Late talkers and delayed speech
Our speech pathology services
Is your child not speaking like other kids their age?
Some children start speaking very young, and others take a while to say their first words. So how can you know if your child is progressing as expected?
By the age of two, there’s some key milestones your child should have reached. For most kids, this means having at least 50 words, using two to three-word phrases and asking questions about objects and people.
How old is considered late to talk?
Generally speaking, a child is considered a late talker if they are between 18 to 30 months and are saying less words than expected for their age. Most children are saying their first words around 12 months and rapidly increasing their vocabulary from then. One of the signs that your child might need speech therapy support is an absence of babbling as a baby.
Some key milestones to remember are:
- Frequently babbling by 10 months old
- Using first words by 12 months
- Using at least 20 words by 18 months
- Using 2 word combinations by 24 months.
If your child is not meeting these, then it’s a great idea to have an assessment with a speech pathologist.
Most children are saying their first words around 12 months and rapidly increasing their vocabulary from then.
Download our 2 year old checklist
Early intervention is proven to be successful with children who are late talkers. We can help to identify any potential issues and work with you to provide effective, evidence-supported strategies to support your child’s speech and language development.
Let’s work together to give your child a voice
Being able to communicate is a basic human right and we take our role in helping children to voice their thoughts, feelings and dreams very seriously. But that doesn’t mean that our sessions are serious.
North Shore Speech Therapy has some of Sydney’s most experienced speech therapists, and we specialise in working with children. This means we have a big emphasis on play-based therapy to keep it fun and rewarding for your child. We have therapists trained in using evidence-based programs like Hanen’s It Takes Two to Talk, and always tailor the therapy to your child.
We’ll also equip you with strategies you can use at home as a family or in conjunction with your child care provider to support your child’s progression.
Children who have delayed speech or language often have problems later with reading and spelling, so early intervention can have a big impact on your child’s life down the track.
Don’t “wait and see”
Would your child benefit from Speech Therapy?
Take our quick quiz to find out
Frequently Asked Questions
Most children say their first words between 12 and 18 months and begin combining two words by age 2. If your child has fewer than 50 words by age 2 or is not putting two words together, it is worth seeking an assessment from a speech pathologist. Other signs to watch for include limited babbling before 12 months, not responding to their name, or not using gestures like pointing or waving. Earlier assessment is always better, as the research strongly supports a ‘support and see’ approach rather than waiting.
Late talkers are toddlers (typically 18 to 30 months) who are developing normally in other areas but have fewer words than expected. Research estimates that around 10 to 20% of 2-year-olds may be late talkers, though figures vary depending on how the term is defined. Many late talkers do catch up by preschool age, but research also shows that a meaningful proportion continue to have language difficulties. A speech pathologist can assess whether your child is likely to catch up on their own or whether they would benefit from early support. The key indicators are whether your child is using gestures, making eye contact, and showing a desire to communicate, even without words.
In many cases, there is no single identifiable cause. Speech delay can be part of normal developmental variation, or it can be associated with hearing difficulties, oral-motor challenges, or broader developmental conditions. Being raised in a bilingual home or having older siblings who talk for them does not cause speech delay. A comprehensive assessment helps identify the underlying factors so therapy can be targeted effectively.
For toddlers under 3, speech therapy typically involves parent coaching and play-based strategies rather than direct drill-style exercises. Your speech pathologist teaches you specific techniques to encourage language during everyday routines, such as narrating play, expanding on your child’s attempts to communicate, and creating opportunities for your child to use words. Programs like Hanen’s It Takes Two to Talk are built on this approach. Some families need only a few sessions to get strategies in place, while others benefit from longer ongoing support.
You do not need a GP referral to see a private speech pathologist in Australia. However, if you want to access Medicare rebates through a Chronic Disease Management Plan or M10 items, you will need a referral from your GP or paediatrician. NDIS-funded participants can access speech therapy through their plan without a GP referral.