What to Do If Your 2- or 3-Year-Old Isn’t Talking
Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP
A speech delay in a 2- or 3-year-old is when a child’s spoken words fall behind what most kids the same age can say. By age 2, a typical toddler uses at least 50 words and puts two words together (like “more milk”). Roughly 10-15% of toddlers are late talkers. Some kids catch up on their own, but others do better with early speech therapy. Learn why your child may not be talking yet, what's typical, and when to act.
Key takeaways
Most children say their first word at around 12 months of age.
If a 2-year-old or 3-year-old isn’t talking yet, they likely have a communication delay and should have a speech evaluation. Early intervention can make a big difference.
There are a number of reasons a toddler might be nonverbal, such as a hearing issue, oral-motor difficulty, or a developmental issue like autism. However, sometimes there is no known cause for a speech delay.
If a child understands everything but isn’t using many words, they may have an expressive language delay.
There are ways you can help your child talk more at home, such as playing, reading together, and encouraging them to imitate you.
Is your child on track?
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Screener for childrenWhat is a speech delay?
A speech delay is when a child develops speech skills more slowly than expected for their age. In toddlers and young children, this typically means using far fewer words than other children their age, having trouble forming two-word phrases (like “my ball”), or being hard to understand.
A speech delay is a matter of timing. It's not the same as a speech disorder. Many children with a speech delay catch up with support, and early intervention leads to the best outcomes.
Why is my 2-year-old or 3-year-old not talking?
It’s a common concern we hear from families: “Is it normal for my 2-year-old not to talk?” “Should I worry if my 3-year-old is babbling but not talking?” While it’s natural to feel concerned, the good news is there’s a lot you can do to help your child. Whether your toddler understands you but doesn't talk, your child babbles more than talks, or you're wondering about autism, let’s take this one step at a time, together.
If your 2-year-old or 3-year-old isn’t talking yet, it may be a sign of a speech or language delay. A speech delay doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something “wrong,” but it is a cue to take a closer look at your child's communication development.
It’s important to remember that not all toddlers follow the same timeline. Some children may be late talkers but still catch up on their own. Others may benefit from early support to build their communication skills.
In some cases, not talking by age 2 or 3 could be related to an underlying condition. For example, hearing problems, autism spectrum disorder, or oral-motor challenges can all affect a child’s ability to speak clearly or consistently. We explain these in more detail below. But speech delays can also occur on their own, without any other diagnosis.
My toddler isn’t talking, but they understand everything
If you have a 2- or 3-year-old who isn’t using words but seems to understand everything, it may be that their receptive language–what they understand of spoken language–is developing well. Alexis Irazoque, M.S., L/SLP, an Expressable speech therapist, explains that in this case, an expressive language delay may be present. “An expressive language delay means that the way a child communicates and speaks is not meeting age-expected norms,” she says.
The good news? With early attention and the right support, most children with language delays make excellent progress. Let’s look at when children typically start talking and signs of a delay to watch for.
If your 2-year-old understands everything but isn't talking, it may be an expressive language delay. Learn the signs and when to see a speech therapist.
When do children usually start talking?
Most babies say their first words around 12 months of age. Some may talk a little earlier, while others take a bit more time, and that’s OK. Every child’s development is different.
However, before children begin talking, there are several important communication skills they need to develop first. Think of speech and language like a staircase: Each step builds on the one before it.
Here are some of the early milestones that come before talking:
Babbling (like “ba-ba” or “da-da”)
Using gestures (such as pointing, waving, or raising arms to be picked up)
If your 2-year-old or 3-year-old isn’t talking, they may still be working on one or more of these earlier skills. This is why you might notice that your 2-year-old isn’t talking but babbling, or your toddler understands what you're saying while not speaking themselves. These are important clues that can help guide your next steps.
Speech and language milestones by age
Here's a quick look at some key speech milestones in toddlers, along with possible signs of speech delay by age.
