Early Signs of a Speech Delay: A Simple Parent Checklist
If you’re wondering whether your child is “late talking,” you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get from parents, and usually, the worry comes from a really loving place. You want your child to feel understood. You want to know what’s typical, what’s worth watching, and when to reach out for support.
So let’s walk through this together in a way that’s grounding, simple, and not panic-inducing.
What Does “Late Talking” Actually Mean?
A “late talker” is a toddler who understands language well but isn’t using as many words as we’d expect for their age. They might point, gesture, pull your hand, grunt, or use sounds .. but words are slow to come.
But here’s the truth most parents never hear:
Every child’s communication path is unique. Speech isn’t a race, and there isn’t one exact “right” timeline.
We look for patterns, not perfection.
Typical Language Milestones (A Simple Guide)
These are general ranges - not rigid rules:
12 months: 1–3 words
18 months: about 15–20 words
24 months: ~50 words and starting to combine two words (“more juice,” “my car,” “go play”)
30–36 months: small sentences, vocabulary growing quickly
If your child is below these ranges, it’s worth paying attention — not panicking.
Signs Your Child May Be a Late Talker
You might notice things like:
They use fewer than 20 meaningful words by 18 months
They’re not combining words by age 2
They rely more on gestures or pointing than speech
They prefer sounds or approximations over full words
They seem to “know” what’s happening and understand you — but don’t say much back
These signs don’t automatically mean anything is “wrong.” They simply mean your child may benefit from extra support.
Why Some Kids Talk Later Than Others
There are so many reasons a child may talk later, including:
Family history of late talking
Being focused on motor skills (running, climbing, exploring)
Personality and temperament
Ear infections or reduced access to clear sound
Mixed language environments (bilingual homes are NOT a delay — but vocabulary is spread across languages)
Sometimes the reason is obvious. Sometimes it isn’t. And that’s okay.
When Should Parents Reach Out for Help?
If your gut is telling you something feels off, you’re never wrong for checking in.
Reach out to a speech-language pathologist if your child:
Says fewer than 50 words by age 2
Isn’t combining two words by 2–2.5 years
Has very limited speech sounds
Gets frustrated easily when trying to communicate
Has trouble understanding simple directions
Used words before but stopped
An early look doesn’t lock you into therapy — it simply gives you clarity.
What Happens During a Speech Evaluation (Quick Version)
A speech evaluation for a late talker is gentle, playful, and child-led. We take a look at:
How your child plays
How they communicate (gestures, sounds, facial expressions)
What they understand
What sounds they’re producing
How they interact with you
And then we talk through next steps, which may include therapy, home-based strategies, or simple monitoring.
Simple Ways to Support a Late Talker at Home
You don’t need flashcards or drills. Think connection over perfection.
Try:
Commenting instead of quizzing (“You’re building! Big tower!”)
Pausing for a beat and giving space for your child to respond
Offering choices (“Do you want apple or cracker?”)
Following their lead : talk about what they notice, not what we think they “should” notice
Using routines like snack time, bath time, and getting dressed for repeated practice
Little changes repeated over time make a big difference.
And if you’re worried… you’re not alone.
Every parent wants to feel confident that they’re doing the right thing. The truth is: your child communicating less than expected does not mean you did anything wrong, or that your child won’t thrive.
Early support works. Connection helps. And your child already has exactly what they need — you.
Want Support Making a Plan That Fits Your Family
I offer in-home and virtual speech therapy and AAC support for families in Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, and the North Austin area. If you’d like to talk through options—or just ask questions—I’m here to help.
