Is Your Toddler a Late Talker? Here’s How You Can Help at Home
If your child understands what you say but isn’t talking much—or at all—you’re not alone. Many toddlers are what professionals call “late talkers.” While some catch up on their own, others benefit from early support.
As speech-language pathologists (SLPs), we often hear from parents asking:
“What can I do at home to help my child talk more?”
This guide offers clinically proven, caregiver-friendly tips to help promote language development—and know when to seek expert help.
What Is a Late Talker?
A “late talker” is typically:
- Between 18–30 months old
- Has a good understanding of language
- Uses gestures (like pointing or waving)
- Says fewer than 50 words or doesn’t combine 2–word phrases by age 2
It’s important to note: late talking isn’t always a delay, but it can be a sign of one. The earlier you take action, the better the outcome.
5 Practical Ways to Support a Late Talker at Home
These strategies are backed by speech therapy research and used daily in our sessions at Speech Therapy Centre of Canada:
1. Talk Throughout Your Daily Routine
Turn everyday moments into language-rich experiences. Describe what you’re doing:
🗣️ “I’m cutting the apple. Now I’m putting it in the bowl.”
This models vocabulary and helps your child associate words with actions.
2. Use Short, Repetitive Phrases
Keep your language simple and repeat key words:
🗣️ “Ball. Big ball. Throw ball!”
Repetition helps your child process and eventually use the words themselves.
3. Offer Choices
Instead of asking open-ended questions like “What do you want?”, offer 2 choices:
🗣️ “Do you want juice or milk?”
This encourages decision-making and word use.
4. Wait and Pause
After you ask a question or say something, pause for a few seconds. Children often need extra time to respond. If they don’t speak, respond by modeling the word:
🗣️ “Do you want more? … More!”
5. Read Books with Predictable Language
Choose books with repetition, rhymes, and simple language. Point to pictures and name objects. Let your child turn the pages and engage with the story.
📚 Bonus Tip: Choose books like Brown Bear, Brown Bear or Dear Zoo—they’re favorites in our therapy rooms for a reason!
When to Consider Professional Support
If your child is still using very few words after age 2, or you’ve tried these strategies for 2–3 months without progress, it may be time to speak with an SLP.
Other red flags include:
- Little to no gestures (e.g., pointing, waving)
- Not responding to name
- Limited eye contact or interest in interaction
- Loss of previously used words
Why Choose Speech Therapy Centre of Canada
We understand the stress and uncertainty that come with speech delays. Our experienced SLPs offer:
- Speech and language assessments for toddlers
- Play-based therapy that feels like fun
- Coaching for parents so you feel confident at home
- Virtual sessions across Ontario for easy access
- In-person care at Richmond Hill and Ajax locations
Book a Consultation Today
🏥 Locations: Richmond Hill & Ajax
💻 Virtual Speech Therapy: Available across Ontario
📞 Phone: 905‑886‑5941
📧 Email: info@speechtherapycentres.com
🌐 Website: speechtherapycentres.com
Let’s give your child the tools to express themselves with confidence. Book your first appointment today.
The Speech Therapy Centres of Canada is a team of dedicated speech-language pathologists (commonly known as S-LPs or speech therapists) and speech-language pathology assistants (S-LPAs) who provide assessment and therapy services to children and adults with communication disorders. Our S-LPS, S-LPAs and support staff are truly committed to providing the highest quality of service to our clients and their families. We understand that navigating the world of speech therapy may be daunting so our client services team is prepared to help you every step of the way.