12 months
Typical development: Says first word; babbles conversationally; responds to name; understands "no"
Signs of possible speech delay: No babbling; doesn't respond to name; no gestures like waving
18 months
Typical development: Says 10-20 or more words; points to body parts; follows simple one-step directions ("Bring me your ball")
Signs of possible speech delay: Says fewer than 10 words; doesn't imitate other people; no pretend play
2 years
Typical development: Says 50 or more words; combines two words ("more juice," "Daddy go"); speech is understood by parents about 50% of the time
Signs of possible speech delay: Says fewer than 50 words; no two-word phrases; speech is understood less than 25% of the time
3 years
Typical development: Uses 3- to 4-word sentences; speech is understood by strangers about 75% of the time; asks questions
Signs of possible speech delay: Uses phrases with fewer than 3 words; understood less than half the time by strangers; has hard-to-understand speech that isn't improving
Late talker vs. speech delay: What’s the difference?
The terms "late talker" and "speech delay" are often used interchangeably by parents. However, they mean different things to speech therapists.
A late talker is usually a child between 18 and 30 months who has typical development in every area except talking. They understand what you say, play with toys, use gestures like pointing, and reach other milestones on time. They just aren't using many spoken words yet. About 10% to 15% of toddlers are considered late talkers.
A speech delay is a broader term. It refers to any child whose expressive speech is behind expected milestones. A child with a speech delay might have other challenges like difficulty following directions, limited eye contact, or delayed motor skills.
A late talker is usually a child between 18 and 30 months who has typical development in every area except talking.
The key difference: a late talker is delayed only in speech and has no other concerning signs. A speech delay may be a sign of a broader developmental issue, such as autism, hearing loss, or a language disorder.
Should you wait or act? Research shows about half of late talkers catch up on their own by age 3 or 4. But it's hard to predict which children will and which won't. Most speech therapists recommend an evaluation by age 2 if your child isn't using at least 50 words or combining two words into phrases. It's better to seek help sooner rather than later.
Why would a 2-year-old or 3-year-old be nonverbal?
There are a number of reasons a toddler might not be talking. Some are temporary and easy to support, while others may need more attention.
Here are some common causes for a toddler to be nonverbal:
Hearing problems
If a child has trouble hearing, they may also have trouble learning to talk.
They might not hear all the sounds clearly or miss parts of words.
This can make it harder to imitate speech or learn new vocabulary.
If your child isn’t talking yet, it’s important to rule out hearing loss early with a hearing test.
Oral-motor difficulties
Some children have trouble moving their lips, tongue, or jaw the way they need to in order to speak.
This can happen with a condition like childhood apraxia of speech, which affects how the brain plans and coordinates speech movements.
These children may know what they want to say, but struggle to get the words out clearly.
Learn the signs and symptoms of childhood apraxia of speech, how it’s different from an articulation disorder, and how speech therapy can help.
Autism
Sometimes a speech delay is one of several early signs of autism spectrum disorder. Autistic children may also show differences in social communication. For example, they may have limited eye contact or not always respond to their name. If you're trying to tell whether your child's speech delay might mean autism, our guide on speech delay vs. autism walks through the key differences side-by-side.
Speech delay and autism can look similar. Learn how to spot the signs, understand key differences, and find the right support for your child.
Neurological problems
Certain medical conditions that affect the brain or muscles can impact speech development. This includes cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or a traumatic brain injury. These conditions can affect a child’s ability to control the muscles needed for speech.
Limited language exposure or playtime
Kids learn to talk by hearing and interacting with others throughout the day.
If a child doesn’t have enough opportunities to play, hear language, or engage with caregivers, it may slow down their speech development.
Too much screen time can also get in the way of valuable face-to-face communication.
Developmental delays with unknown cause
Sometimes, a child may have a speech delay without any clear reason. They may be developing more slowly in this one area, even though other skills seem on track. These children often make excellent progress with early intervention and support.
