Late Talker vs. Language Delay: What’s the Difference?
What’s the Difference Between a Late Talker and a Language Delay?
If your child isn’t talking as much as other kids their age, you might wonder if something is wrong. Are they just a late bloomer, or could it be something more?
At APA Speech Therapy, we often hear this question from parents and caregivers. Understanding the distinction between a late talker and a language delay is a crucial first step in determining whether your child requires additional support.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What is a Late Talker?
A late talker is a child between 18 and 30 months old who has a good understanding of language, plays well, uses gestures, and communicates in other ways—but isn’t using as many spoken words as expected for their age.
Some signs your child might be a late talker:
They use fewer than 50 words by age 2
They don’t combine two words together by age 2
They seem to understand what you’re saying
They use gestures (like pointing or nodding) to communicate
Their play and social skills are typical for their age
Late talkers often catch up on their own by age 3, but some may need a little help from a speech-language pathologist to boost their skills.
What is a Language Delay?
A language delay occurs when a child is not developing language skills (understanding or speaking) at the expected rate for their age. This delay can affect:
Expressive language (talking or using words)
Receptive language (understanding others)
Or both
Some signs of a language delay:
Trouble following directions
Not responding to their name
Difficulty learning new words
Minimal vocabulary
Difficulty combining words or making sentences
Trouble with social interactions
A language delay can be caused by other challenges, such as hearing problems, developmental disorders (like autism), or other medical conditions. It can also appear on its own, without a clear cause.
Unlike late talking, a true language delay typically doesn’t resolve on its own without intervention. Early speech therapy can make a significant difference!
How to Tell the Difference
It’s not always easy to tell if your child is simply a late talker or if they have a language delay. But here are a few simple ways to tell them apart:
Late talkers usually understand language well, even if they aren’t speaking much yet. They follow simple directions, respond to their name, and seem to understand what’s going on around them. Children with a language delay may struggle to understand language, follow directions, or respond to questions.
Late talkers often use gestures, such as pointing, waving, or nodding, to convey their message. Children with a language delay may not use many gestures or may struggle to communicate even nonverbally.
Social and play skills are often strong in late talkers. They play with toys in age-appropriate ways and enjoy interacting with others. In contrast, kids with a language delay might have difficulty playing with toys or engaging in back-and-forth interaction.
A late talker’s vocabulary may be small, but it’s slowly growing over time. Children with a language delay often have very limited vocabulary that doesn’t seem to grow much, even with encouragement.
If you’re unsure where your child falls, the best step is to speak with a licensed speech-language pathologist. They can assess your child’s communication skills and help you understand what’s happening.
Why Early Help Matters
We know it can feel scary when your child isn’t talking as expected. But here’s the good news: the earlier we start speech therapy, the better the results.
At APA Speech Therapy, we help families just like yours every day. Our therapists work with children of all ages—whether they’re late talkers or showing signs of a language delay. We create personalized plans to help your child communicate with confidence.
You can reach out to us here to schedule a consultation or ask questions. We're here to support your family every step of the way.
If your child is under 3, you may also qualify for early intervention services through your local regional center or school district.
What You Can Do at Home
Even before starting therapy, there are ways you can support your child’s speech at home:
Talk a lot: Describe what you’re doing, seeing, and feeling
Read together daily: Simple board books are great
Repeat and expand: If your child says “car,” you can say “Yes, red car!”
Follow their lead: Talk about what your child is interested in
Give time to respond: Pause to let your child try to talk
Use routines: Label actions and objects during meals, bath time, and play
These strategies may not replace therapy, but they do build a strong foundation.
When to Reach Out for Help
You should consider speaking to a speech-language pathologist if:
Your child isn’t using any words by 18 months
Your child uses fewer than 50 words by age 2
Your child doesn’t combine words by 2.5 years
Your child struggles to understand language
You’re feeling worried, even if others say “just wait.”
Trust your gut. You know your child best. And we’re here to support you.
Connect with APA Speech Therapy
At APA Speech Therapy, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether your child is simply a late bloomer or requires assistance with a language delay, our team is ready to create a customized plan just for them.
We offer in-person, in-home, and teletherapy services, so you can get support in a way that works best for your family.
Visit www.latalkspot.com to learn more or contact us for a free consultation.
Your child’s voice matters—and we’re here to help them find it.