New Research: "Late talkers twice as likely to have severe, frequent temper tantrums"
Updated: Oct 12
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Perhaps as a parent you've assumed that a toddler speech delay and temper tantrums go hand in hand, but now there is the large scale data to show that.
A new, 2,000-participant study from Northwestern University found that toddlers with fewer spoken words have more frequent and severe temper tantrums than their peers with typical language skills. Which to the speech therapists at Speech Therapy that Works (STTW), is not surprising.
"We've found that many of our late talking toddler clients get very frustrated when they can't express their wants, needs and emotions. The same situation would make any adult frustrated and angry, so why wouldn't a child react the same way?" said Carly, a speech therapist at STTW who has worked with toddlers for over 10 years.
In the study, a toddler is considered to be a "late talker" if they have fewer than 50 words or aren't putting words together by age 2.
The increase in frustration and number of tantrums is only made worse by the fact that many people still believe that a "wait and see" approach is the best way to handle their late talkers. They are advised by loved ones that their toddler might simply outgrow their delay. But the research on that suggests otherwise.
Tantrums can be a sign of asking help.
Here are the facts:
20-30% of late talkers don't outgrow their delay
Late Talkers who seem to catch up continue to have some weaknesses in language, literacy, social skills and/or executive function skills (like planning or paying attention)
Do parents want to risk waiting? What should parents do?
To increase the chances for a positive outcome for a toddler with language delay or a late talking child, early language intervention is crucial. Intervention with a speech therapist that focuses on strategies that help a child communicate at an age appropriate level can drastically decrease frustration at home, at school with teachers or with peers.
Parents also report that speech therapy's biggest impact can be with improving social communication between a toddler and a peer. Maria G. a parent of a late talking toddler who gets speech therapy at STTW, says:
"My son used to hit his sister whenever he wanted a toy. Now he can say "gimme please" as he reaches his hand out. I've seen such great improvement in his language but I'm happy to say that he also doesn't get angry so often."
The recommendation for speech therapy is not something that parents should hesitate about. It does no harm. Meaning, even if your child would have outgrown their delay, the speech therapist just played with your child and their toys. The intervention doesn't hurt or do damage. And since there is a risk for problems in school later on with literacy, language and other functioning, the risk is greater for parents to wait and do nothing. If you are not comfortable with in-home speech therapy, online speech therapy is now available for children, and has proven to be effective training.
Another important recommendation is for parents to get trained in speech therapy strategies that they can use at home with their toddler. When a parent is empowered to be their child's speech therapist, a child learns faster and can graduate from speech therapy sooner. There really is no downside.
Better Speech's speech language pathologists are available specifically to train parents to learn many of the strategies that speech therapists use with late talking toddlers. "It's one of our most popular programs," says Carly, "because parents and toddlers see results right away."
You can ask one of our SLPs during a free consultation call to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are late talkers more likely to have severe temper tantrums?
When children cannot express their needs, feelings, or frustrations through words, those emotions still need somewhere to go, and tantrums often become the outlet. Research suggests this connection is rooted in communication frustration rather than behavior problems. Supporting a child's language development early can meaningfully reduce both the frequency and intensity of meltdowns.
At what age should I be concerned if my child is not talking yet?
Most children say their first words around 12 months and use around 50 words by age two. If your child is not meeting these milestones, it is worth consulting a speech-language pathologist sooner rather than later. Early intervention consistently leads to better outcomes, so trust your instincts if something feels off.
Can speech therapy actually help reduce my child's tantrums?
Yes, because tantrums tied to communication frustration tend to decrease as a child gains more ways to express themselves. Speech therapy gives children functional language tools, which reduces the gap between what they feel and what they can say. Many parents notice improvements in behavior alongside gains in speech and language skills.
How do I find a speech therapist for my toddler without waiting months for an appointment?
Waitlists for in-person pediatric speech therapy can unfortunately stretch for months, which is time a developing child does not have to spare. Better Speech offers licensed speech-language pathologists online, accepts most major insurance plans, and has no waitlists, so families can get started quickly from the comfort of home.
What can I do at home right now to help my late talker communicate better?
Simple strategies make a real difference: narrate your daily routines, get down to your child's eye level, and respond enthusiastically to any attempt they make to communicate, whether words, sounds, or gestures. Reducing screen time and increasing face-to-face interaction also helps. A speech-language pathologist can give you a personalized home plan tailored to your child's specific needs.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
