Toddler speech delay
When your toddler isn’t talking much.
If you are counting words, comparing milestones, or wondering whether to wait, this page gives you a softer path forward. Jessica helps families understand what they are seeing and what to try next.
Talk to JessicaCertified speech-language guidance for Palos Verdes and South Bay families.
What this support
looks like.
Toddler speech delay support is a parent-first consultation for late talkers and toddlers who are not yet combining words. Jessica looks at more than the word count: gestures, play, imitation, understanding, and frustration. You leave with a short list of things to try this week and a clear answer about whether to monitor, coach, or evaluate.
Who this is for
Parents of toddlers who have fewer words than expected, are not yet putting two words together, are hard to understand, or get frustrated trying to communicate. Also parents who have been told to wait and see, and are not sure they should.
When this may help
This is for parents who are wondering about one or more of these.
- First words that have not arrived, or a vocabulary growing slowly
- Two-word phrases that have not started around age 2
- Speech that is hard for familiar adults to understand
- Frustration, meltdowns, or giving up on being understood
- Whether your child understands everyday directions
- Whether to keep waiting or ask for an evaluation
What we notice together
A helpful plan looks at more than word count. We talk through the whole picture.
- Gestures, pointing, and how your child gets a message across
- Play, imitation, and back-and-forth interaction
- Understanding: directions, names, familiar words
- Sounds and word approximations that already count
- The routines in your week where communication comes easiest, and hardest
- Family priorities, and whether an evaluation or Early Start referral makes sense
What you leave with
Something you can use this week, not a binder.
- A short, doable list of ideas to try
- Two or three language targets for the week
- The routines to use them in: snack, bath, books, the car
- Clear guidance on whether a full speech-language evaluation is a good next step, and how to ask for one
Before we talk.
Questions parents ask about toddler speech delay.
What counts as a word for a toddler?
Consistent word approximations, animal sounds, signs, and sound effects can count when your child uses them intentionally for the same meaning. “Ba” for ball, “moo” for cow, and a sign for more are all real words at this stage.
Should I wait if my toddler understands everything?
Understanding language is a strength, but expressive language can still need support. If you are worried, a consultation can help decide whether to monitor, coach, or evaluate. You do not need to wait until age 3.
Do you work with families outside Palos Verdes?
Yes. Support is designed for families in Palos Verdes, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and nearby South Bay communities.
Further information: CDC developmental milestones · ASHA communication milestones · ASHA late language emergence
A little more clarity.
Read more about the questions that brought you here.
Not sure where to start?
Send a short note about your child, what you are noticing, and what you have already tried. Jessica will help you decide whether this is the right next step.
Talk to JessicaOne conversation.
A clearer next step.