Supporting Late-Talkers Without the ‘Wait-and-See

image of a mum interacting with her child in a supportive manner

When a toddler isn’t yet talking, many families are told to “wait and see.”

“It’s probably just a phase.”

“Boys talk later.”

“They’ll catch up eventually.”

But as paediatric speech and language therapists—and as parents who deeply care—we know early connection matters. What a child experiences in their early years lays the foundation not just for language, but for confidence, identity, and relationships.

In this blog post, we explore how to empower parents of late-talkers through responsive, respectful, neurodiversity-affirming support—without pressure or panic.

Why “Wait and See” Isn’t Enough

While well-intentioned, the “wait and see” approach can delay the support that many children (and their families) need.

Research shows that:

• Late talkers (children aged 18–30 months with fewer spoken words than expected) are at increased risk of ongoing language difficulties.¹

• Early parent-led interventions—when delivered responsively—can significantly improve communication outcomes without focusing solely on speech.²

• Ignoring early signs may also overlook neurodivergent communication styles (e.g. in autism, DLD, or ADHD), which benefit from early relational support, not correction.

Key takeaway: Early support is not about “fixing” a child—it’s about tuning in to how they communicate best and helping families feel confident in that journey.

A Neurodiversity-Affirming Shift: From Pressure to Partnership

Neurodiversity-affirming early intervention doesn’t mean “push them to talk.”

It means:

• Respecting the child’s pace and style

• Honouring all forms of communication (gesture, eye gaze, AAC, sign, body movement, vocal play)

• Supporting regulation, connection, and interaction—the roots of language

• Coaching parents to trust their instincts and be present communicators

This approach rejects ableist narratives that place speech as the only valid form of communication. It’s not about chasing milestones, but about building meaningful moments.

What Does Parent Coaching Actually Look Like?

Here are practical, no-pressure strategies I share with parents of late talkers in my practice:

Follow the Child’s Lead

Instead of directing play, observe first. What’s your child drawn to? What are they trying to show you?

Try: “You like the blocks!” or “You made it fall—again!”

This affirms and names experiences, which supports vocabulary development.

Pause and Wait

Many late-talkers need more time to process and respond. Rushing or filling silence takes away opportunity.

Try: Count to 10 silently after saying something. Watch what your child does before jumping in.

Use Parallel Talk and Self-Talk

Describe what your child is doing (“You’re rolling the car!”) and what you are doing (“I’m pouring the juice!”).

This builds language in context—no flashcards or drills needed.

Repeat Without Pressure

If your child says “ba” while pointing to a ball, respond with: “Ball! Yes, that’s your red ball!”

No corrections. Just natural repetition.

Model Multiple Ways to Communicate

Use gestures, facial expressions, pictures, signs, and visuals alongside speech. If your child isn’t speaking, they are still communicating.

Pointing, showing, leading by hand—all count. Acknowledge these as valid, intentional acts.

Celebrate Connection Over Output

Our goal isn’t “more words” but more shared moments—those tiny eye glances, giggles, and turn-taking games.

When a child feels safe, seen, and not pressured, words often follow.

For Neurodivergent Late-Talkers

Many late-talkers may later be identified as autistic, ADHD, or as having Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). This doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” It means they may experience and express communication in ways that differ from the norm.

Neurodivergent children may:

• Use fewer spoken words but show rich engagement through movement or sound

• Be overwhelmed in busy environments, impacting their ability to communicate

• Prefer non-verbal communication or benefit from AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication)

Early support that focuses on regulation and connection—not just speech—can honour and amplify their strengths.

The Takeaway: Empower Parents, Don’t Wait

Parent coaching for late talkers isn’t about giving parents a script—it’s about empowering them to feel confident, calm, and connected.

Let’s move away from “wait and see” and toward “watch, listen, connect.”

Because when we tune in early—with warmth, respect, and curiosity—we open up more than just words.

We open up the relationship that supports communication for life.

References

1. Rescorla, L. (2011). Late talkers: Do good predictors of outcome exist?. Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 17(2), 141–150.

2. Roberts, M. Y., & Kaiser, A. P. (2011). The effectiveness of parent-implemented language interventions: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(3), 180–199.