Is it a speech delay or just late talking?

Hi friends! This is Reed with a quick note - welcome to those who joined the email list this week! If you ever want to see previous newsletters (including a few guides for parents), they are right here. If you want to share these newsletters with any other parents or caregivers you know, there’s a link for you at the bottom of this email.

Now, into this week’s newsletter……. I absolutely thought that a speech delay just meant “late talking” until I read this, so hopefully you find it helpful as well! 👇

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One of the most common questions I hear from parents is: “My child isn’t talking yet… Should I be worried?”

The truth is, every child develops at their own pace. For some kids, words seem to “click” right away. For others, finding their words takes a little more time. But sometimes, what looks like late talking may actually be a speech or language delay. Knowing the difference can help you decide whether to wait it out, or seek support.

What Does “Late Talking” Mean?

A “late talker” usually describes toddlers between 18–30 months who:

• Have fewer than about 50 words,

• Aren’t yet putting two words together,

• Understand much more than they can say,

• Use gestures, eye contact, and play like other children their age.

Many late talkers simply need a little more time, and often catch up on their own.

What Is a Speech or Language Delay?

A true speech or language delay is more than just late talking. Signs may include:

• Difficulty understanding directions,

• Limited vocabulary or trouble combining words,

• Speech that’s hard for others to understand,

• Few gestures or limited play skills,

• Frustration when trying to communicate.

Sometimes delays are linked to other developmental concerns or a family history of speech and language challenges.

Red Flags Parents Should Watch For

Reach out for support if your child:

• Isn’t babbling by 12 months,

• Has no words by 16 months,

• Isn’t combining two words by 24 months,

• Suddenly loses words or skills they once had,

• Or if you simply feel something isn’t right.

Your instincts matter. YOU know your child best. If you’re concerned, it’s never a bad idea to seek help.

How Speech Therapy Can Help

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can:

• Determine whether your child is a late talker or experiencing a true delay,

• Create playful, engaging activities that build vocabulary and communication,

• Coach you with simple strategies to use during daily routines - mealtime, bath time, playtime, and more.

• Provide appropriate recommendations for treatment and intervention, tailored specifically for your child to help them grow in their speech and language skills.

Early support makes a big difference. Even a few months of extra help can set your child on a stronger path for speech and language development.

The Takeaway for Parents

Some children are simply late bloomers when it comes to talking, while others truly need extra support. Unfortunately, there’s no sure way to know which category a child falls into without an evaluation from an SLP.

The good news is: getting help early is never the wrong choice. If your gut tells you something is off, trust it. Reaching out for an evaluation can bring you peace of mind - and give your child the best chance to thrive.

Thanks for reading, reply to this email if you have a topic you want me to focus on!

Casey