Late Talker or Language Problem

Signs to Watch For

It can be hard to know if your toddler is developing at their own pace or may need help. Look for signs that your toddler is struggling to understand or use language for their age:

• Has difficulty understanding words or following directions.
• Shows limited use of gestures, like pointing or waving.
• Doesn’t look at you or respond when you call their name.
• Has trouble naming objects or forming simple sentences.
• Struggles to combine words into phrases or sentences.

If you notice any of these patterns, consulting a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can help clarify whether your child needs support.

Areas of Concern

If your child is 18 to 30 months old and not talking as much as expected, certain behaviors may indicate that a child may have a language problem.

• Understanding language (receptive language): Children usually understand words before they use them. They may follow simple directions or point to objects when named. If your child seems to understand well, they are more likely to catch up with peers. Difficulty understanding what others say might suggest a problem.
• Using gestures: Children use gestures to communicate before they can say many words. You might see your child point to something, wave “hi” or “bye,” or raise their arms to be picked up. Children who use many gestures are more likely to catch up with their peers. Limited use of gestures might signal a need for extra support.
• Learning new words: After a child starts saying their first few words, they should continue to learn new words, combine words, or use words to ask questions. A child not using new words regularly might suggest a need for extra support.

If you notice that your child is having difficulty understanding language, using gestures, or learning new words, it may be time to talk to an SLP about your concerns.

How SLPs Can Help

You don’t have to “wait and see” before seeking support from an SLP. You can talk to an SLP about your concerns. SLPs test how your child understands and uses language and help you learn to support communication development. SLP support might focus on:

• Building vocabulary and sentence structure.
• Using gestures or visual supports to communicate.
• Encouraging interaction and conversation skills.
• Supporting families and caregivers with strategies at home.

Early support can improve communication, social skills, and readiness for school. If your child is learning more than one language, you can still use your language(s) to support multilingual development.

Supporting Your Child at Home

Simple, daily interactions can strengthen language skills. Examples of how you can support your child at home include:

• Talking and reading together regularly.
• Naming objects, actions, and feelings.
• Encouraging questions and conversations.
• Responding to your child’s attempts to communicate.
• Engaging in interactive play rather than passive screen time.

You can use these strategies in all the languages that you use with your child. Visit Tips for Your Child’s Speech and Language Development for more strategies.

If you are concerned about your child’s language development, professional support is available.

To find an SLP near you, visit ProFind.