Early Intervention Speech Therapy for Late Talkers in Perth

What is a late talker?

A late talker is a toddler who is developing well in other areas but using fewer words than expected for their age. A common guide is a two year old who uses fewer than 50 words, or who isn't yet putting two words together, such as "more milk" or "daddy gone".

Some late talkers catch up on their own. Others go on to have ongoing language difficulties. At this age, there's no reliable way to tell which group a child will fall into, which is why getting advice early is worthwhile.

Where to start with a young toddler

If your child is around 12 months old and you're worried about their talking, a free phone consultation is a good first step. I'll share practical strategies and some handouts you can start using at home straight away.

If you're still concerned six months later, we'll book an assessment and begin weekly therapy.

Early communication milestones

Every child develops at their own pace, but these are useful rough guides.

Around 12 months

Babbling with a mix of sounds, pointing and waving, responding to their name and saying their first word.

Around 18 months

Using a small collection of words, following simple instructions like "get your shoes", and pointing to show you things.

Around 2 years

Using at least 50 words and starting to join two words together, such as "all gone".

Around 3 years

Speaking in short sentences, asking simple questions and being understood by family most of the time.

Why early support makes a difference

The toddler years are a time of rapid brain development, and young children learn language mainly through everyday interactions with the people around them. That makes it an ideal time to give communication a boost.

Waiting to see whether a child catches up can mean missing months of valuable support, and a longer time in therapy overall. If you have concerns, talking to a speech pathologist early is never a wasted step, even if it turns out your child is right on track.

Signs it's worth getting advice

• Not babbling or pointing by around 12 months

• No words by around 18 months

• Fewer than 50 words, or not joining words together, by age 2

• Difficulty understanding simple instructions

• Not interested in playing or interacting with others

• Losing words or skills they used to have

If your child has lost skills they previously had, speak with your GP as well.

What early intervention sessions look like

Sessions with toddlers are all about play. I use toys, books, songs and everyday routines to encourage your child to communicate, whether that's through gestures, sounds or words.

Parents are a big part of early intervention. Because sessions happen at home, you'll learn simple strategies you can use throughout the day during bath time, meals, play and outings. Small, regular moments of practice at home often make the biggest difference. Sessions can also take place at your child's daycare if that suits your family better.

Questions about late talkers

Is my child too young for speech therapy?

Not at all. Speech pathologists work with children from infancy, and early intervention usually starts between one and three years of age. Sessions with toddlers are play-based and led by your child's interests, so they don't feel like therapy at all. The earlier a concern is looked into, the more options you have.

Could it be a hearing problem?

It's possible. Children need to hear well to learn to talk, and even mild or temporary hearing loss, such as from repeated ear infections, can affect speech and language. If your toddler is a late talker, it's worth having their hearing checked. Your GP can arrange a referral for a hearing test.

What happens at the first appointment?

Your first appointment is an assessment. I'll ask about your child's development, health and how they communicate day to day, then assess your child through play to see how they understand and use language. For toddlers, this is sometimes spread over two sessions. Once the assessment is complete, we'll talk through what I noticed and start therapy.