Is your toddler staying quieter than other children their age? You’re not alone — late talking is one of the most common concerns parents bring to speech therapists at SpeakClearly. The good news is that there is a lot you can do at home to support your child’s language development, and early action makes a real difference.
This guide covers five evidence-based strategies you can start using today — plus the signs that it’s time to book a professional language delay assessment.
What Is a Late Talker?
A late talker is a child who is developing normally in most areas but has a smaller vocabulary than expected for their age. This is different from a language disorder — many late talkers do catch up, but some do not without support.
General speech milestones used by South African speech therapists:
- 12 months: Says 1–3 words (mama, dada, baba)
- 18 months: Says at least 10–20 words
- 24 months: Uses 50+ words and starts combining two words (“more milk”, “daddy go”)
- 36 months: Uses short sentences and is mostly understood by familiar adults
If your child is consistently below these milestones, they may benefit from early intervention speech therapy. The earlier you act, the better the outcomes.
5 Strategies to Help a Late Talker at Home
1. Talk More — But Slower and Simpler
One of the most powerful things you can do is narrate your day out loud using simple, clear language. When you’re getting your child dressed, say “shoes on” or “let’s find your shoes.” Don’t use complex sentences — match your language to just one level above what your child currently says.
This is called parallel talk, and it’s one of the foundational techniques SpeakClearly’s therapists teach parents in our parent guidance sessions.
2. Reduce Questions — Increase Comments
Many parents instinctively quiz their child: “What’s that? What colour is it? Can you say dog?” This actually puts pressure on children who are already struggling to communicate. Instead, try making comments: “That’s a big dog. He’s fluffy.” You’re modelling language without demanding a response — and that takes the pressure off.
3. Follow Your Child’s Lead
Get down to your child’s level — literally. Join them in play and let them lead the activity. When your child shows interest in something, comment on it and expand: if they point at a ball, say “ball! big ball! kick the ball!” This technique is called expansion, and it builds vocabulary in a natural, pressure-free way.
4. Reduce Screen Time, Increase Face Time
Language develops through back-and-forth interaction, not passive listening. Even educational TV and apps cannot replace live conversation with a caring adult. Aim for at least 20–30 minutes of dedicated, screen-free play and conversation with your child each day. This is especially important for toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years.
5. Read Together Every Day
Shared book reading is one of the single most effective activities for building vocabulary and language comprehension. You don’t have to read the exact words — point at pictures, name things, and model the answer. Simple board books with repetitive language work particularly well for late talkers. Even 10 minutes a day makes a measurable difference over time.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
Home strategies are valuable, but they are not a substitute for professional assessment. A qualified speech therapist can determine whether your child has a true language delay, a language disorder, a hearing problem, or something else entirely — and create a targeted therapy plan.
Book a speech therapy assessment at SpeakClearly if:
- Your child is 18 months and not saying any single words
- Your child is 2 years old and not combining words
- Your child’s language has regressed (lost words they used to say)
- Your child is frustrated, withdrawn, or showing behaviour difficulties linked to communication
- Your gut says something is off
Early intervention gives children the best chance of catching up. The sooner you act, the better the outcomes — especially for children under 3 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
A late talker is a child between 18 and 30 months who has a limited vocabulary for their age but is otherwise developing normally. At 18 months, children should have at least 10 words. At 24 months, they should have 50+ words and start combining two words. If your child is below these milestones, they may be a late talker.
Some late talkers do catch up on their own — these children are sometimes called late bloomers. However, research shows that many late talkers benefit significantly from early speech therapy, and waiting to see if they catch up can delay progress. A speech therapist assessment helps determine which children need support and which are likely to catch up naturally.
The most effective activities for late talkers include: shared book reading every day, narrating daily routines in simple language, following your child’s lead during play, reducing questions and making comments instead, and ensuring at least 20 to 30 minutes of face-to-face interaction without screens each day.
You should book a speech therapy assessment if your 2-year-old is not using at least 50 single words, is not starting to put two words together (like “more milk” or “daddy gone”), has lost words they previously used, or if you have any concern that something is not right. Early assessment is always the right call — there is no downside to checking early.
Book a Language Assessment at SpeakClearly, Johannesburg
If you’re concerned about your child’s language development, the most important step you can take is a professional assessment. SpeakClearly’s speech therapists in Randburg, Johannesburg are experienced in language delay assessment and therapy for toddlers and young children.
We also offer teletherapy — so no matter where you are in South Africa, we can help. Learn more about our language delay therapy services, or book your child’s assessment online today.
SpeakClearly is a private speech therapy and audiology practice based in Randburg, Johannesburg, serving families across the Johannesburg metro and nationally via teletherapy.