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When Words Are Taking Their Time
A late talker is typically a toddler between 18 and 30 months who has a smaller vocabulary than expected for their age. At this stage, their understanding of language may be appropriate, and other areas of development, such as play and motor skills, may also be developing as expected (Lowry, 2011).
Understanding Functional Communication: Supporting Children to Express Their Needs
Functional communication refers to an individual’s ability to communicate effectively in order to express their feelings, needs, wants and experiences. It begins to emerge from an early age, with children initially communicating through gestures, facial expressions and signs before progressing towards first words, phrases and, eventually, longer sentences.
Every child develops communication skills at their own pace. For children with different abilities, functional communication may emerge differently or develop at a slower pace (California Scottish Rite Foundation, 2026). Regardless of the form it takes, functional communication provides an important foundation for emotional regulation, coping strategies and participation in everyday activities.
Helping Multilingual Children Thrive Through Talk, Play and Connection
Growing up with more than one language is increasingly common in multicultural communities. A multilingual child is someone who understands and/or uses two or more languages, whether spoken, signed or written, regardless of the age at which those languages were acquired (McLeod, 2024).