Should I Worry if My Child Isn’t Talking Yet?

As parents, we eagerly wait for those first magical words — “mama,” “dada,” “more.” But what if those words don’t come when you expect them to? You may hear comments like, “Don’t worry, they’ll talk when they’re ready,” or “Einstein didn’t talk until he was four.”

While it’s true that every child develops at their own pace, it’s also important to recognize when a child may benefit from extra support. Knowing the difference between a “late talker” and a child with a true language delay can make all the difference in helping your child thrive.

What Is a “Late Talker”?

A late talker is typically a toddler (18–30 months) who understands much of what is said but uses fewer words than expected for their age. For example:

• By 18 months, children usually have at least 20 words.

• By 24 months, they often use 50+ words and start combining them into short phrases (“more juice,” “big truck”).

• By 3 years, most children are speaking in simple sentences.

If your child is behind these milestones but otherwise developing normally, they may simply be a late talker.

When It May Be More Than Just “Late”

Some children need additional support because their delay points to an underlying speech or language difficulty. Watch for these signs:

• Limited or no babbling as a baby

• Not pointing or gesturing to communicate

• Trouble understanding simple directions (“get your shoes”)

• Limited eye contact or interest in interaction

• Speech that doesn’t seem to progress over several months

If you notice any of these, it’s best to check in with a speech-language pathologist.

Why Early Intervention Matters

The earlier we provide support, the better the outcomes. Early speech therapy can:

• Boost vocabulary and sentence development

• Improve social confidence with peers and caregivers

• Lay the foundation for future literacy skills

• Reduce frustration for both children and parents

Waiting to “see if they catch up” may cause children to miss the window when their brains are most receptive to language learning.

How Tiny Talkers Can Help

At Tiny Talkers, we specialize in helping children across the Durham Region (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Bowmanville, and more) and Scarborough find their voices.

Our sessions are:

• Play-based: Children learn best when they’re engaged and having fun.

• Individualized: We tailor therapy to your child’s unique needs and pace.

• Family-focused: We provide parents with simple strategies to use at home so progress continues between sessions.

Take the Next Step

If your child is saying fewer words than expected for their age, or you’re concerned about their communication, you don’t have to wait and wonder.

📞 Contact Tiny Talkers today to book an assessment and discover how we can support your child’s speech and language journey. Together, we’ll help your little one find their voice and thrive.