Is My Toddler a Late Talker? What Parents Should Know

By Danielle Bloch, MS, CCC-SLP — Williamsburg Speaks

If you’re raising a toddler, you’ve probably wondered at some point whether your child is talking “enough” or if they might be developing a little differently from their peers. It’s one of the most common questions I hear from families, especially as children approach the 18–30 month range. Every child develops at their own pace, but there are some helpful signs that can indicate when a toddler may benefit from a speech and language evaluation.

One of the first things we look at is the number of words a child uses. By around 18 months, most toddlers have about 20 words, and by age two, closer to 50. These aren’t rigid rules, but they give us a general sense of typical development. If your toddler is using only a handful of words—or not speaking at all—it’s worth checking in.

We also pay close attention to whether toddlers are beginning to combine words. Simple combinations like “more bubbles,” “big truck,” or “daddy go” usually appear around 24 months. If your child is using single words but not yet combining them by age two, that can be a sign they may need support.

Another clue is how your child communicates their wants and needs. Pointing, pulling your hand, or leading you to an item are common early communication strategies, but as children get closer to two, we expect to hear more attempts at using words. If your child relies mostly on gestures, that’s something to pay attention to.

Understanding language is just as important as using it. If your child has difficulty following simple directions, identifying familiar objects, or consistently responding to their name, that may indicate a receptive language difficulty.

Imitation is also an important developmental skill. Toddlers typically imitate gestures, sounds, and words throughout the day. If your child rarely imitates, or seems hesitant to try new sounds or words, that can be another early sign that speech therapy may be helpful.

Play skills give us valuable information, too. Pretend play, turn-taking, exploring toys in different ways, and engaging socially are all part of early communication development. If your toddler tends to play in repetitive ways or has difficulty engaging with others, this can affect their language growth.

And finally, your intuition matters. Parents are often the first to notice when something feels different, even if they can’t pinpoint exactly what it is. If you feel like your child’s communication isn’t progressing as expected, it’s always appropriate to seek guidance.

If several of these signs sound familiar, a speech evaluation can provide clarity and direction. Evaluations are play-based, gentle, and designed to help you understand your child's strengths as well as any areas where support may be helpful. Many families share that they feel a sense of relief simply having answers and a plan.

In the meantime, there are simple ways you can support your child’s communication at home. Using short, consistent phrases throughout the day helps toddlers learn language more easily. Following your child’s lead during play, commenting on what they’re doing instead of asking lots of questions can also make a big difference. These small shifts create natural opportunities for language to grow.

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or language development, reaching out early is one of the most supportive steps you can take. The toddler years are a time of rapid growth, and early intervention can make communication feel easier and more enjoyable for your child.

At Williamsburg Speaks, we offer play-based evaluations in homes, preschools, and at our office in Williamsburg. If you’d like to discuss your concerns or schedule an evaluation, we’re always here to help.