Every child learns language at their own pace and expresses themselves differently. Some seem eager to use many words, while others communicate more quietly at first. However, if your child continues to say only a small number of words and their vocabulary isn’t growing over time, they may be considered a late talker, meaning their spoken language is emerging more slowly than expected. The good news is that there are gentle ways to help your child build language skills at home.
What Is a Late Talker?
A late talker is usually a child under the age of three whose spoken vocabulary is developing more slowly than expected, even though other areas of development are moving forward as expected. These children often understand language well but use fewer words to communicate. If your child is a late talker, they may:
- Use a small number of spoken words
- Communicate through gestures, pointing, or making sounds
- Have difficulty putting words together
Yet they may also:
- Understand everyday directions or simple requests
- Engage in play and social interaction comfortably
Sometimes late talking is connected to recurring ear infections, hearing differences, or how easily a child learns and imitates sound patterns. Other times, there is no clear reason at all. Some children simply take longer to begin using spoken words, even when everything else is progressing as expected.
Ways to Support a Late Talker at Home
While many late talkers eventually catch up and begin speaking on their own, some children continue to have difficulty using words and may benefit from extra support. The following are gentle, practical strategies you can use at home to help your child build confidence with communication.
Keep sentences short
Instead of speaking to your child in long sentences like “Please put your blue shoes by the front door,” try “Shoes here” or “Blue shoes go here.” Short phrases are easier for late talkers to understand and imitate.
Follow your child’s lead
It’s easier for your child to learn language when they’re excited about the topic. If they love cars, dinosaurs, animals, or stacking blocks, sit with them and take part in that play. Talk about what they are doing at that moment using simple language like “Car go,” “Big stack,” or “Roll ball.” When words match their own actions and interests, language becomes meaningful instead of abstract.
Repeat words in context
Your child may need to hear a word several times before they feel ready to try it themselves. Repeat the word during routines your child enjoys or looks forward to. For example:
- “Snack,” when you open the pantry
- “Snack,” as you prepare food
- “Snack all done,” when the bowl is empty
Repetition works best when the word is connected to something meaningful. Over time, your child begins to associate the word with the experience and becomes more confident trying it.
Use gestures and visuals
Gestures are a valuable way for your child to communicate before spoken words come easily. Pointing, nodding, or shaking their head all help them share ideas without pressure.
When your child uses a gesture, respond with a simple word or phrase to show the connection. For example, if they point to a cup, you might say “Drink” or “More drink?” Visual supports like pictures, drawings, or pointing to real objects can make communication easier for your child and reduce frustration.
Pause on purpose
Late talkers often need a little extra time to think before responding. After you ask a question or offer a choice, wait quietly. When your child has time to process, they are more likely to look at you, gesture, or try a word. Those small attempts are meaningful steps toward communication.
Expand on what your child says
If your child uses a sound or a single word, respond by gently adding one more word. If they say “Milk,” you might reply with “Cold milk.” If they point to a dog and say “Dog,” you could say “Big dog.” If they say “Go,” try responding with “Go car.” This kind of expansion shows your child how language can grow without correcting them or asking them to repeat after you.
Turn Sound Into Play
Speech often starts with playful sound-making. Children naturally enjoy exaggerated noises, and you can build on that. If you are talking about a car, say “Vroom vroom.” While reading about a duck, try “Quack quack.” These silly sounds help your child experiment with their voice and build confidence using sound in a fun, relaxed way.
Read picture books together
Picture books create natural chances to build vocabulary. As you read, talk about what you both see on the page. You can point and say “Look, cat sleeping,” or ask simple questions like “Where’s dog?” Encourage your child to point, gesture, or make a sound in response. With time, these small moments help them feel comfortable joining in and using words.
How Speech Therapy Supports Late Talkers
If you’ve tried at-home strategies and your child is still having difficulty speaking, a pediatric speech therapist can help. The therapist will evaluate your child’s speech and language skills, then create a personalized, play-based plan that addresses your child’s specific needs.
Even though therapy may feel like play to your child, the therapist will use evidence-based techniques to help them learn new words and build communication skills. They will adjust activities to your child’s current level, teach them how to say new words and phrases, and use strategies that match your child’s strengths and communication style. With time and consistency, your child can begin using words more regularly.
Reach Out to Tender Ones Therapy for Support
If you’re concerned that your child may be a late talker and are in the Dacula, Gainesville or Atlanta, GA, area, call Tender Ones Therapy Services at (770) 904-6009 or fill out our online form for an evaluation. A speech-language pathologist will assess your child’s speech and language skills, explain what they observe, and create a personalized plan to help them build confidence and communicate more clearly.
