What if My 3-Year-Old Has Not Started Talking but Understands Well?

It’s natural to worry if your child isn’t speaking as much as their peers.

Every child develops at their own pace, but it’s essential to know when your child might need extra support.

If your 3-year-old understands language well but hasn’t started talking yet, here’s what you should know.

Each Child Develops at Their Own Pace

While it’s important to remember that every child is unique and may hit developmental milestones at different times, these milestones help us track a child’s growth.

Generally, we expect:

• By 1 year: The child should say their first word.
• By 18 months: They should have a vocabulary of around 50 words.
• By 2 years: They should begin using simple 2-3 word sentences, like “more juice” or “big car.”

However, if your 3-year-old understands what you’re saying but isn’t speaking yet, they may have a delay in expressive language, or the ability to use words to communicate.

Understanding Comes Before Speaking

Receptive language, or understanding what is said, typically develops before expressive language.

If your child is following instructions, pointing to objects when asked, or understanding questions, that’s a good sign their receptive language is strong.

For example, if you say, “Where’s your toy?” and your child points to the toy, it shows their understanding of language is on track, even if they aren’t verbally responding yet.

When to Be Concerned

If your child is 3 years old, understands language well but is not speaking or is significantly behind in using words, it’s important to seek a consultation with a speech-language pathologist (SLP).

This may point to a delay in expressive language, which can happen for various reasons, including motor planning difficulties, hearing issues, or other developmental concerns.

Why Early Intervention Is Key

Starting speech therapy early can make a significant difference in your child’s development.

Early intervention gives children the support they need to develop communication skills before they start school, helping them thrive socially and academically.

An SLP can guide you through activities, strategies, and therapy tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Related: What is the Best Age to Start Speech Therapy?

Conclusion

If your 3-year-old understands what you say but hasn’t started talking yet, don’t panic, but don’t wait either. Early intervention is critical to ensuring your child develops the speech and language skills they need.

Reach out to a speech-language pathologist to assess your child and begin a plan for supporting their speech development.

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or language development, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.

Early support can pave the way for your child’s communication success.