Can too much TV cause delays with speech and language? Learn how watching TV can affect your child’s language development.
How do I know if my toddler needs speech therapy?
It’s normal to wonder if your toddler is on track, especially when you hear other kids their age chatting away. Here's the truth: If your child is 15 months old and still not saying any words, it’s a good idea to check in with a speech-language pathologist. And if your 2-year-old or 3-year-old isn’t talking at all (or only says a few words), it’s time to seek help.
“Even if your toddler isn’t talking but understands what you say, or they’re babbling but not using real words, an early speech evaluation can make a big difference,” says Irazoque. A speech therapist will assess how your child is communicating and help you figure out the best next steps.
For a full breakdown of when speech therapy is needed at each age—from 3 months old through 4 years—see our guide on when to get speech therapy for a speech delay.
How are speech delays diagnosed?
During the evaluation, the speech therapist will ask about your child’s speech and language skills, as well as other developmental milestones and behaviors. To diagnose a speech delay, your speech therapist will evaluate:
What your child understands (receptive language)
What your child can say (expressive language)
Your child’s sound development and how clearly they speak
Your child's oral-motor status (how their mouth, tongue, and lips work together for speech, as well as for eating and swallowing)
The speech therapist will also review your child's medical history and talk with you about your concerns. Based on the results, speech therapy may be recommended for your child.
Why early intervention matters
When speech and language delays aren’t addressed, it can affect the child’s learning, social skills, and confidence later on. That’s why early intervention, or starting speech therapy early, is so important. The earlier we start, the more progress your child can make, and the easier it is to catch up.
That said, it’s never too late to start speech therapy. If you're just now realizing that your toddler may need support, don’t stress about what’s already happened. What matters is what you do next. The fact that you’re here, learning, and looking for answers means you’re doing an amazing job. You are your child’s biggest advocate, and this step could be life-changing for them!
Looking for a speech therapist?
Teletherapy makes it easy. We serve families with a range of speech, language, and feeding needs across the U.S. Get started today!
Find a speech therapistWhat can I do at home to help my toddler talk?
You may be wondering what else you can do alongside speech therapy. Good news: There is a lot you can practice with your toddler at home! Irazoque says, “I always tell parents how easy—and fun—practice can be. And it doesn’t take any big changes or expensive devices, just simple, everyday interactions.”
Let’s look at seven things you can start trying today to help your 2-year-old or 3-year-old talk.
1 Get down to their level and play
Many people don’t realize that play is such a huge part of a child’s development. Did you know that play mimics communication? When we play with someone, one person takes a turn, then the other person, and so on. These back-and-forth actions are similar to communication.
Taking the time to play with your child can make a big difference in their speech and language development! If you’re not sure where to start, try these fun and practical playtime ideas. Or take a look at our recommended toys for 3-year-olds.
Looking for things to do with a 2-year-old? Get 8 easy, expert-approved activities that keep toddlers busy and support speech and language.
2 Make time to read together every day
Spending time reading with your little one can have amazing benefits for their communication skills! Children who are read one book a day are exposed to 78,000 extra words per year. How incredible is that?
Reading together allows your child to learn more words, understand how sentences are structured, and even increase their phonological awareness skills. This refers to a child’s ability to recognize the sounds that make up words and their meanings. These speech and language abilities are linked to a child’s academic abilities as they grow older.
Plus, reading together helps strengthen the bond you have with your child. So make storytime part of your daily routine!
Quick demo: How to read a book to your child like a speech therapist
Watch here3 Sing songs together
Singing introduces new words and encourages listening and memory skills. You can also try the "pausing technique" to prompt your child sing along. Here's a quick demo.
Pausing allows your child to try to fill in what you would have sang. This naturally promotes language skills.
“Try singing songs that use gestures,” Irazoque suggests. “Children usually learn to imitate gestures before learning to imitate words.” That means songs with hand motions, like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “The Wheels on the Bus,” can help naturally promote communication development with your child.
