Late Talkers

Late talkers are toddlers, typically between 18 and 30 months of age, who demonstrate a limited expressive vocabulary compared to age expectations while showing age-appropriate understanding of language, cognitive skills, and social development. A late talker may use fewer than 50 words by age two or may not be combining two words together by that milestone.

While some late talkers are "late bloomers" who catch up to their peers without intervention, research shows that a significant percentage continue to experience language difficulties into the preschool and school-age years. Risk factors for persistent language delays include limited use of gestures, reduced play skills, family history of speech or language disorders, and limited babbling or sound inventory in the first year.

Speech-language pathologists can evaluate late talkers to distinguish between those who are likely to catch up and those who may benefit from early intervention. Parent coaching is a central component of treatment, empowering caregivers with strategies to stimulate language development during everyday routines and play. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in a child's communication trajectory.