Posted on August 7th, 2024.  

Have you ever noticed your child finding it challenging to combine words, or perhaps struggling to name everyday objects? Recognizing these signals early can make a world of difference. 

 

You might be wondering: Why is my child taking longer? It's important to remember, the reasons vary and could range from simple ear infections to more complex motor skills issues. 

 

Early intervention is key, and that' s why we've dedicated our practice to assisting families just like yours. 

 

Late talkers often catch up with their peers, especially when they receive the right kind of support. Creating an environment rich in language and interaction can make a significant difference. 

 

Whether through naming objects during play or reading engaging picture books together, these small, daily activities can have a big impact. Remember, it's all about being patient and celebrating those little milestones along the way. 

 

As you continue reading, you’ll discover detailed insights and practical tips designed to help your late talker find their voice. 

 

Understanding Late Talkers 

Late talkers are children who present a delay in reaching critical milestones in language development. This is a typical timeframe:  

• By the age of 12 months, most children should have started to use their first true words. This includes simplified words like 'mama' or 'dada.' 
• By 18 months, they often begin adding more and more words everyday to their vocabulary. After this "language burst" or "language explosion," which typically occurs once the child reaches around 50 words, the child will start combining them into simple two-word phrases such as 'want more' or 'go up' by the age of 24 months. 

 

However, a late talker might not reach these milestones within the expected timeframe. This could manifest as limited vocabulary, difficulty combining words, or an inability to name common objects. 

 

Various reasons might contribute to why some children are late talkers, such as ear infections, oral or motor complications, or even simply a quiet temperament. Early identification of these delays is critical because it opens the door to early intervention, which can significantly improve long-term outcomes. 

 

Why Do Some Children Lag in Speech and Language Skills? 

 

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Some children might have a family history of speech or language delay. Other contributing factors could be delays in other areas of development (such as late walking, difficulty with fine motor skills) or a family history of related conditions like autism or ADHD. Fluid in the child's ears or difficulty hearing could be another potential cause. Sometimes there is no known cause.

It’s essential to remember that variability in language development is quite common; what’s crucial is to ensure these children receive the right support to help them catch up. 

 

Regular check-ups with a pediatrician and consultation with a pediatric speech therapist can provide you with a more tailored approach for your child’s needs. 

 

But, don't fret! Generally, with effective intervention, some late talkers begin to catch up with their peers by the age of 3 to 4 years old. However, timelines can differ widely from child to child with some children only needing therapy for months while others will require therapy for multiple years. Therefore, early intervention is key so that the child doesn't fall further behind in their skills and the gap can be closed sooner, especially during the first three years of life when the brain is rapidly developing and learning is much easier. Early speech therapy, emphasizing interactive play and everyday communication, is beneficial. Next, we'll explore some common first words late talkers use. 

 

Common First Words for Late Talkers 

Common first words among late talkers often relate to their immediate environment and activities they find meaningful. Typically, these words can be classified into these categories:   

• people ('mama,' 'dada'), 
• favorite objects ('ball,' 'car'), 
• basic actions ('go,' 'eat'), and 
• social words ('hi,' 'bye'). 

 

These words are not only foundational for communication but also deeply engaging for children in their day-to-day experiences. For example, 'mama' or 'dada' are usually among the first words because they correspond to significant figures in the child's life. Recognizing these early utterances is crucial as it signals that the child is beginning to bridge the gap between their thoughts and verbal expression. 

 

How to Identify First Words 

 

Many parents wonder, 'What counts as a word?' A child's first words can include simple word approximations or parts of words such as 'ba' for "ball" or 'wawa' for "water," animal sounds such as 'moo,' exclamations such as 'uh-oh!' or 'weeee!' (when swinging), even baby sign language counts. You can add a word to your child's list of first words when the word is used consistently, independently, and appropriately in context.

This means the child isn't simply repeating or "parroting" what you or someone else is saying. The child should more or less pronounce the target word the same way each time. Furthermore, the child must show that they use the word more than once over a period of time and that the word isn't lost from their vocabulary or never used again. Lastly, the child must use the word appropriately in context in a meaningful way, which demonstrates their communicative intent and understanding of the word.

If you're wondering why first words such as people, favorite objects, basic actions, and social words are typical, consider their simplicity and relevance. Words like 'more' or 'no' are often among the first words spoken between the ages of 12 to 18 months because they are short and carry significant meaning in a child's daily interactions.

These words also include the most early developing sounds or sounds that are easier for babies to produce because they are easier to visualize or produce motorically. For example, /m/ is a sound produced at the front of the mouth and made with the lips coming together, making it very easy to see and feel.

