Early Intervention Speech Therapy for Late Talkers and Toddlers

Evidence-based therapy for children 0-5 years in Brisbane & Mackay. Help your toddler find their voice.

Is your 2-year-old not talking yet? Does your toddler seem behind other children their age? You're not alone — and early help makes all the difference.

At Let's Talk, Let's Eat, we specialise in early intervention for late talkers, supporting toddlers and preschoolers with speech delays, language difficulties, and communication challenges across Redlands (Ormiston and Makay)

Young Beautiful Teacher And Toddler Playing With Dishes, Cutlery And Cups Toy On The Table At Kindergarten

Trusted By

Ndis

Hanen-Certified
Therapists
specialising
in toddler language

Minimal

See children from 12
months — it's never
too early

Training

Parent coaching
included in every
session

Convenient Location

No referral needed
— book directly
today

Is Your Toddler Showing These Signs?

Don’t Wait and See — Act Early

The first five years of life are critical for development. If your child isn’t meeting expected milestones for speech, understanding, or interaction — early intervention can make a lasting difference.

Signs your child may need support:

Not using single words by 18 months

Limited vocabulary or missing key sounds for age

Difficulty following instructions

Rarely initiates communication or play with others

Gets frustrated when trying to express themselves

Whether you’re noticing delays or just want peace of mind, our team can help you make sense of it all.

Teacher And Toddler Playing With Geometry Blocks Sitting On Table At Kindergarten

What We Help With

When to Seek Early Intervention Speech Therapy

If your child has a diagnosis with known communication and / or feeding delays (e.g., prematurity, neurodevelopmental disorders, trisomy 21), it is never too early to engage in speech and feeding therapy  to support your child’s development.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off about your child's communication, it's worth checking. Here are the signs our speech pathologists look for:

Promt

12-18 Months - Red Flags:

Not responding to their name consistently

No babbling or limited sounds (should have various consonants)

Not pointing to show you things

Fewer than 3 words (including animal sounds)

Not understanding simple instructions like "come here"

Limited eye contact or social smiling

Concerns

18-24 Months - Concerns:

Late talker: Fewer than 20 words by 18 months

Not combining two words by 24 months ("more milk", "daddy go")

Can't identify basic body parts when asked

Losing words they previously used

Extreme frustration when trying to communicate

Not interested in other children

Warning Signs

2-3 Years - Warning Signs:

Toddler not talking: Fewer than 20 words by age 2

Speech unclear to familiar adults

Not asking simple questions

Can't follow 2-step instructions

Mainly echoes what others say

Prefers to play alone consistently

Ltle Img 1

3-5 Years - Development Concerns:

Sentences shorter than 3-4 words

Can't tell a simple story

Difficulty with preschool activities

Other children can't understand them

Not engaging in pretend play

Struggles with pre-literacy skills

Remember: Every child develops differently, but if you're concerned, don't "wait and see." Early intervention in Redlands and Mackay. delivers the best outcomes.

What We Help With in Early Intervention

Comprehensive Support for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Late Talkers

Your toddler understands everything but won't talk? We help late talkers in Brisbane find their voice using play-based therapy and parent coaching. Most children make rapid progress with the right support.

Speech Sound Development

When your 3-year-old says "dun" for "sun" or drops sounds, we use techniques like PROMPT to help develop clear speech. Age-appropriate sound errors are normal, but we'll assess what needs support.

Language Delays

Building vocabulary, combining words, and understanding instructions. We help children move from single words to sentences, supporting both understanding (receptive) and talking (expressive) skills.

Social Communication

For children who struggle with eye contact, turn-taking, or engaging with peers. Essential foundation skills for kindy and school success. Includes support for children with autism or social communication differences.

Social Communication

For children who struggle with eye contact, turn-taking, or engaging with peers. Essential foundation skills for kindy and school success. Includes support for children with autism or social communication differences.

Pre-Literacy Skills

Phonological awareness, book skills, and early writing. We prepare children for school success by building the foundations of reading and writing through play.

Bilingual Language Development

Supporting families raising children with multiple languages. We help maintain home language while developing English skills for Australian preschools and schools.

Early Feeding Challenges

Transitioning to solids, expanding food variety, addressing sensory issues, tube weaning, promoting oral eating with tube feeding, our Responsive Feeding and SOS trained therapists support the feeding-communication connection.

