When Your Toddler Has a Lot to Say (But Very Few Words to Say It): A Speech Expert Weighs In
A conversation between our CEO Alex Stried and Bridget Hoffman, a seasoned Speech Language Pathologist.
Have you ever wondered if you should seek help for your child's speech development? Maybe you're not sure if they should be putting words together yet, or you've noticed they repeat whole chunks of phrases instead of single words. If you've found yourself Googling "when should my toddler talk," you're definitely not alone.
Alex Stried, CEO and Co-Founder of Poppins, sat down with Bridget Hoffman, Speech Language Pathologist and Co-Owner of Small Talk Therapeutics, to get the real answers about when to seek help, what to expect from therapy, and how to support your child's communication at home.
Alex: Bridget, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. To start, can you tell our Poppins families a bit about your background and what led you to create Small Talk?
Bridget: Absolutely! My journey to speech pathology actually started with wanting to be a teacher. My brother suggested I look into speech therapy instead, and it turned out to be the perfect fit. When we created Small Talk, we saw a real gap in supporting autistic children and their families. We wanted to build a neurodiversity-affirming, child-led agency that prioritizes making every child feel good about their identity rather than forcing them to conform to neurotypical norms.
Alex: That's such an important distinction. For parents who might be wondering if their child needs speech support, when should they consider reaching out?
Bridget: We've actually seen children as young as 12 months - particularly when there's a lack of babbling, which can be an early indicator. The great news is that parents don't need a referral from their pediatrician. They can contact their county's early intervention program directly for an evaluation, or reach out to a private practice like Small Talk Therapeutics to get a developmental check as a first step.
Alex: What's the difference between speech and language? I think many parents use these terms interchangeably.
Bridget: Great question! Speech is "how we say words" - think articulation and clarity. Language is about "what we're thinking about and then putting those thoughts into words and sentences." It's the difference between pronunciation and communication. Understanding this distinction helps parents find the right support for their child's specific needs.
Alex: Can you explain what "following the child's lead" means in therapy? This seems central to Small Talk's approach.
Bridget: Following the lead means planning sessions around activities that bring joy to the child. Instead of imposing a "correct" way to play, we join the child in their play and then build language targets into those meaningful activities. If a child loves cars, we're going to work on language through cars - not force them to sit at a table with flashcards.
Alex: I've heard you mention Gestalt language processing. Can you break that down for parents?
Bridget: Gestalt language processing is when children develop language in "chunks" rather than single words. This is really common in autistic and neurodivergent children. What might seem like meaningless phrases to parents are actually meaningful expressions of how their child processes language. Understanding this framework helps parents view their child's communication through a strength-based lens.
Alex: What about children who aren't speaking yet? When might AAC devices be introduced?
Bridget: AAC - Alternative and Augmentative Communication - typically involves an iPad where children press buttons to communicate. We introduce AAC for children showing characteristics of autism who may not be talking reliably by 15-18 months. The research is clear: AAC devices actually help spoken language develop, they don't hinder it. Insurance often covers these devices, which is wonderful because it means families can keep them permanently.
Alex: How long does speech therapy typically take?
Bridget: It really varies by the child and their needs. Some cases, like articulation errors, might take about three months. Children using AAC devices may need longer-term support. At Small Talk, we use a parent coaching model that empowers families, which allows for flexibility in therapy frequency and even breaks when needed.
Alex: What can parents do at home to support their child's language development?
Bridget: The key is integrating language strategies into daily routines naturally. Sing songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" during diaper changes, or use phrases like "open, shut" when you're opening and closing cabinets during everyday activities. The beauty is that language opportunities are all around you - you don't have to "make time for speech." It should align with your personality to feel authentic and reduce pressure on both you and your child.
Alex: How do you measure progress in speech therapy?
Bridget: We use measurable goals, often with percentages or rubrics, assessing the level of support a child needs to perform a skill. The goal is not always full independence. Instead, our focus is on working alongside the child and family to identify the level of support that allows the child to meaningfully access and engage with the world around them. We maintain ongoing conversations with caregivers (and with the child when appropriate) about how progress feels, and together we make decisions regarding goals, progress, and eventual discharge as a team.
Alex: Any final advice for parents who might be on the fence about seeking support?
Bridget: Trust your gut. If everyone is saying your child is just a "late talker" but something feels off to you, remember that you can get an evaluation without a pediatrician referral. And if something feels wrong with a therapist's approach or your child seems uncomfortable during sessions, speak up. The therapist's approach is often more important than their credentials. Every child's journey is unique, and there's no shame in seeking support.
Alex: Thank you so much, Bridget! This has been incredibly insightful for our Poppins families. I'm so glad you all are one of our trusted partners.
Bridget Hoffman is a seasoned Speech Language Pathologist and Small Talk co-owner dedicated to providing connection-based care. She is a mom of two young kids who strives to treat your family like an extension of her own! Bridget is passionate about collaborating with family members and other team members about neurodiversity affirming practices and total communication through a sensory-trained lens. Bridget has done extensive training in the areas of attachment, sensory regulation, gestalt language processing, musical speech therapy, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, neurodiversity affirming practice and more! In a session with Bridget, you can expect lots of smiles, laughing, and movement while we progress towards your child's goals!
Small Talk Therapeutics provides neurodiversity-affirming speech and language services in Philadelphia. For more information about their parent coaching model and child-led approach, visit their website or contact your local early intervention program.
