Prescription for Speech Delay?

What is the prescription for late talkers?

I get asked by so many parents to give them a prescription or a checklist of what to do to help their speech delayed little one. I have resisted creating this, as there is so much pressure on parents and judgment, but the beauty of writing it in a post like this, is that I can explain to you that I am not here to judge & this post is designed for you to take what you need! It’s not a rule book, but simply a guide, for those who want it, based on my 12+ years practicing as a speech & language therapist .

This post is not for you if you prefer to go with the flow, and watch and wait – which of course is totally valid. This post is for the parents who want to take action and want to know they are doing all the things, and, have the bandwidth to do so!

I have broken the ‘speech delay prescription’ down by ‘dosage’ (am I taking this medical metaphor too far?!) and there is a checklist attached to the bottom of this post, for those who like that kind of thing.

Before we dive in, a quick note on ‘speech delay’….

Is speech delay the right term?  I use this term because it is the language that most parents use. However, clinically this means a very specific thing. In the world of speech & language therapy the term ‘speech delay’ actually refers to a child who is delayed in developing their sounds. The more accurate terms to use here would be ‘speech & language delay’, ‘communication differences’, ‘late talker’, because these terms refer to more than just the sounds themselves. Generally when parents ask me about their ‘speech delayed child’ they are telling me that their child is using a limited number/ no words. This can be due to speech sounds alone but more often than not it is more likely a language or communication difficulty.

If you have any questions on the above please let me know, the whole reason I am here is to support families – not add more confusion!

Ok onto the dose!

Daily (everyday):

-       Use props/ objects: when talking to your child, particularly around transitions or when asking questions, use props. For example: hold up 2 snack options when asking your child what they want, label the items and pause to allow them to make a choice.

-       Replace questions with comments: instead of asking ‘what’s this?’ tell them say ‘it’s a …’.

-       Introduce baby sign/ Makaton sign: choose 5 words that are really meaningful for your little one (they should be things they love), and learn the sign for these. Model the sign every time you say the word.

Weekly (2-5 times a week):

-       Read/ expose your little one to books and stories: this can be audiobooks or physical books, ideally you would expose them to some physical books and not totally rely on audiobooks.

-       Screen free 1:1 time: spend 10-30 minutes with your little one 1:1 with no screens/ background noise or other distractions. Follow their lead and interests in play and comment on what they are doing.

Monthly:

-       Track: keep a record of how your little one is developing over time. Write down their interests (in terms of play, books, food), how long they like to play with their favourite activity, and the way they are communicating (signs, hand leading, pointing, words) & how many things they communicate for (how many words/ signs they have).

-       Choose 10 new special words: choose 10 words of items, food, games, activities that your little one loves but does not yet have a way of asking for. Learn the baby sign/ Makaton sign for these words and model the words often across the month.

Every 2-3 months:

-       Check in with your health visitor/ GP to see where you are on the waitlist for services. I would expect within this time frame you should have had some contact (assuming a referral has been made for support), so if you have not it is worth a call to see where you are.

🌞 Summer of Support: Subsidised Speech Therapy Assessments for Families in Need 🌞

We know that the summer holidays can be a challenging time for many families - routines shift, support can be harder to access, and the costs of keeping everything afloat can really add up.

At our South West London clinic, we want to do something meaningful to give back to our community. That’s why throughout August, we’re offering subsidised speech and language assessments for families in need - because every child deserves access to support, no matter the circumstances.

💛 What We're Offering:

• Full speech and language assessment for £100

• Available to families in financial difficulty or those in need of support

• Appointments will run every Wednesday in August

🌱 Why We're Doing This:

The summer can be an especially tough time when it comes to accessing timely services and we’re deeply aware of how overwhelming it can feel when your child needs support, but you’re unsure how to afford or access it. This is our way of standing alongside families who are doing their best under difficult circumstances.

If this sounds like something that would help your family, or someone you know, we encourage you to get in touch. We’re here to listen, support, and help you take that next step.

📩 To enquire about eligibility or book a slot, please contact us here

We are here to make this a summer where families feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Worried About Your Late Talker? Here’s How to Prepare for a GP Appointment

If you’re feeling concerned about your child’s language development, you’re not alone, and taking the step to book a GP appointment is an important one. But how can you make the most of that appointment and ensure you get the answers and support you need?

Here are some practical tips to help you go in prepared and confident.

1. Start by Writing Down What You’ve Noticed

Begin by reflecting on what you’ve observed in your child’s communication. Focus on:

• When they started babbling

• When (or if) they began using words

• Any changes in how they use language
  (e.g., were there words they used to say that they no longer use?)

This information helps your GP build a clear picture of your child’s development.

2. Think Beyond Words

Communication is about more than just talking. Consider:

• Is your child showing signs of frustration?
  Emotional reactions like frequent frustration can be a key indicator and are important to mention.

• How well do they understand you?
  Are they following simple instructions? Responding to their name?

• How are they interacting socially?
  Do they play with friends? Are they engaging with others during play?

Speech therapists look at a wide range of communication skills, not just spoken words, so this context matters.

3. Additional Support You Can Explore

While waiting for a referral or next steps, two great starting points are:

• Book a hearing test.
  Hearing plays a major role in language development. It’s always a good idea to rule out any issues here.

• Visit your local children’s centre.
  These centres often offer playgroups and sessions that focus on developing communication and social skills in a fun, supportive environment.

Final Thoughts

Going into your GP appointment with detailed observations and an open mind can make a big difference in getting the right support for your child. Trust your instincts, you know your little one best, and remember, you're not in this alone.