Late Talker
A "late talker" is a toddler whose talking is behind expectations but whose understanding and play are broadly on track. Early input helps.
What you might notice
Fewer words than other children the same age, leaning on pointing or sounds instead of words, or being hard for people outside the family to understand.
How we help
A speech pathologist checks understanding, play and early words to work out what is going on and whether anything else needs looking at, such as hearing. Sessions then coach you in everyday ways to grow language — during play, meals and books — and track progress over a few months.
When to reach out
Common flags are: few or no words by 18 months, under 50 words or no word combinations by 2 years, or any loss of words or skills. When in doubt, an assessment gives you a clear picture.
Common Questions
Still not sure? Call the clinic on 0493 719 759 and we'll talk it through.
My child understands everything — is that enough?
Good understanding is a positive sign, and many late talkers catch up. It does not guarantee it, so a short assessment and some home strategies are a sensible step.
Should we wait until age three?
You do not have to. The toddler years are a strong window for building language, and parent coaching is low-intensity.