Early Intervention Speech Therapy:
Supporting Your Late Talker
If you're worried your toddler isn't talking as much as they should be, you're not alone. Early intervention means starting support before age 3, while your child is learning language every day, and it can begin with a free phone call.
What Is Early Intervention?
Early intervention is speech and language support for children under 3. At this age, therapy is less about drills and more about the everyday moments where toddlers learn to communicate: play, meals, getting dressed, bath time, and books. Much of the work happens through you, because you are with your child in those moments far more than any therapist.
It is for toddlers who are late to start talking, who have fewer words than expected, who aren't combining words yet, or who seem to understand less than other children their age. It can also help toddlers who mostly communicate by pulling, pointing, or crying because they don't have another way to get their message across yet.
Some late talkers catch up on their own and some don't, and it is hard to tell which from the outside. An assessment gives you information now, instead of waiting to find out.
When to Seek Support
By 12 Months
- Limited eye contact
- Not babbling yet
- Doesn't respond to name
By 18 Months
- Using fewer than 20 words
- Not pointing to show things
- Difficulty following simple directions
By 24 Months
- Using fewer than 50 words
- Not combining two words ("more juice")
- Others have trouble understanding them
How a Toddler Assessment Works
The first visit is an assessment in your home, and for a toddler it looks like play. The SLP brings toys and books, joins in, and watches how your child communicates: sounds and words, gestures and pointing, how they respond to their name and to simple requests, and how they play and take turns.
You are asked about your child's birth and health history, hearing, and early milestones, and about what a normal day looks like at home. Parents often fill in details that a toddler won't show a new person in one visit, so your observations count.
At the end, you go over what was seen and whether therapy is recommended. If it is, the next step is setting goals together, based on what matters most for your family right now.
More Than Just Speech Therapy
Early Intervention
You are here. For children 1-3 years old.
Getting Started with Early Intervention
Free Phone Consultation
Call 416-206-4997 to discuss your concerns.
In-Home Assessment
We observe your child playing in their own environment.
Play-Based Therapy
We teach you strategies to use during daily routines.
Common Questions
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. You can refer your child yourself. We are private speech-language pathologists.
Will my child grow out of it?
While some do, waiting can cause bigger gaps. Early intervention is a well-supported approach based on current research.
Can we use insurance?
Yes, most plans cover Speech-Language Pathology. We provide receipts for you to submit.
Is my child too young for speech therapy?
We see children from age 1. At this age, therapy is play-based and much of it is coaching you, so it fits a toddler's attention span.
Can therapy start while we wait for other assessments?
Yes. If your child is on a waitlist for another assessment, such as a developmental or autism assessment, speech therapy can focus on how your child communicates right now in the meantime.
How often are sessions for toddlers?
It depends on your child's needs and your family's schedule. Frequency is agreed on after the assessment and can change as your child's needs change.
Why Trust Functional Communication
Late Talker vs. Late Bloomer: When to Seek Support
It's common for parents to hear "don't worry, they'll grow out of it." While some children do catch up on their own (late bloomers), others need support to get back on track (late talkers). Learn more about the signs of speech delay and when to seek help.
We don't "wait and see." We "watch and help." An assessment can determine if your child is showing signs of a language delay that would benefit from therapy. The earlier we start, the more opportunities your child has to develop their communication skills.
What Early Intervention Looks Like at Home
A session usually has three parts. The SLP plays with your child and shows a strategy, you try it with the SLP coaching you, and then you plan together how to use it in your routines until the next visit. The strategies are simple: getting down to your child's level, waiting a few seconds to give them a turn, naming what they are looking at, and adding a word to what they say (“car” becomes “red car”).
Child-Led Play
We use your child's favorite toys and activities. Children learn best when they are having fun and leading the play.
Parent Coaching
You are the most important person in your child's life. We coach you on strategies to use during mealtime, bath time, and play.
Home Environment
Therapy happens in your living room. This helps your child learn to communicate in the place where they spend the most time. Why in-home therapy works.
Your Role as a Parent
Use routines you already have
Five minutes of focused play, bath time, or snack time is enough to start practising a strategy. You don’t need to set aside extra time.
Follow your child’s lead
Talk about what your child is interested in right now, not what you planned to talk about.
Keep the pressure low
Instead of asking “say ball”, say “ball!” as you roll it, then wait. Toddlers who feel pushed to talk often go quiet.
Share what you notice
New words, new gestures, and what gets your child talking are all useful for planning the next session.
Related Articles
10 Signs Your Toddler Needs Speech Therapy
Common early signs that your child may benefit from a speech therapy assessment.
Read articleWhat Is Early Intervention and Why Does Timing Matter?
How starting speech therapy early can make a meaningful difference in your child's development.
Read articleIs My 18-Month-Old a Late Talker?
What speech development looks like at 18 months and when to be concerned.
Read articleAvailable Throughout Durham Region
We bring early intervention speech therapy directly to your home in these communities: