What is a "Late Talker" Anyway? A Guide for Parents:

As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, one of the most common questions I hear from parents is:"Should I be worried that my child isn't talking yet?"

If you're wondering the same thing, you're not alone. While every child develops at their own pace, there are some key milestones that help us understand when a child may be a “late talker.”

Let’s break down what that means — and what you can do if you’re concerned.

What is a late talker?

A “late talker” is typically a toddler who is developing normally in other areas (like thinking, motor skills, and social interaction), but has delayed expressive language — meaning they’re not using as many spoken words as expected for their age.

Here’s a general guide I use to identify potential late talkers:

• By 18–21 months: Using fewer than 10 words

• By 21–24 months: Using fewer than 25 words

• By 24–30 months: Using fewer than 50 words and not combining two-word phrases (like “more juice” or “go outside”)

These are red flags, especially if your child understands language well, but isn’t using many words themselves.

Will my child catch up on their own?

It’s true that some late talkers “catch up” without intervention. However, research shows that 20–30% of late talkers do not, and they may continue to struggle with language, literacy, or learning as they grow older.

That’s why early support is so important.

Why “Wait and See” Isn’t the Best Advice

Parents are often told to “wait and see” when their child isn’t talking. But most speech-language pathologists strongly disagree with this approach. Why?

Because early intervention works. The earlier we address delays, the more we can support your child’s brain during its most critical years for language development.

Even if your child eventually catches up on their own, early speech therapy can:

• Reduce frustration (for both child and parent)

• Boost confidence and social skills

• Prevent future academic challenges

What Should I Do If I'm Concerned?

If your child is missing speech milestones or you're worried about their language development, don’t wait.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Track your child’s milestones — Are they using age-appropriate words and phrases?

2. Talk to your pediatrician — Bring up any concerns and ask for a referral.

3. Contact a speech-language pathologist (SLP) — Many offer free screenings or consultations.

Remember: Trust your gut. You know your child best, and seeking help early is never the wrong choice.