My toddler understands everything but isn’t talking: When should I see a speech therapist?

Around 12 months, many children begin using their first words. These might be spoken words or signs. Over the next year, children typically begin using more and more words and eventually start combining words into short phrases.

But what does it mean when a toddler isn't following this expected trajectory? And in particular, what does it mean when your toddler seems to understand everything, but just isn't talking yet?

For some children, expressive language develops more slowly than receptive language. A toddler may understand lots of what is said to them, but have a harder time expressing themselves with words.

If you're wondering, My toddler understands everything but isn't talking, is this normal?, It's important to look at the whole picture of communication, including the ways your child is already communicating.

Some things to look for include:

• Imitating: Does your child imitate your actions, sounds, or facial expressions?

• Babbling and jargon: Is your child experimenting with different sounds or using speech-like strings of sounds?

• Gestures: Does your child do things such as pointing, waving, reaching, or shaking/nodding their head to communicate?

• Joint attention: Does your child look between you and an object or activity to share attention?

• Understanding: Does your child understand familiar words, routines, or simple directions?

  
  

What if my toddler understands everything but doesn't talk?

It's very common for children to understand more language than they can express. In fact, this is true for people of all ages, including adults learning a new language!

When we understand language, we have the benefit of context. We can listen to what someone says, watch their facial expressions and gestures, and use the situation around us to figure out what they mean.

Expressing language is a different task. Your child has to come up with an idea, find the words to communicate that idea, organize those words, and coordinate all of the movements needed to produce speech sounds.

For some toddlers, this expressive side of language develops more slowly than their understanding. A child may demonstrate a strong understanding of language while still using relatively few spoken words.

Children who have relatively limited expressive vocabulary despite otherwise age-appropriate development are often described as late talkers. Being a late talker does not necessarily mean that a child will have a long-term language difficulty. However, it is worth paying attention to how your child's communication is developing over time and seeking support when you have concerns.

When should I see a speech therapist for my toddler?

If you're concerned about your child's communication, you don't have to wait until they reach a particular age or number of words before reaching out to a speech-language pathologist.

As a general guideline, a child around 18 months who is using very few spoken words may benefit from a speech-language evaluation or consultation, particularly if they are not gaining new words over time.

You may also want to talk with a speech therapist if your toddler:

• Isn't using words or word approximations to communicate

• Isn't gaining new words over time

• Rarely uses gestures such as pointing, waving, or reaching

• Isn't imitating sounds, actions, or gestures

• Has difficulty understanding familiar words or directions

• Seems frustrated when trying to communicate

• Has stopped using words or communication skills they previously used

A speech-language pathologist will look at much more than the number of words your child says. They may consider your child's:

• Understanding of language

• Use of gestures

• Imitation skills

• Sounds, babbling, and word attempts

• Social communication

• Play skills

• Ability to communicate wants, needs, and ideas

• Overall developmental history

This bigger picture helps a speech therapist understand how your child is communicating, not just how many words they have.

Looking for support with your toddler's language?

At Speech Language Play NYC, we offer individual speech-language therapy as well as caregiver-and-toddler classes designed to support early communication through play.

Mae-Mae & Me is a small-group, speech-therapist-led class for toddlers and their caregivers. We use songs, movement, sensory play, and everyday routines to help caregivers learn practical strategies they can use with their children at home.

If your toddler is beginning to use words, you're concerned about their language development, or you simply want to learn more about how to support communication, Mae-Mae & Me can be a great place to start.