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.

Effective Strategies for Addressing Expressive Language Delays in Children

Expressive language delays can present significant challenges for children, affecting their ability to convey thoughts, needs, and emotions effectively. At Williamsburg Speaks, we understand the importance of providing tailored strategies to support each child’s unique needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore a range of effective strategies that parents and therapists can use to help children with expressive language delays.

Understanding Expressive Language Delays

Expressive language refers to the ability to use words, sentences, gestures, and writing to communicate meaning. Children with expressive language delays may struggle to form sentences, use appropriate vocabulary, and articulate their thoughts clearly. These challenges can impact social interactions, academic performance, and overall confidence.

Strategies to Support Expressive Language Development

1. Create a Language-Rich Environment:

   • Talk About Your Day: Narrate your activities throughout the day. Describe what you’re doing, seeing, and thinking to provide a constant stream of language input.

   • Expand on Your Child’s Speech: When your child says a word or phrase, expand on it. For example, if they say “ball,” you can say, “Yes, that’s a big, red ball.”

2. Use Visual Supports:

   • Picture Cards: Use picture cards to help children learn new words and concepts. Pair images with spoken and written words to reinforce learning.

   • Visual Schedules: Create visual schedules to help children understand and communicate about their daily routines. This can reduce anxiety and provide a structure for language use.

3. Encourage Play-Based Learning:

   • Role-Playing: Engage in role-playing activities that encourage children to use language in different contexts. For example, playing “store” can help them practice vocabulary related to shopping.

   • Interactive Storytelling: Use toys and props to act out stories. This helps children practice narrative skills and learn new vocabulary in a fun and engaging way.

4. Modeling and Imitation:

   • Model Language Use: Consistently model correct language use in your interactions with the child. If the child says, “want juice,” you can model by saying, “I want juice.”

   • Encourage Imitation: Encourage children to imitate sounds, words, and sentences. Start with simple sounds and gradually increase the complexity as their skills improve.

5. Use Open-Ended Questions:

   • Ask questions that require more than a yes/no answer. Instead of asking, “Do you like the apple?” try, “What do you like about the apple?” This encourages the child to use more complex language.

   • Promote Descriptive Language: Encourage children to describe objects, actions, and events. Use prompts like, “Tell me about your favorite toy,” or “What happened at the park today?”

6. Engage in Shared Reading:

   • Interactive Reading: Choose books with repetitive phrases and encourage the child to fill in the blanks. Ask questions about the story and discuss the characters and events.

   • Use Books as a Springboard: After reading a story, engage in activities related to the book’s theme. For example, if you read a book about animals, you can play a game identifying and describing different animals.

7. Encourage Peer Interactions:

   • Playdates and Group Activities: Arrange playdates and group activities that encourage social interaction. Playing with peers provides natural opportunities for children to practice expressive language.

   • Structured Group Therapy: Participate in group therapy sessions where children can practice language skills in a structured setting with other kids facing similar challenges.

8. Use Positive Reinforcement:

   • Praise and Encouragement: Provide positive reinforcement for attempts to use language, no matter how small. Celebrate successes to build confidence and motivation.

Addressing expressive language delays requires a multifaceted approach tailored to each child’s needs. By creating a language-rich environment, using visual supports, encouraging play-based learning, and incorporating technology, we can help children develop the skills they need to express themselves effectively. With the right strategies and support, children with expressive language delays can make significant progress and gain the confidence to communicate their thoughts and feelings.