Late Talkers: What Parents Need to Know
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Many parents become concerned when their toddler isn’t talking as much as other children their age. While every child develops at their own pace, some may experience delays in reaching language milestones. These children are often referred to as “late talkers.”
At North West Speech and Language Therapy, we understand how worrying this can be for families. Here’s what you need to know about late talkers, how speech and language therapy can help, and how we support families across the North West.
Who Are Late Talkers?
Late talkers are children aged 18 to 30 months who have good understanding of language, typical social and play skills, and no significant developmental delays but have a limited spoken vocabulary for their age.
Some signs of a late talker include:
- Fewer than 20 words by 18 months.
- Fewer than 100 words or difficulty combining words by 24 months.
- Limited use of verbs, nouns, or a variety of sounds.
It’s important to note that being a late talker doesn’t necessarily mean a child will have long-term language difficulties. However, early support can make a big difference.
How Speech and Language Therapy Can Help Late Talkers
If you’re concerned about your child’s language development, seeking advice from a speech and language therapist is a great first step. At North West Speech and Language Therapy, we can:
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Assess Your Child’s Needs:
We’ll conduct a thorough assessment to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and current language skills. -
Provide Tailored Therapy Plans:
Therapy sessions are designed to encourage language development through play, interaction, and targeted strategies. -
Coach Parents and Carers:
We’ll give you practical tips and activities to use at home, including:- Talking about what you’re doing during daily routines (e.g., "I’m putting the apples in the bag").
- Waiting and pausing to give your child opportunities to respond.
- Using simple, clear language and repeating new words.
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Monitor Progress:
Regular reviews ensure that therapy is effective and adjusted as your child grows.
When to Seek Help
If your child isn’t meeting language milestones or you’re worried about their communication, it’s always better to seek support early. Research shows that early intervention can improve long-term outcomes and help children catch up with their peers.
Book an Assessment with North West Speech and Language Therapy
We offer professional, family-centered support for late talkers across Preston, Leyland, Chorley, Wigan, Liverpool, Warrington, and St. Helens. Our flexible options include face-to-face and online therapy sessions, making it easier for families to access the help they need.
Contact us today to book an initial assessment and take the first step in supporting your child’s language development.