18 months-3 years
Little Talkers
A six-week small-group programme combining play-based activities, parent coaching and personalised strategies to use between sessions.
Explore Little TalkersLate talking · Edinburgh & Lothians
Support when your toddler is late talking
If your toddler is using fewer words than you expected, is not yet combining words or relies heavily on gesture, you may be wondering whether to wait or ask for advice. Small Talk Club offers practical, parent-focused support in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Small Talk Club
HCPC-registered SLT
Paediatric support from an HCPC-registered Speech & Language Therapist.
Little Talkers
Our six-week parent and child programme for ages 18 months to 3 years.
Bespoke 1:1 support
More individual therapy where a group format is not the right fit.
Understanding the concern
“Late talker” describes a concern, not a diagnosis.
Parents often use the phrase “late talker” when a young child is using fewer spoken words than they expected or is not yet combining words into short phrases.
Children and family circumstances differ, so a webpage cannot determine what a child needs. If you are unsure, you can share what you are noticing through the suitability form and consider speaking with a Speech & Language Therapist.
Reasons parents often get in touch
- Your toddler is using fewer words than you expected for their age
- Your child is not yet combining words into short phrases
- They rely heavily on pointing, gesture or taking you to what they want
- You are unsure whether to wait, seek advice or arrange more individual support
Existing support options
Support built around the child and the parent.
Small Talk Club focuses on practical strategies that can carry into everyday life at home. Suitability is reviewed before any programme place or individual support is offered.
Individual support
Bespoke 1:1 Speech & Language Therapy
Limited-capacity individual support for children who would benefit from a more tailored approach outside the group format.
Enquire about 1:1 supportA clear first step
You do not need to have all the answers before asking for help.
01
Tell us
Tell us what you’re noticing
Complete the suitability form so we can understand your child’s age, communication and current support.
02
Clinical review
A personal clinical review
Your enquiry is reviewed as a whole, including whether Little Talkers, bespoke 1:1 support or another next step may be appropriate.
03
Next step
Start the right support
If we look like the right fit, we’ll contact you directly. Payment is only arranged after suitability and availability have been confirmed.
Questions parents ask
Finding an appropriate next step
Does late talking mean my child has a speech or language disorder?
Not necessarily. “Late talker” is a phrase parents may use to describe what they are noticing; it is not a diagnosis. A Speech & Language Therapist can help you consider whether further advice or support may be appropriate.
Should I wait and see?
It is understandable to feel unsure. If you remain concerned about your toddler's communication, consider speaking with a Speech & Language Therapist rather than relying on a webpage to decide what your child needs.
Could Little Talkers be suitable?
Little Talkers is designed for children aged 18 months to 3 years who may have a limited vocabulary, are not yet combining words into phrases or rely mainly on gesture. Suitability is personally reviewed before any place is offered.
Do I need an NHS referral?
No. Families can contact Small Talk Club directly about private support. If your child is already known to NHS Speech & Language Therapy, you can include that in the suitability form.
Start here
Tell us what you are noticing about your child's communication.
The suitability form gives us enough context to consider the most appropriate next step.
Check suitability