Language Delay Therapy | Late Talkers

Language delay therapy with toddler using play-based activities

Understanding Language Delays

Language delays affect a child's ability to understand language (receptive skills) and/or express themselves through language (expressive skills). Unlike articulation disorders that focus on speech sound production, language delays impact the words, sentences, and concepts your child understands and uses to communicate.

Types of Language Challenges

Receptive Language

Difficulty understanding words, following directions, answering questions, or grasping concepts.

Expressive Language

Challenges with using words, forming sentences, asking questions, or expressing thoughts and needs.

Social Language (Pragmatics)

Difficulties with conversation skills, understanding social rules, narrative skills, and adapting language to different situations.

SunRise's Approach to Language Intervention

Our approach to language therapy leverages your child's natural environment and daily routines to build meaningful communication skills. Home-based therapy allows us to use familiar toys, books, and activities that are motivating for your child, making therapy both effective and enjoyable.

Child-Led Play

Following your child's lead during play to create natural opportunities for language learning and modeling.

Visual Supports

Using pictures, objects, and gestures to support understanding and expression of language.

Repetition & Routines

Creating predictable routines that provide multiple opportunities to practice target language skills.

Parent Coaching

Training parents in specific language facilitation techniques to use throughout the day.

Multi-Sensory Approaches

Engaging multiple senses (touch, movement, sight) to reinforce language concepts.

When to Be Concerned: Atypical Development by Age

12-18 months

Not using gestures like pointing or waving
No first words by 15 months
Limited response to their name
Difficulty following simple directions

18-24 months

Vocabulary less than 50 words by 24 months
Not combining two words together by 24 months
Limited understanding of simple questions
Frustration when trying to communicate

2-3 years

Speech difficult for familiar listeners to understand
Not using simple sentences (3+ words)
Not asking questions
Limited engagement in pretend play

3-4 years

Speech difficult for unfamiliar listeners to understand
Not using complex sentences
Difficulty following 2-step directions
Trouble with basic concepts (colors, shapes, etc.)

Remember: Early intervention is key. If you notice any of these atypical development, don't wait to seek an evaluation.

Success Story: Maya's Journey

"When we started therapy, my daughter Maya was 2.5 years old and only using about 10 single words. After six months of therapy with Zef, Maya is now speaking in 4-5 word sentences and can tell us about her day at preschool. The strategies Zef taught us to use at home made all the difference."

—Parent of Maya, age 3

Started with 1 hour sessions, twice weekly

Focused on core vocabulary and verbs

Used visual supports and naturalistic teaching

Transitioned to once weekly after 6 months

The Power of Parent Coaching

Parents are their child's first and most important teachers. Our unique approach to language therapy includes dedicated parent coaching to empower you with effective techniques to support your child's language development throughout the day.

What You'll Learn

Simple language stimulation techniques
How to create language-rich routines
Ways to expand your child's utterances
Strategies for building vocabulary
How to incorporate language goals into play

How It Works

Parent coaching is seamlessly integrated into your child's therapy sessions:

We demonstrate techniques during the session

You practice with guidance and feedback

We create simple daily routines to implement at home

You receive written handouts

We review progress and adapt strategies as needed

Language Delay Intervention