Back to Blog

Late Talker? When to Watch and When to Reach Out

Mrs. Gwen, SLP
Blog post cover: Late Talker? When to Watch and When to Reach Out

Every child grows at their own pace

It is completely normal for toddlers to develop language on slightly different timelines. Still, there are helpful milestones that can guide you.

Gentle milestones to keep in mind

  • By 12 months: babbling, gestures like waving, and a few first words
  • By 18 months: around 10 to 20 words
  • By 24 months: two-word phrases like "more milk"

When to reach out

If your child is not meeting these milestones, has stopped using words they once had, or seems frustrated trying to communicate, an evaluation can bring clarity and peace of mind.

Try this at home

Narrate your day out loud, pause to give your child a turn, and celebrate every attempt. Small moments add up.

Enjoyed this post?

Check out my TPT store for SLP-designed resources that save you planning time, or join the newsletter for more tips.