When your toddler isn't talking yet.
Speech delay is one of the most common reasons families first contact us. Early, focused support makes a real difference — and a short assessment tells you exactly where your child stands.
What "speech delay" means
Speech delay describes a child whose spoken communication is developing more slowly than expected for their age , fewer words than typical, slower growth in vocabulary, or speech that's difficult to understand. It's different from a language delay, which is about understanding and using language more broadly, though the two often overlap.
What causes it
Sometimes there's no clear single cause , some children simply need more time and targeted support. Other times it relates to hearing, oral motor difficulties, a wider developmental profile, or being one of several factors (for example, in a child who is also autistic). An assessment helps map out the likely picture for your child specifically.
Signs worth a conversation
These are general guides, not a diagnosis — every child develops differently.
- Fewer than 10 words by 18 months
- Fewer than 50 words, or no word combinations, by 2 years
- Speech that's very hard to understand for their age
- Relies heavily on gesture instead of words to communicate
- Vocabulary hasn't grown noticeably in the last few months
- A preschool or public health nurse has flagged a concern
If you recognise some of these signs, it may be helpful to discuss your child's communication with a qualified speech and language therapist. An initial discussion can help you understand whether further assessment or support would be appropriate.
How therapy helps
Play-based language building
Vocabulary and early sentence structure through everyday play.
Parent coaching
Simple strategies you can use at bath time, mealtimes and the school run.
Progress tracking
Clear milestones so you can see movement, not just 'attend sessions'.
Early identification
Flagging if something wider — hearing, motor speech, autism — needs a closer look.
Questions parents ask
My toddler isn't talking yet — should I be worried?+
Not automatically. Development varies a lot in the toddler years. But if your child has very few words by 18–24 months, or their language isn't growing month to month, it's worth a proper look rather than a wait-and-see approach.
Is my child just a 'late bloomer'?+
Some children are late talkers who catch up without intervention. Others have a more persistent speech delay that benefits from therapy. The difficulty is you can't reliably tell which is which without an assessment — that's exactly what it's for.
Will speech delay affect my child's reading later?+
Speech and language skills are closely linked to literacy. Addressing a speech delay early is one of the most protective things you can do for later reading and school success — which is why early support matters.
What can I do at home while we wait for an appointment?+
Narrate what you're doing, expand on what your child says rather than correcting it, read together daily, and follow their lead in play. These build language naturally, but they work alongside — not instead of — professional support if a delay is confirmed.