Late Talker

We all wait for those first magical words—“Mama,” “Papa”—with so much excitement. So when your child isn’t talking as early or as much as expected, it’s natural to feel concerned. You’re not alone. In fact, many children develop language at their own pace, and in most cases, there is a lot you can do to help.

Is My Child Talking Late?

Here’s a general guide to typical speech and communication milestones:

• 12 months: Babbling (like “ba-ba,” “da-da”), pointing, waving
• 18 months: Around 15–20 words; may use one-word requests like “milk” or “up”
• 24 months (2 years): Over 50 words; starting to put two words together (“more juice,” “mummy go”)
• 3 years: Speaking in short sentences; strangers should understand about 75% of their speech

Children vary in how they reach these milestones. But if your child seems significantly behind—or you’re feeling unsure—it’s perfectly okay to seek advice early. Trust your instincts.

When Should I Be Concerned?

These signs may suggest it’s time to speak with a professional:

• No babbling or pointing by 12–15 months
• Fewer than 10–15 words by 18 months
• Not combining words or fewer than 50 words by 24 months
• Hard to understand, even for close family, by age 3
• Limited interest in social interaction, avoids eye contact, or loses words they used to say

If you notice any of these, don’t wait and worry. Reaching out doesn’t mean something is “wrong”—it means you’re being proactive in helping your child thrive.

Why Might a Child Talk Late?

There are many reasons a child might talk later than their peers:

• Late bloomers: Some children focus on physical skills (like walking or climbing) before language.
• Hearing issues: Recurrent ear infections or mild hearing loss can affect how they hear and imitate speech.
• Developmental differences: Some children may have language delays, autism, global developmental delay, or other conditions.
• Environmental factors: Language grows through interaction. Limited conversation, passive screen time, or fewer reading moments can slow development.

The good news? Many of these areas can be supported at home—or with guidance from professionals when needed.

How Common Is Late Talking in Singapore?

Late talking is more common than many parents realise:

• In Singapore, speech and language delays are the most common reason for referral to child development services. A study from a major local hospital found that they made up 29% of all developmental referrals for preschool-aged children. (Lian et al., 2012)
• Between 2015 and 2019, speech and language delays—alongside autism spectrum disorders—accounted for 53–58% of developmental concerns seen in children under six in Singapore. (Ho, 2021)
• Internationally, about 9-20% of two-year-olds are considered late talkers

What Can I Do at Home to Help?

You don’t need special tools—just your time, voice, and love:

• Talk to your child: Describe what you’re doing—“We’re washing the apples. This one is red!”
• Read together: Choose simple books and repeat favourites often. Pause and let your child join in.
• Play face-to-face: Get down to your child’s level. Simple, toy-free games like peekaboo, “row your boat,” or tickles build connection and teach turn-taking, anticipation, and communication. Follow your child’s lead—they’ll stay engaged longer when it’s something they enjoy.
• Pause and wait: Give your child time to respond, even if it’s just a look or sound. Those moments matter.

These small, everyday interactions make a big difference over time.

How Can Speech Therapy Help?

If you’re concerned about your child’s communication development, speech therapy can be a valuable next step. At Magic Beans, our certified Speech-Language Therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based support tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Our therapists can:
• Assess how your child understands, uses, and produces language
• Use play-based and child-led techniques to gently encourage speech and communication
• Work closely with you, equipping you with strategies to support progress at home
• Identify other contributing factors such as motor planning difficulties, sensory needs, or hearing concerns

We are trained in several specialised programs to support a range of communication challenges, including:

• The Hanen It Takes Two to Talk® program—an internationally recognised, parent-focused approach designed for young children with language delays that empowers parents to be their child’s primary communication partner through everyday interactions.
• The More Than Words® program—specifically developed for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this approach helps parents build essential communication, social, and play skills in a natural and supportive way.
• The DIR®/Floortime approach—a relationship-based method focusing on emotional connection and engagement to foster communication and social development through meaningful, child-led interactions.

At Magic Beans, we believe that early support can make a lasting difference—and you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

References

Ho, L. Y. (2021). Current status of the early childhood developmental intervention ecosystem in Singapore [Supplement issue]. Singapore Medical Journal, S43–S52.

Lian, et al. (2012). Children with developmental and behavioural concerns in Singapore. Singapore Medical Journal, 53(12), 794–800.