Our Early Intervention Approach

Evidence-Based Methods That Work for Toddlers

Early Intervention 1

Play-Based Learning

Toddlers learn through play. Every session incorporates your child's interests — whether that's dinosaurs, Bluey, or bubbles. When therapy feels like fun, children engage and progress faster.

Parent Coaching & Involvement

You're with your child 24/7 — we see them for one hour. That's why we train you to become your child's best language teacher. Every session includes:

Live coaching during play

Strategies to use at home

Video examples when helpful

Written home practice ideas

Evidence-Based Programs We Use:

Hanen Programs

It Takes Two to Talk® — For late talkers and language delays

More Than Words® — For children with autism or social communication needs Our Hanen-certified therapists teach you to transform everyday moments into language learning opportunities.

PROMPT Therapy

For toddlers with motor speech difficulties, our PROMPT-trained therapists use touch cues to guide speech movements.

Key Word Sign

Bridge communication while speech develops. Simple signs reduce frustration and actually encourage talking.

DIR/Floortime

Following your child's lead to build engagement, communication, and thinking skills through playful interactions.

Early Intervention Speech Therapy

What to Expect!

What to Expect from Assessment to Progress

Icon Phone Call

1. Initial Phone Discussion

Call 0490 894 427 to discuss your concerns. We'll help you understand if assessment is needed and answer your questions. No referral required.

Icon Comprehensive Assessment

2. Comprehensive Assessment (60-90 minutes)

What happens:

  • Play-based observation of your child's communication
  • Parent interview about development and concerns
  • Standardised assessments if appropriate (made fun for toddlers!)
  • Hearing screening recommendation if needed

You'll receive:

  • Clear explanation of findings
  • Written report for your records (within two weeks of assessment completion)
  • Individualised therapy plan
  • Home strategies to start immediately
Icon Tailored Therapy Plan

3. Therapy Begins

Session structure for toddlers:

  • 45- 60 minute sessions (shorter for younger children)
  • Parent always present and involved
  • Mix of child-led and therapist-guided activities
  • Take-home tasks each week
Icon Regular Progress Updates

4. Regular Progress Reviews

Every 10-12 weeks we review:

  • Goals achieved
  • New objectives
  • Home program adjustments
  • Celebration of wins (every word counts!)
Icon Ongoing Partnership

5. Transition Planning

As your child approaches school, we ensure smooth transitions with:

  • School readiness assessments
  • Kindy collaboration if needed
  • Handover to school support team
  • Continued therapy if required

Why Choose LTLE for Early Intervention

Brisbane's Trusted Choice for Toddler Speech Therapy

Why Choose Ltle 1

Specialised Early Years Expertise

Hanen-certified therapists

PROMPT-trained for speech clarity

Extensive toddler experience

Play-based, child-led approach

Convenient Locations Across Brisbane and Mackay

Convenient Locations Across Brisbane & Mackay

Northside Brisbane - Aspley: Serving Bridgeman Downs, Carseldine, Chermside, McDowall

Bayside Brisbane - Ormiston: Serving Cleveland, Wellington Point, Capalaba, Thornlands

Mackay Region: Comprehensive regional coverage

Teacher And Toddler Cutting Paper Wearing Backpack At Kindergarten

Family-Centered Support

Parents involved in every session

Strategies for home and daily routines

Sibling-inclusive when appropriate

Flexible session times for working families

Adorable Caucasian Boy Holding Sandwich And Supermarket Toy At Kindergarten

No Barriers to
Access

No referral needed

NDIS support (self & plan managed)

Telehealth available

Minimal waitlists

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Early Intervention Questions Answered

My 18-month-old isn't talking yet. Is it too early for speech therapy?
What's the difference between a late talker and a language disorder?
Will teaching signs stop my toddler from talking?
How long will my child need early intervention therapy?
Do you work with children with autism or developmental delays?
Can grandparents or educators attend sessions?

Don't Wait — Early Help Makes the Difference

If you're concerned about your toddler's communication, trust your instincts. The earlier children receive support, the better their outcomes. Our experienced team is ready to help your child find their voice.

Speak directly with our team about your toddler's development. Get answers today.

Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

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Visit Us

Brisbane North: Aspley Clinic

Brisbane Bayside: Ormiston Clinic

Regional QLD: Mackay Services

Remember: It's never too early to seek help. Whether your toddler needs immediate therapy or you just want reassurance, we're here to support your family's journey.