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When a child is slow to say their first words, parents' anxiety begins to grow with each passing day. Questions, comparisons and doubts arise in their minds – ‘Why aren't they saying anything yet?’, ‘Could there be a problem?’, ‘Other children are already talking...’.
As we shared in our previous article on ‘Late talking in children’, every child develops at their own pace. There is no universal schedule that all children follow and no specific month in which they start talking. Some start talking early and smoothly, others later and more uncertainly.
However, it is important not to compare your child with your neighbor's, your nephew's, or the children at nursery or kindergarten. It is more important to observe your own child and look for signs that indicate whether their development is progressing positively or whether it is time to seek support.
Nevertheless, if around 18 months the child does not use a single clear word, or at 2 years old still does not say ‘mummy’ or ‘give’, it is a good idea to seek professional advice. One of the first and most appropriate specialists in such a situation is a speech therapist. Not because there is necessarily a problem, but because early support can be of great importance for the child's communicative development.
In this article, we will look at how speech therapists support speech development in cases of late speech onset, what approaches they use, and how parents can be active participants in the process. Because timely support can make a huge difference and lead to significant improvement.
What does a speech therapist do and when do they become involved in a child's development?
A speech therapist is a specialist in communicative development and becomes involved when there are concerns about delays in speech development, articulation, language perception or overall communication. In cases of late speech onset, the speech therapist performs a detailed assessment of the child's language skills in relation to age norms. This includes observing reactions to sounds and words, the ability to understand instructions, the use of gestures, imitation, and sound production.
Many parents wonder when it is ‘too early’ for a speech therapist. The truth is that it is never too early — specialists work with children as young as 18 months old. The goal is not to make a diagnosis, but to identify needs and create appropriate support. Often, statements such as ‘they'll grow out of it’ delay useful work that could be started on time and yield quick results.
We at Little Fingers advise you not to wait too long and to seek consultation if:
- By 18 months, the child does not say a single word;
- By 2 years, the child does not combine two simple words in a sentence;
- Speech is difficult to understand after 3 years of age;
- They lack understanding of simple instructions;
- They do not point, imitate or seek communication;
- They lack desire to communicate with other children.
Important: Consultation with a speech therapist does not necessarily mean there is a problem, but rather a form of timely care.
How exactly does it work with children who are late talkers?
The speech therapist's work begins with an individual assessment of the child, in which various games, interaction and visual stimuli are used to determine how the child perceives and uses language. Depending on the age and level of development, the speech therapist creates a programme that includes playful tasks, articulation and breathing exercises, and language training tailored to the specific needs of the child.
The main goal is to develop not only the ability to pronounce words, but also the desire to communicate. The work includes building vocabulary, encouraging imitation, and creating situations for expressing needs and desires. The speech therapist uses the child's interests as a tool — through games, songs, books, and specific activities that actively involve them in the process. Parents are also part of the therapy — they receive guidance on games and communication at home so that the effect is carried over into everyday life.
What results can we expect?
Progress with a speech therapist may take time, but with the right approach and consistency, significant results are usually achieved. The child begins to make more sounds, try to repeat words, use more gestures and participate more actively in communication. Gradually, the number of words increases, sentences become longer and language confidence grows.
It is important to know that the speed of progress depends on many factors — age, the cause of the delay, the frequency of sessions, and support at home. That is why speech therapy is always individually tailored, with no universal timeframe, but with clear goals and realistic expectations.
When does speech delay require comprehensive intervention?
Sometimes late speech is an isolated phenomenon that can be overcome with the help of a speech therapist. In other cases, however, speech delay may be a symptom of something else — for example, hyperactivity, language disorder, difficulties in processing sensory information, or autism spectrum disorders. In such situations, the speech therapist is the first link in the chain who can recognize the need for further assessment.
When there are hearing difficulties, lack of understanding of instructions, developmental regression, lack of eye contact, or ignoring speech, the speech therapist usually recommends consultation with other specialists — a pediatrician, child psychologist, or neurologist. Working as a team makes it possible to build comprehensive support, in which each expert contributes to the child's understanding and progress. The earlier an accurate assessment is made, the more effective the intervention will be.
How can we support the speech therapist's work at home?
Parents play a huge role in speech development, and this does not end with a visit to the speech therapist. On the contrary, it all starts at home. Talk to your child every day. Describe what you are doing and what is happening around you. Ask simple questions and give them time to answer. Sing songs, read picture books, use everyday situations as opportunities for communication. You don't have to do anything special — just communicate, play and listen to your child.
Sensory toys, especially busy boards, are extremely useful in this process. They help not only with fine motor skills and concentration, but also with speech. When a child presses a button, turns a cogwheel or opens a door, it creates an opportunity for naming, imitation and dialogue. ‘Press the button!’, ‘What's behind the door?’, ‘Turn it again!’ — this is how language is acquired in a natural context and becomes a means of expression.
The key is timely support
A speech therapist is not a last resort or a diagnosis, but an ally in a child's growth. Early intervention does not necessarily mean there is a problem — it is an expression of care, attention and responsibility. Children who receive the right support at the right time not only catch up on their speech skills, but often develop strong communication confidence.
