Late Talkers: What Every Parent Should Know

What Is a Late Talker?

A "late talker" is a young child — typically between 18 and 30 months — who has fewer words than expected for their age but is otherwise developing typically. They understand what you say to them, play normally, and show an interest in communicating — they just aren't talking as much as peers their age.

This is different from a child who has a broader language delay or another condition affecting communication.

Typical Language Milestones

By 12 months, most children say 1–3 words and understand simple instructions like "wave bye-bye." By 18 months, expect around 10–20 words. By age 2, children typically use 50 or more words and begin combining two words together ("more juice," "daddy go").

If your child is significantly behind these milestones, it's worth getting an assessment — even if well-meaning relatives tell you "boys are always slower" or "Einstein didn't talk until he was four."

Will They Just Catch Up?

Some late talkers do catch up without intervention. Research suggests that about 50–70% of late talkers eventually reach age-appropriate language skills on their own. However, there is no reliable way to predict which children will catch up and which will continue to struggle.

Children who do not catch up by school age often face ongoing challenges with reading, writing, and social communication. Early support leads to much better outcomes.

When to Seek a Speech and Language Assessment

Consider getting an assessment if your child:

• Is not saying any words by 12 months
• Is not combining two words by 24 months
• Seems to understand much less than other children their age
• Has lost words or skills they previously had
• Is difficult to understand, even to familiar adults, by age 3

You do not need to wait for a GP referral to see a speech and language therapist in New Zealand — you can self-refer directly.

What Can Parents Do in the Meantime?

There is a great deal you can do at home to support language development:

Talk more, and talk differently. Narrate your day as you do everyday activities. "I'm putting your shoes on. First this foot, then that foot."

Expand what your child says. If they say "dog," you say "Yes, big dog!"

Read together every day. Point to pictures and name them. Ask simple questions like "where's the cat?"

Reduce screen time. Children learn language through back-and-forth interaction with people, not from screens.

Wait and give them space. Pause after asking a question. Children who are slower to speak need more time to process and respond.

Next Steps

If you're concerned about your child's language development, the most important thing is to seek an assessment sooner rather than later. Early intervention is far more effective than a "wait and see" approach.

At Sally Says, we offer assessments and therapy for late talkers across the Helensville, Kumeu, and Waimauku areas, as well as virtual sessions for families anywhere in New Zealand. Join our waitlist to be notified when we open bookings.