Do Late Talkers ‘Catch Up’ and When Should You Seek Help?
“His father didn’t start talking until he was 3.”
“The GP said there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Kids will talk when they’re ready.”
As speech pathologists, we frequently hear these comments. But does research support the idea of simply waiting and seeing what happens with late talkers?
For some children, late talking resolves on its own, and they go on to develop language skills without any ongoing difficulties. However, for others, late talking can signal long-term language challenges that persist through school and even into adulthood. So how do you know when to seek help, and what can you do to support your child?
What Is a Late Talker?
A late talker is a child between 18–30 months who shows typical development in areas such as:
Motor skills: crawling, walking, and physical coordination.
Play skills: imaginative and age-appropriate play.
Social skills: engaging with others.
Cognitive skills: problem-solving and understanding their environment.
Language comprehension: understanding what is said to them.
However, late talkers face challenges with expressive language, meaning they struggle to use words effectively.
A child may be classified as a late talker if they:
Have fewer than 24 words by 18–20 months.
Have fewer than 40 words by 21–24 months.
Have fewer than 100 words by 24–30 months.
Do not combine words into simple phrases (e.g., “Mummy go” or “in car”) by 24 months.
Show limited gestures or speech sounds.
Have a family history of language difficulties.
Will Late Talkers ‘Grow Out of It’?
Research sheds light on the outcomes for late talkers, but the answer isn’t always clear-cut. The Early Language in Victoria Study (ELVS), a long-term Australian study tracking 1,910 children, provides valuable insights:
At age 2, 19% of children were identified as late talkers.
By age 4, approximately 30% of late talkers had not caught up to their peers.
These children are at higher risk of ongoing language challenges and may be diagnosed with a Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) or a language disorder associated with other developmental conditions.
For the remaining 70% of late talkers who appear to “catch up” by age 4, research suggests their language and literacy skills may still lag behind their peers in areas such as:
Vocabulary size.
Grammar use.
Reading, spelling, and writing.
Social communication and planning skills.
Even if a child seems to catch up initially, subtle weaknesses in these areas can affect their academic success and social development over time.
Risk Factors for Ongoing Language Difficulties
While it’s impossible to predict with certainty which late talkers will catch up, certain factors may indicate a higher risk of long-term challenges:
A family history of speech, language, or communication difficulties.
A baby who was quiet or did not babble much before 12 months.
A history of ear infections.
Limited gestures (e.g., pointing, waving, or raising hands to be picked up).
Difficulty imitating sounds or words.
Reliance on labelling words (e.g., “car,” “dog”) with few action words (e.g., “go,” “jump”).
Struggles with peer interactions or preferring to play alone.
Difficulty understanding and following simple instructions.
Should You Seek Help for Late Talkers?
If your child is between 18–30 months and shows limited expressive language, it’s worth consulting a speech pathologist. Early intervention can make a significant difference in language development.
Speech pathologists use evidence-based approaches to assess and support your child. At Thrive Health Therapies, we offer tailored assessments and programs to empower families and foster language development in late talkers.
Final Thoughts
Late talking can feel concerning, but you don’t have to face it alone. Early intervention is key to giving your child the best chance for success. Whether your child simply needs a little extra support or shows signs of longer-term language challenges, speech pathologists are here to help.
If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to Thrive Health Therapies to book an assessment or learn more about our programs. Together, we can support your child’s journey to confident communication!
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Contact us today to book an appointment and take the first step in supporting your child’s communication and confidence. Our experienced speech pathologists are here to help! Learn more about our speech pathology services for children.
Together, we can help your child thrive!
Phone: 0474 248 081
Email: enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com