It’s normal for children to start talking at different ages, but some children talk later than others. While there is a wide range of what is considered a normal age for talking, some children’s language develops slower than others. If a child isn’t saying any words by age 2, there may be cause for concern. Let’s explore some of the potential reasons for late talking and when you may want to seek help from a speech-language pathologist.
What is considered late talking?
There is no firm cutoff for when a child is officially considered a “late talker.” However, there are some general guidelines:
- By 12 months, most babies will say their first word.
- By 18 months, most toddlers will say between 10-20 words.
- By 24 months, most children will say around 50 words and start putting 2-3 words together.
Any child not reaching these milestones could potentially have a speech or language delay. However, because there is so much variability in early communication skills, many experts don’t get concerned until:
- A child has no words by 18 months.
- A child has fewer than 10 words and no 2-word combinations by 24 months.
A child who isn’t talking at these stages may benefit from an evaluation by a speech-language pathologist. Early intervention can make a big difference in helping late talkers catch up with their peers.
What causes late talking?
There are many possible reasons a toddler might be a late talker. Here are some of the most common causes:
General language delay
Some children simply acquire language skills more slowly than others without an identifiable cause. This is sometimes called a developmental language delay. Children with a general language delay will demonstrate slower development of both language understanding and expression. Their first words and sentences may emerge later than expected.
Hearing problems
Hearing loss can make it difficult for children to learn speech and language. Even mild degrees of permanent or temporary hearing impairment can lead to delays. Common causes of hearing loss in toddlers include:
- Ear infections
- Fluid buildup in the ears
- Birth defects affecting the ear
Any suspected hearing issues should be evaluated by an audiologist.
Autism spectrum disorder
Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit language delays. They may be late to say their first words and phrases or have difficulty building conversation skills. However, some children with ASD have strong vocabulary with challenges in social communication. An ASD evaluation may be recommended for late talkers who show other signs like poor eye contact, lack of gesturing, or repetitive behaviors.
Intellectual disability
Children with intellectual disabilities or low IQ may reach speech and language milestones slower. There are often broader challenges in cognitive and social development in addition to delayed talking. Intellectual testing can help identify if a late talker has an intellectual disability contributing to language deficits.
Motor speech disorder
Conditions like childhood apraxia of speech can make it difficult for children to plan and coordinate the complex mouth movements needed for intelligible speech. Children with apraxia or other motor speech disorders may understand language but have trouble translating words into sounds.
Hearing loss in family
There are strong genetic components to language development. Late talking sometimes runs in families, especially those with a history of speech/language disorders or hearing loss. A family history of late talking or hearing impairment should prompt extra vigilance about potential delays.
Limited language exposure
Toddlers need lots of back-and-forth conversation to build vocabulary and grammar skills. Children raised in households where they hear less spoken language face higher risks for speech and language lags. Situations like growing up in poverty, non-English-speaking homes, and neglectful caregiving environments with minimal interaction can all result in language delays.
When to seek help for late talking
Use this guide to know when to have a late-talking toddler evaluated by a speech-language pathologist or other professional:
- No babbling or gestures (like pointing, waving, etc.) by 12 months.
- No words by 18 months.
- Less than 10 words or no two word combinations by 24 months.
- Not understanding simple instructions.
- Strangers cannot understand most of what your child says by age 3.
- Family history of speech/language disorders.
- Other developmental delays or autism symptoms present.
Early intervention provides the best opportunity to get late talking toddlers back on track. Even children without any identifiable conditions benefit from speech therapy targeting language delays. Seek an evaluation right away if any of the above red flags are present.
What happens in a late talker evaluation?
A comprehensive speech and language evaluation will identify if a toddler has true language delays or other issues impacting speech development. Here’s an overview of what to expect during the assessment process:
- Parent interview: The speech-language pathologist will ask about your child’s development history, speech and language milestones, medical issues, and family history.
- Standardized tests: These formal tests examine your child’s receptive language (understanding) and expressive language (speaking) abilities.
- Language sample: The pathologist will engage your child in play or conversation and evaluate speech, vocabulary, sentence structure, and more.
- Oral-motor examination: Looking at the oral mechanism helps identify issues with motor planning for speech.
- Hearing screening: A simple check of how your child responds to sounds at different volumes.
The assessment determines if your child has a delay or disorder, and allows the pathologist to set goals and design targeted treatment strategies.
Speech therapy techniques for late talkers
If evaluation determines your toddler needs help with language development, the speech-language pathologist may recommend speech therapy. Some effective techniques used in therapy for late talkers include:
Language nutrition
Providing language-rich input through activities like narrating your day, singing songs, and reciting nursery rhymes helps build vocabulary and comprehension. Reading books together is particularly beneficial.
Modeling
Children learn language through listening to others speak. Modeling target words and sentences provides examples for your child to imitate.
Expansion
When your child says a word or phrase, expand upon it by repeating it back with an additional word. For “dog,” say “big dog” to help your child learn new vocabulary.
Waiting
Giving your child time to respond, listen, and process helps develop expressive language. Wait after asking questions or making comments so your child has an opportunity to respond verbally.
Scripting
Practicing repetitive phrases from books, daily routines, and play helps reinforce vocabulary, sentence patterns, and articulation through repetition.
Alternative communication
Sign language, picture cards, and assistive technology can supplement oral language. These tools help kids communicate nonverbally while building speaking skills.
Outcomes for late talkers
The outlook for late talking toddlers varies depending on the reason for the language delay and how quickly treatment begins. Here are some general patterns in how late talkers progress:
- With early intervention by age 2, many late talkers resolve delays and catch up to peers.
- Early intervention is especially helpful for children with no identifiable cause.
- Late talkers with hearing loss, intellectual disability, or motor speech disorders are more likely to have persistent struggles.
- Autism spectrum disorder is associated with poorer language outcomes on average.
- Around 40% of late talkers continue having some language difficulties in early elementary school.
While some children outgrow delays, others need ongoing therapy and support. Continued monitoring of speech and language progression is important even after toddler years.
Supporting speech development
Whether or not a late talking toddler qualifies for therapy, parents can provide language enrichment at home. Here are some tips for promoting speech development:
- Read books together every day.
- Minimize screen time and maximize face-to-face interaction.
- Narrate your daily activities and routines.
- Ask open-ended questions and allow time to respond.
- Sing songs and recite nursery rhymes.
- Model correct pronunciation of words.
- Expand on your child’s vocalizations and utterances.
While frustrating, try not to pressure your late talking toddler to speak. Maintain a relaxed environment, keep interactions fun, and celebrate each new word. With time and encouragement, most children will find their voice.
Conclusion
Late talking is common in toddlers and has many possible causes. While some children naturally meet milestones later than peers, others benefit from early intervention services. Seek an evaluation for any toddler not reaching communication milestones. With prompt and appropriate support, many late talkers can get back on track developmentally.