, “more,” “eat,” “all done,” etc. enhance verbal language development in young children. Teach your child basic signs and pair those signs with the corresponding verbal words.
Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time, especially passive activities like watching TV or playing video games, can reduce opportunities for interaction and verbal communication. Encourage more face-to-face activities and conversations instead.
Seek Early Intervention: If you’re concerned about your child’s language development, don’t hesitate to seek help. Early intervention can be incredibly effective in addressing speech and language delays, especially if started before the age of 3. Fill out our contact form and schedule a free phone consultation.
Conclusion
Late talking is a common issue that many children face. By staying proactive, seeking support when necessary, and providing a rich language environment at home, you can help your child develop strong communication skills. Remember, each child has their own unique path to follow, and with the right support, most late talkers will catch up and thrive. If you have questions or concerns about your child, fill out our contact form. We are here to help!
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