4 Practice imitation skills
Being able to imitate sounds is important for a child’s speech and language development. If your child isn’t yet mimicking any sounds, then spend some time practicing animal sounds, or the sounds of trains and cars. They tend to be fun and motivating for toddlers to copy!
Once your child is imitating these sounds, you can move onto speech sounds such as vowels and consonants–think simple babbles like “ma-ma.” As your child improves in this area, you can move on to simple word imitation.
If you’ve tried all of this and your child is still struggling with verbal imitation, try gesture imitation. As mentioned above, children have to learn to copy gestures and movements before moving on to speech. These can be simple gestures such as waving, blowing kisses, and clapping hands.
5 Model language for your child
One of the best (and simplest!) things you can do for your kiddo is to model language for them. It’s easy: Just talk to them often, even if they don’t respond to you. Children learn so much from the people they spend the most time with!
One easy way to model language is to talk about your child's actions throughout the day. You might say, “You’re eating breakfast” or “You’re playing with the ball.” Your child can learn words, the meaning of words, and how to pronounce them simply just by watching and listening to what you do.
6 Expand on your child's words
This technique is called language expansion. It helps increase your child’s vocabulary, as well as teaches them sentence structure.
Here’s how to do it. If your child says “milk!” in order to ask for a drink, you can model for them, “More milk!” or “Milk please!” If they’re already using phrases, you could say, “I want my milk, please!” to see if they’ll imitate you.
7 Ask open-ended questions
Encourage conversation by asking your child open-ended questions instead of questions that have yes/no answers. When you're reading together, you might ask, “What do you see in the picture?” Or, after a day at the park, you could ask, “What was the most fun at the playground?” When your child answers, you can help them better express what they’re trying to say as needed. So, if they reply with "slide," you can say "I liked going down the slide!"
Take the next step
You have one of the most powerful roles in your child's development. And if your 2-year-old or 3-year-old isn’t talking, know this: Seeking help early can make all the difference. At Expressable, we’ve helped thousands of families around the country, and we’d be honored to support yours, too. Here’s just one example of a review from a family we've served:
“Ms. Katheryn was professional, very informative, friendly, honest, and really took the time out to help me, the parent, understand my daughter’s speech delay. She even gave me simple and daily tips to use with her that will help increase her communication and comprehension skills. Thank you for being a great support person!”
Whether your toddler is only babbling, or seems to understand everything but says very little, we can help you figure out what’s going on and what to do next. Remember, it’s never too early (or too late) to get support.
Take our free screener to get quick insights into your child’s communication skills
Find a speech therapist who fits your family’s needs
Learn more about speech delays in 2-year-olds and what to look out for
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
If your child is age 2 or older and not talking, it's important to contact a speech therapist for an evaluation. Early intervention can make a big difference.
Speech and language delays can happen for many reasons. Causes might include hearing problems, autism, issues with how the child moves their mouth, a learning disability, neurological problems, or the child's environment.
While toddlers typically say their first word at around 12 months old, children develop at their own pace. However, if your child is 15 months old and still not saying words, you may want to contact a speech therapist for an evaluation.
Just because a child has a speech delay does not mean they are autistic. However, a speech delay is one sign of autism. Other signs include limited gesturing such as waving or pointing, limited eye contact, or difficulty responding to their name. Learn more about signs of autism in 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds.
How Expressable Can Help
Concerned your child isn't reaching age-expected milestones? Looking for communication support from a professional? Expressable is a national online speech and occupational therapy practice serving children and adults. We treat all major areas of communication, feeding, and developmental skills, offer flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and accept most major health insurance plans. We’re proud to have earned more than 4,500 5-star reviews from our clients (4.83/5 average).
Our therapy model is centered on parent and caregiver involvement. Research proves that empowering caregivers to participate in their loved one’s therapy leads to better outcomes. That’s why we combine live, 1-on-1 speech and occupational therapy with personalized education and home practice activities for faster progress.
