Is Your Child Just a Late Talker—or Is It Time to See a Speech Therapist?

Is Your Child Just a Late Talker—or Is It Time to See a Speech Therapist?

Every child grows at their own pace, especially when it comes to speech and language. Some kids say their first words before they turn one, while others take a little longer to find their voice. But as a parent, it’s natural to wonder: Is this delay normal? Or is it time to get some help?

The truth is, spotting the difference between a “late talker” and a child who needs speech therapy can be tricky. That’s where this blog can help. We’re breaking down what to look for, what’s considered typical, and when it might be time for you to explore “Speech-Language Therapy near me.”

What’s Considered “Typical” Language Development?

By age one, most children start saying single words like “mama” or “ball.” By two, they’re combining words into simple phrases—“more juice” or “go park.” If your child isn’t doing this, it doesn’t necessarily mean something’s wrong, but it does mean you might want to keep an eye on things.

Some kids are “late talkers”—they develop speech later than their peers but catch up on their own. These children typically show a strong understanding of language (they can follow directions or point to things when asked), even if they’re not speaking much themselves.

But if your child struggles to understand language, doesn’t use gestures, or isn’t trying to communicate in other ways, that could be a red flag.

Signs It Might Be Time for Speech Therapy

Here are some common signs that your child might benefit from Speech-Language Therapy: • Limited vocabulary for their age
• No two-word combinations by age 2
• Difficulty following directions or understanding simple requests
• Speech that’s hard to understand, even to family members
• Frustration during communication or frequent tantrums
• Not responding when spoken to, as if they don’t hear you
• Lack of pretend play or social interaction with other children

If any of these sound familiar, don’t panic—but do consider speaking with a certified speech-language pathologist. Early support can make a world of difference.

Why Early Intervention Matters

When it comes to speech and language delays, early intervention is key. Waiting to “see if they grow out of it” might seem harmless, but in many cases, the earlier a child gets support, the better the outcome.

At Shining Stars, our speech therapy Mississauga services meet your child where they are. Whether your child needs help forming words, following directions, or expressing their needs, our team creates fun, customized plans to help them grow.

What Happens in Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy doesn’t look like schoolwork. It looks like play. Our therapists use games, toys, stories, and even songs to help your child build language skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.

We’ll start with a friendly assessment to get a sense of your child’s strengths and challenges. Then, we’ll create a plan together, with clear goals and regular updates along the way.

Looking for Speech Therapy in Mississauga?

If you’ve been searching “Speech-Language Therapy near me” or feel unsure about your child’s development, we’re here to help.

At Shining Stars, we’ve supported countless families across Mississauga, helping children build confidence, improve communication, and thrive in everyday life. We work with toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged kids using evidence-based practices that get results—while still keeping things fun and pressure-free.

Let’s Talk

Still wondering if your child’s a late talker or needs support? You don’t have to figure it out alone. A quick conversation with our speech therapist can bring clarity—and peace of mind. Contact Shining Stars today to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk this journey with you and help your child shine bright—one word at a time.