Supporting Your Late Talker: Strategies from Allied Therapy
- Allied Therapy
- Sep 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 15, 2025
At Allied Therapy, we understand how concerning it can be when your child isn’t using as many words as expected. Parents often wonder: “Should I be worried? Should we wait and see?”
To answer these questions, we sat down with Sam, one of our Speech-Language Pathologists. She shared simple strategies you can use at home to support a late talker.
Understanding Late Talkers
A late talker is a child, typically between 18 and 30 months, who has a smaller vocabulary than expected for their age. However, they are otherwise developing well. Some children catch up on their own, while others benefit from early support to build strong communication foundations.
Sam’s Top Strategies for Supporting a Late Talker
1. Follow Their Lead
Instead of asking lots of questions like “What’s that? Can you say it?”, get down on your child’s level. Join in what they’re already interested in. If they’re pushing cars, you might say:
“Go car!”
“Fast car!”
Children learn language best when it’s connected to something meaningful to them.
2. Use “Modeling” Instead of Pressure
If your child points to the fridge and grunts, respond with:
“Milk. You want milk!”
This approach helps them learn without feeling pressured.
3. Add One Word
If your child says “car”, build on it by saying “big car” or “blue car”. This helps stretch their vocabulary without overwhelming them.
4. Create Communication Opportunities
Sometimes we make life too easy for our kids by anticipating their every need. Try:
Putting a favourite toy in a clear container they need help to open.
Giving them just one cracker so they need to ask for “more.”
These little “communication temptations” encourage your child to use words to get what they want.
5. Repeat and Expand
Children need to hear words many times before they use them. If your child says “dog,” reply with:
“Yes! A big dog.”
“The dog is running.”
Repetition builds confidence. Expansion grows language.
When to Reach Out for Help
Every child develops at their own pace. However, it may be time to check in with a Speech-Language Pathologist if your child:
Has fewer than 50 words by age 2.
Isn’t combining words by age 3.
Is getting frustrated often because they can’t communicate.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child's communication skills. It can help them catch up and build a strong foundation for future learning.
How Allied Therapy Can Help
At Allied Therapy, we offer tailored support for late talkers. Our team of experienced Speech-Language Pathologists is here to guide you and your child through this journey.
Services Offered
We provide services in English, Arabic, French, and American Sign Language. This ensures that we can cater to diverse needs and backgrounds.
Book Your Session Today
Don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Early intervention can lead to significant improvements.
Conclusion
Supporting a late talker can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can help your child thrive. Remember, every child is unique, and their journey is different. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.
By following these strategies and reaching out for help when needed, you can foster a supportive environment for your child's communication development.
