Pediatric Speech Therapy · Dixon, CA

Late Talker Speech Therapy in Dixon, CA

Q: Will my late talker catch up without therapy?

Some late talkers do catch up on their own, but research shows 50-70% improve faster with early intervention. Without support, some children develop persistent language difficulties that can affect reading and academic performance.

Evidence-based early intervention for children 18-36 months. Free consultation. Insurance accepted.

ASHA CCC-SLP | 20+ Years Experience | 300+ Families | Insurance Accepted

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Signs Your Child May Be a Late Talker

If your child is between 18 and 36 months and you notice any of the following, a speech-language evaluation can provide clarity.

Fewer Than 50 Words by Age 2

Most two-year-olds use at least 50 words. A vocabulary significantly below this benchmark warrants evaluation.

No Word Combinations

By 24 months, children typically combine two words ("more milk," "daddy go"). Absence of combinations is a key indicator.

Limited Babbling After 18 Months

Reduced variety in babbling sounds or syllable patterns compared to same-age peers.

Gestures Instead of Words

Relying on pointing, pulling your hand, or becoming frustrated rather than using words to communicate.

Understands but Does Not Speak

Following directions and demonstrating comprehension, but spoken vocabulary remains very limited.

Loss of Previously Used Words

Regression in vocabulary -- words your child used to say are no longer being produced. This always warrants clinical attention.

Reference: ASHA Practice Portal, Late Language Emergence. 10-20% of two-year-olds are classified as late talkers.

Speech-Language Milestones: What to Expect

These benchmarks help identify whether your child's development is on track. Variability is normal, but consistent delays merit evaluation.

Age	Expected Milestone
12 months	First words ("mama," "dada"); babbles with varied syllables
18 months	Uses 10-25 words; points to objects; follows simple directions
24 months	Uses 50+ words; begins two-word combinations; understood ~50% by strangers
36 months	Uses 200+ words; forms short sentences; understood ~75% by strangers

Source: ASHA, Speech-Language Development Milestones.

What Therapy Involves

Speech therapy for late talkers ages 18-36 months is play-based and family-centered. Sessions are designed to build language naturally through structured activities your child enjoys.

Comprehensive speech-language evaluation to establish your child's current abilities and needs
Individualized treatment plan with measurable goals and timelines
Play-based therapy sessions using evidence-based techniques (e.g., focused stimulation, milieu teaching)
Parent coaching to extend language-building strategies into your daily routines
Regular progress reports with objective data on your child's improvement

Clinical Credentials

20+

Years Experience

300+

Families Served

CCC-SLP

ASHA Certified

50-70%

Improve With Early Help

ASHA Practice Portal: 50-70% of late talkers improve with early intervention.

What Families Say

"Our son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 4. The first services we received was speech therapy as he was unable to express himself. We were lucky enough to have been paired with Stacey. Our son has been in speech therapy for almost a year now and has improved so much. He is always excited to go see Mrs. Stacey. We are forever grateful."

-- Lopez Family, Dixon, CA

"STC helped me ease my daughter into attending sessions independently instead of needing me to accompany her to every session, which has given her more confidence. My daughter looks forward to her therapy every week. We've experienced other speech therapy service providers and STC is by far our favorite. It feels like a second home."

-- Ann & Rose, Vacaville, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a late talker?

A late talker is a child between 18-30 months who understands language well but uses fewer than 50 words or no two-word combinations by age 2. Approximately 10-20% of two-year-olds are classified as late talkers.

Will my late talker catch up without therapy?

Some late talkers do catch up independently, but research indicates that 50-70% improve faster with professional early intervention. Without support, some children develop persistent language difficulties that affect reading and academic performance.

When should I seek a speech evaluation?

If your child is 18 months or older and showing signs of late talking, a speech-language evaluation is recommended. Early intervention before age 3 consistently produces the best outcomes in the research literature.

What insurance do you accept?

We accept Sutter HMO, Kaiser, Cigna, Blue Shield PPO, Western Health Advantage, and North Bay Regional Center for children ages 0-3.

How long does therapy for late talkers typically take?

Duration varies by child. Some late talkers make significant progress in 3-6 months, while others benefit from longer courses of treatment. We develop individualized plans and provide regular progress reports so you always know how your child is progressing.