 

'More' can indicate a desire for more food or another turn on the swing, demonstrating the child's ability to request and express needs. 

 

Additionally, words like 'no' are powerful because they allow children to exert some control over their environment. These readily observable needs and actions underpin the reason behind their early use. Recognizing this can act as a benchmark; if your child hasn’t started using these common words by a certain age, it might be time to consult with a pediatrician or speech therapist to explore potential underlying issues and effective interventions. 

 

As you engage with your child, take advantage of every opportunity to reinforce language development. In the next section, we'll provide you with some useful tips to encourage first words. 

 

Practical Tips to Encourage First Words 

1. Create a Language-Rich Environment 

Creating a language-rich environment is a practical way to help late talkers. This approach integrates language exposure into everyday routines and interactions. By engaging your child with varied and abundant verbal interactions, their chances of picking up new words increase significantly. Here are some ideas:  

• During everyday, routine activities (such as snack time, putting on clothes, taking a bath, etc.) narrate what you are doing and highlight or repeat important words: 'Apple...Cutting...We are cutting the apple. Slice, slice, cut, cut...here’s an apple for you!' Such consistent verbal engagement not only models language but also ties words to actions, making them meaningful and easier for your child to grasp. 
• Another way to foster a language-rich environment is to use parallel talk, where you describe what your child is doing: 'Ball...You are rolling the ball. Roll, roll... Look at the ball. Ball goes fast!' This type of verbal support doesn’t pressure the child to respond but keeps them immersed in language. When narrating, think of words that describe the experience based on your five senses: seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, tasting.

 

2. Read Books With Your Child 

Reading books with your child cannot be overstated as an effective strategy to encourage first words:  

• Choose books with bright, engaging pictures and simple text. Interactive books with flaps to lift or textures to feel can be especially compelling and engage other parts of the brain that help build connections when learning. 
• As you read, point to pictures and label them: 'Look, a cat! Cat says meow.' Incorporate expressive sounds and varied intonation to capture their attention. Don't focus so much on the actual words/text on the page, but focus more on the social interaction that you have with your child. That's where the real learning occurs!
• Asking simple questions related to the book can also encourage participation: 'Hmmm, what will the cat drink?' Even if your child doesn’t respond verbally, their attention and engagement are steps toward language development. 
• Make reading a daily habit, whether it’s a bedtime story or a short reading session during the day, to build a rich verbal foundation. Young children love routines and the repetition inherently found in routine tasks makes learning easier. 

 

3. Use Play as a Tool 

Using play as a tool for communication is another incredibly effective method for encouraging speech in late talkers. Play naturally integrates what children find pleasurable and meaningful, creating an ideal setting for language learning. Research shows that children learn best during play.

 

Here are some playful activities to incorporate:  

• Engage in pretend play scenarios like playing house, grocery shopping, driving cars, or even a tea party. Within these make-believe setups, introduce simple and repetitive language. For instance, during a tea party, you might say, 'Tea...Pour the tea. Here’s the cup. Drink tea. Yummy!' These repeated phrases help reinforce the speech patterns your child needs to develop. 
• Toy rotations can also keep things fresh and exciting; introduce new toys gradually while ensuring you verbally label and describe the new items during play. Use basic vocabulary like big/little, up/down, fast/slow, etc.
• Games that involve turn-taking, like rolling a ball back and forth, provide natural opportunities to use words and simple two-word phrases such as 'my turn' or 'your turn,' teaching the concept turn taking and how communication is a two-way street. Through these interactive and enjoyable experiences, your child can strategically be exposed to the kind of language that encourages their first words. 

 

Wrapping Up 

Parents are pivotal in nurturing a child's speech development, but sometimes, the journey requires a bit more guidance. This is where professional speech therapy can be empowering and life-changing.

 

Our team at Tryumph Speech Therapy is dedicated to offering personalized support, focusing on every aspect of communication. From tackling articulation and speech production challenges to addressing fluency or stuttering issues, our services are designed to cater to the individual needs of each child. 

 

Moreover, we understand that receptive and expressive language skills are fundamental to effective communication. Through targeted interventions, we help children comprehend and express language more clearly. Pragmatic language and social skills are also critical areas we address, ensuring your child can navigate social interactions with confidence and ease. 

 

If you're curious about how our services can specifically benefit your child, Schedule a Free Discovery Call 

 

A chat with our experienced therapists can provide you insights into a tailored plan that suits your child’s unique needs. You can easily reach us at (512) 898-9858 or email us at [email protected]. 

 

Let's transform "try" into TRYUMPH, one step at a time.