Is your toddler not saying many words yet?
Some toddlers take longer than others to start using words. For parents and educators, it can be hard to know what is part of typical development and when extra support may help.
A late talker is usually a young child who is developing in many areas, but is not using as many words as expected for their age. Some children may use gestures, sounds or pulling an adult’s hand to communicate what they want. Others may be quieter than children of a similar age or may become frustrated when they cannot get their message across.
By around 18 months, many toddlers are using meaningful words and learning new words regularly. By around 2 years, many toddlers are starting to combine 2 -3 words, such as “more milk”, “big ball” or “car go”.
Speech Moves provides goal-focused, evidence-based speech and language support for children who may need help developing early communication skills.
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If you have questions about your child’s talking or early communication, Speech Moves is happy to help you understand what support may be useful.
What are common signs of late talking?
Parents may notice:
- Their toddler is not saying as many words as other children their age
- Their child is not learning new words regularly
- Their child pulls an adult’s hand to show what they want
- Their child uses gestures more than words
- Their child is quieter than other toddlers
- Their child becomes frustrated because they cannot communicate clearly
- Their child used to use words but has stopped using them
- Their child has difficulty understanding simple instructions
Educators may notice similar signs during play, routines, mealtimes or group activities. A toddler may know what they want, but not yet have the words to ask for it.
What do receptive language difficulties look like in children?
Parents may consider seeking advice if:
- By 18 months, their child is not using many words
- By 2 years, their child is not using around 50 words
- By 2 years, their child is not combining words together
- Their child frequently becomes frustrated because they cannot communicate
- Their child has difficulty understanding simple instructions
- Their child is difficult to understand
- Their child loses communication skills they previously had
Speech Pathologists suggest seeking professional advice if a child is not saying single words by 18 months, is not saying about 50 words or putting words together by 2 years, or stops using skills they once had.
What can parents do at home to encourage talking?
Here are three simple strategies parents can try during everyday routines.
1. Follow your child’s lead
Watch what your child is interested in, then talk about that. If they are playing with a car, you might say:
“Car go.”
“Fast car.”
“Car stop.”
This keeps language connected to what your child is already noticing.
2. Use short, simple language
Try using short phrases your child can hear often and can copy when they are ready.
Examples:
“Big ball.”
“More bubbles.”
“Open door.”
“Dog sleeping.”
Short, clear phrases can be easier for toddlers to understand and imitate.
3. Read together every day
Reading does not need to be long or formal. Point to pictures, name what you see and pause to let your child respond with a sound, gesture or word.
You might say:
“Dog.”
“Dog running.”
“Where’s the dog?”
Daily book reading can help build vocabulary, listening skills and shared attention and is well known to be one of the best ways to develop language skills in young children.
What can educators do in childcare or preschool?
Educators can support toddlers during normal routines by:
- Naming objects during play
- Using short, clear phrases
- Repeating key words often
- Giving children time to respond
- Offering choices, such as “apple or banana?”
- Commenting more than questioning
- Modelling words when a child points or gestures
For example, if a child points to bubbles, an educator might say, “Bubbles. More bubbles. Pop the bubbles.”
Small language moments across the day can give toddlers more chances to hear, understand and try new words.
What does a speech therapy assessment look at?
At Speech Moves, assessment is child-friendly, play-based and focused on understanding the child’s communication needs.
An assessment may look at:
- Whether the child understands words, questions and instructions
- How many words the child uses
- Whether the child combines words
- How the child uses gestures and non-verbal communication
- Play skills
- Social communication, such as turn-taking and shared attention
- Imitation skills, including copying actions, sounds or words
- How the child communicates during everyday routines
Speech pathologists may use parent interviews, case history, play-based observations, language samples and structured assessment tools to understand a child’s strengths and support needs.
How can Speech Moves help late talkers?
Speech Moves supports young children with early speech, language and communication development.
Intervention is:
- Goal-focused
- Evidence-based
- Therapeutically fun
- Family-centred
- Practical for home, preschool and childcare routines
Speech Moves works with families, educators and the child’s wider support team so that strategies can be used beyond the therapy session.
Where does Speech Moves provide speech therapy?
Speech Moves supports children and families across the Newcastle and Port Stephens areas, including Stockton, Raymond Terrace, Medowie, Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay and surrounding communities.
Services may be available through mobile visits, clinic appointments or online telehealth sessions, depending on the child’s needs and service availability.
Frequently asked questions
When should my child start talking?
Many children start using words around 12 months, with vocabulary growing across the second year. By around 2 years, many children are starting to combine 2 to 3 words.
How many words should my toddler be saying?
By around 18 months, many toddlers may use up 20 words. By 2 years, around 50 words and simple word combinations are often used.
Should I wait and see?
Some children catch up, but if you are concerned, it is reasonable to seek advice. A speech pathologist can help identify whether support may be useful.
Can childcare educators help with late talking?
Yes. Educators can support early communication by using short simple sentences, modelling words, offering choices and talking during play and routines.
Does Speech Moves offer telehealth?
Yes. Speech Moves offers online telehealth sessions, along with mobile and clinic-based options where suitable.
Ready to ask about speech therapy?
If you are concerned about your child’s talking, understanding or communication, Speech Moves can give you strategies to promote your child’s communication skills on a daily basis.
Contact Speech Moves to ask about speech therapy for late talkers across Stockton, Port Stephens, Newcastle and nearby areas.
Tricia Linstrom
