Late Talkers: Do they Catch up?
It’s one of the most common questions parents ask: “My child isn’t talking much yet… will they catch up on their own?”
The short answer is some do, but not all. And it’s not always easy to predict which children will catch up without support.
What is a late talker?
A “late talker” is usually a child between 18 and 30 months who is developing well in most areas but is slow to start talking.
These children are often:
- Moving well (crawling, walking)
- Playing appropriately for their age
- Social and engaged with others
- Understanding what’s said to them
However, despite these strengths, they have difficulty using words to express themselves.
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Signs your child might be a late talker
A child may be considered a late talker if they have:
- Fewer than ~20 – 25 words at 18-20 months
- Fewer than ~50 words by 2 years
- Fewer than ~100 words between 2-2.5 years
- No word combinations by 2 years (e.g. “Mum go”, “more milk”)
You might also notice some additional factors that can increase the likelihood of ongoing language difficulties, such as:
- Limited use of gestures (waving, pointing)
- Using a small range of speech sounds
- A family history of language difficulties.
Do late talkers catch up?
Some late talkers do go on to develop language skills over time. However, others may continue to have challenges with:
- Expressing themselves clearly
- Understanding more complex language
- Learning skills like reading, writing and spelling when they start school
Because of this, a “wait and see approach” can sometimes mean you are missing valuable window for early support.
When should I see a speech pathologist?
If your child is between 18–30 months and is not yet speaking, or has a limited vocabulary, it’s a good idea to seek support early.
A speech pathologist can:
- Assess your child’s communication skills
- Identify whether they are age appropriate or require support
- Provide practical strategies you can use at home
Early intervention doesn’t mean something is ‘wrong’, it simply gives your child the best opportunity to build strong communication skills.
The Hanen Approach
The Hanen Centre approach focuses on helping parents support their child’s communication during everyday interactions.
Instead of focusing on getting children to repeat words, you learn how to:
- Follow your child’s lead
- Use simple, meaningful language
- Build interaction during play and routines
- Create opportunities for your child to communicate
This is especially effective for late talkers because it helps them learn language in a natural, low-pressure way.
Speech pathologists at Perth Speech Therapy are trained in the Hanen approach, (‘Takes 2 To Talk’ & ‘More Than Words’) and families are supported with practical, evidence-based strategies to help late talkers develop language in everyday life.
If you’re unsure about your child’s communication, seeking advice early can provide clarity and a clear plan forward.
https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/late-language-emergence/