Speech Therapy for Late Talkers in Calgary
Helping toddlers build their vocabulary - one word at a time.
When Words are Slow to Come
It's common for some toddlers to take a little longer to start talking, but when your child isn't using as many words as expected, it can be worrying.
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At True North SLP, we specialize in supporting late talkers - toddlers who understand more than they say and may use gestures or sounds instead of words.
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Our Calgary-based speech therapists use play, connection and proven strategies to help little ones build confidence and communication at their own pace.
What is a Late Talker?
A late talker is a child (typically between 18 - 30 months) who understands language well but uses fewer words than expected for their age. ​
​For example, by 18 months of age, most children use at least 50 words and are beginning to combing them into short phrases.
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If your toddler uses fewer than that, it's a good time to check-in with a speech language pathologist.
Early speech and language skills lay the foundation for later communication, reading and learning.
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The earlier a child receives support, the easier it is to catch up and build strong language skills.
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Speech therapy helps your child:
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expand their vocabulary
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combine words into short sentences
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reduce frustration and build confidence
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strengthen early social skills
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With early, playful support, children often make remarkable progress - and families gain practical strategies to use every day.
Why Early Support Matters
How We Support Late Talkers
At True North SLP, our approach is fun, responsive and family-centered. We work with you to create opportunities for language growth through everyday routines and play.
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Therapy may include:
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modeling and repetition to expand vocabulary
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Parent coaching to build language during daily routines
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Play-based sessions to spark engagement and curiosity
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home practice plans to keep progress moving between visits
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Our goal is to make communication joyful and natural for your child - not forced or stressful.
Our Approach
Every child is unique, so we personalize therapy to your toddler's interests and pace.
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Sessions take place in your home or in the community for your comfort and convenience.
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We use evidence-based approaches rooted in connection, play and parent involvement - because you are your child's best teacher.
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Our speech therapists have extensive experience supporting toddlers with language delays, late talking and early communication challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is considered "late talking?"
​A: A child is considered a late talker if they use less than 50 words by age two or are not combining words by 30 months.
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Q2: Do late talkers always catch up on their own?
A: Some do, but many benefit from early speech therapy. Early support helps ensure children develop strong language and learning skills.
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Q3: How early can speech therapy start?
A: Speech therapy can begin as early as 18 months of age if a child shows signs of delayed speech or limited vocabulary growth.
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Q4: What does therapy look like for toddlers?
A: Therapy is play-based! We use toys, songs, routines and parent involvement to make language learning fun and natural.
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Q5: Do you offer parent coaching?
A: Yes - we believe parents are key partners in therapy. We will show you how to encourage more language through simple everyday moments.
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Q6: Is speech therapy covered by insurance?
A: Most insurance plans cover speech-language therapy. We are not able to direct bill insurance but we are able to provide detailed receipts to support with reimbursement. Each insurance plan is unique and we encourage you to ask your provider what SLP coverage is available for your child.
Getting Started is Easy...
At True North SLP, we help toddlers turn their first words into lengthy conversations.
Let’s go on this journey together!
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Complete our Online Intake Form
​Share information about your child and your primary goals.
We aim to respond to your speech therapy request within 1-2 business days.
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Get connected with an SLP
Discuss with a speech therapist during a free 15-minute consultation what you hope to achieve through therapy sessions and gain insights into how we can help.
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Start Speech Therapy
Begin personalized speech therapy sessions in your home that support your child's unique communication needs.