Top 5 Early Intervention Strategies to Support Late Talkers
If your toddler isn’t talking as much as you expected, you’re not alone. And let me be the first to say, you’re not doing anything wrong! Late talking can happen for lots of reasons, and while it’s always a good idea to consult with a speech-language pathologist (hi, that’s me! 👋), there are also powerful things you can do at home to support their communication every single day. Here are my top 5 favorite early intervention strategies I use every day in therapy sessions to help late talkers thrive!
1. Follow Their Lead
Watch what they’re interested in (a ball, a car, a snack) and join in. Talk about what they’re doing, not what you want them to do. If they’re stacking blocks, you stack too. If they’re pointing to the window, look with them and talk about what you see.
Why it works:
When kids are engaged and interested, their brains are primed for learning. This builds connection and sparks communication.
2. Model, Don’t Quiz
Instead of asking lots of questions like “What’s that?” or “Can you say dog?”, just say the word yourself, clearly and naturally, without pressuring them to respond.
“Dog!” (pause)
“Hi dog!”
“Big dog. Woof woof!”
Why it works:
Too many questions can feel like pressure (though well-meaning) to a child. Modeling, without pressure to respond, gives your child the language input they need to build understanding and confidence, without the unwanted stress.
3. Use Simple, Repetitive Language
Speak in short phrases your child can learn to understand, and eventually say themselves. Use real-life words (go read my blog post all about ‘core words’ for more info on this!) over and over: “up,” “more,” “go,” “eat,” “all done”. Narrate what’s happening in 1-3 word chunks: “You eat.” “Car go!” “Ball fell.”
Why it works:
Late talkers often need more repetition and simpler sentence structures to connect meaning to words.
4. Pause & Wait
After you say something or do something fun… pause. Wait 5-10 seconds. It might feel awkward, but it’s powerful. After saying, “Ready… set…” just pause. Hand your child a favorite toy but don’t say anything, wait to see if they vocalize or gesture. Look expectantly and smile, like you’re waiting for them to take a turn.
Why it works:
Many late talkers just need extra time to process what you said and figure out how to respond. Silence is golden.
5. Use Daily Routines as Language Moments
You don’t need to set out specific times in your day to work on language. Communication can be sparked throughout everyday tasks, in fact sometimes this is the best way to connect! Talk during diaper changes, meals, bath time, and car rides. Use the same words during the same routines: “wipe, diaper, all done!” or “splash splash, towel!”
Why it works:
Using predictable routines & repeated language sets up the perfect learning environment for your kiddo in a meaningful way.
Final Thoughts
If your child is a late talker, don’t wait and see! These simple strategies, done consistently, can make a huge difference. And if you're not sure what's typical or you're feeling stuck, a speech-language evaluation can offer peace of mind and a personalized plan. Book your FREE phone consult with me today and take the first step towards making meaningful connections with your toddler!
