Late Talkers

Gentle Support for Children Who Are Late to Talk

Some kids speak later than expected—and that’s okay. With playful, evidence-based strategies, we help children grow from first sounds to first words, then to confident little sentences.

Play-Based Strategies That Spark Speech

In this program, we focus on building early communication skills through engaging, family-centered activities.

Early Words & Imitation

Eliciting first words, word approximations, and sound imitation in meaningful routines.

Gestures, Signs & AAC Supports

Using gestures, simple signs, or pictures to reduce frustration while speech emerges.

Parent Coaching

Practical, easy strategies you can use during meals, play, and daily routines.

Routines-Based Play

Songs, books, and pretend play that naturally invite more words.

Real Progress You’ll Hear and See

More Words, More Often

Growth in vocabulary and meaningful word use across the day.

Two-Word Combinations

Moving from single words to early phrases (e.g., “more juice,” “mama help”).

Better Understanding

Improved ability to follow simple directions and answer early questions.

Reduced Frustration

Fewer communication breakdowns with functional ways to ask, request, and respond.

Flexible Support for Your Family

Tic-Talk-Toe offers flexible formats to meet your needs—whether that’s from the comfort of your home or in our engaging learning spaces.

01

Online Sessions (Teletherapy)

Interactive, coach-supported visits you can join from home, with real-time modeling and feedback.

02

In-Person Sessions

Hands-on, play-based therapy in a warm, child-friendly setting—with take-home strategies after each visit.

What Is a Late Talker?

A late talker is a young child — typically between 18 and 30 months — who has a limited vocabulary for their age but is otherwise developing typically. Late talkers understand language well, make eye contact, play appropriately, and show interest in communicating — they just aren’t using as many words as expected for their age.

While some late talkers do catch up on their own, research shows that many do not — and waiting too long to seek support can allow gaps to widen. At Tic-Talk-Toe Speech and Language Therapy in Raleigh, NC, we help families understand whether their child is a true late talker or showing signs of a deeper language delay — and we provide the support needed either way.

Signs Your Child May Be a Late Talker

At 18 months: Fewer than 10 words
At 24 months: Fewer than 50 words or not combining two words (e.g. “daddy go”, “more juice”)
Your child understands what you say but doesn’t respond verbally
Your child communicates mainly through pointing, gesturing, or pulling
Your child is frustrated when they can’t make themselves understood
Your child’s vocabulary has plateaued and isn’t growing
Other children the same age are speaking in sentences while your child is not

If several of these sound familiar, a free screening at Tic-Talk-Toe Speech and Language Therapy in Raleigh, NC is the right next step.

Is My Child Just a Late Talker or Is There a Bigger Concern?

This is one of the most common questions we hear from parents. The honest answer is — it depends, and an evaluation is the only way to know for sure. Some children are truly late talkers who catch up quickly with a little support. Others have underlying language delays, processing differences, or conditions like autism spectrum disorder that require more targeted intervention.

At Tic-Talk-Toe Speech and Language Therapy, we conduct thorough evaluations to get a clear picture of where your child is developmentally and what level of support they need. We never take a one-size-fits-all approach — every child and every family is different.

What Does Late Talker Therapy Look Like at Tic-Talk-Toe?

Therapy for late talkers at Tic-Talk-Toe Speech and Language Therapy is warm, playful, and built around your child’s interests. We use a naturalistic, child-led approach that encourages communication in a low-pressure environment — because children talk most when they feel safe and engaged.

Sessions focus on:

Building vocabulary through play and everyday routines
Encouraging word combinations and early sentences
Teaching parents strategies to support language growth at home
Reducing communication frustration for both child and family
Monitoring progress and adjusting goals as your child develops

We offer in-person sessions at our Raleigh, NC clinic, teletherapy from home, and in-home visits — whatever makes it easiest for your family to be consistent.

Worried Your Child Isn’t Talking Yet? Let’s Find Out Together.

You know your child better than anyone. If something feels off, trust that instinct. Tic-Talk-Toe Speech and Language Therapy serves families across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Wake Forest, and the greater Triangle area of North Carolina. Book a free screening today — we’re here to give you answers, support, and a clear path forward.