Talkable - Toddler First Words

Worried your toddler is not talking yet? Looking for ways to support your baby’s speech and language development at home?

Talkable is a speech therapy app designed to help parents support babies and toddlers with speech delay, autism, and early communication difficulties. Developed by a Speech Pathologist and child development researcher, Talkable provides practical, evidence-informed strategies you can use during everyday routines and play to encourage communication and first words.

Designed for children aged 0–3 years, the Talkable app includes a comprehensive 10-week program filled with:
- weekly speech therapy videos
- first word activities
- baby sign language tutorials
- play-based communication strategies
- interactive book-sharing ideas
- language development tips
- communication tracking tools
- practical activities for everyday routines

Talkable shows parents how to:
- encourage first words naturally
- support speech development through play
- build communication during meals, bath time, and outings
- reduce pressure around talking
- create opportunities for interaction
- support understanding and listening skills
- respond to your child’s attempts to communicate

The strategies are simple, practical, and designed for real family life.

Baby Sign Language for Speech Delay
Talkable includes baby sign language tutorials featuring 40 practical signs to help babies and toddlers communicate before speech develops clearly.

Using signs alongside spoken words can:
- reduce frustration
- support understanding
- encourage interaction
- help toddlers communicate needs
- support speech and language development

Research suggests that baby sign language does not delay speech development when used together with spoken language.

The app is also helpful for:
- autistic children
- children with Down Syndrome
- children with global developmental delay
- toddlers needing speech therapy support
- childcare educators supporting communication development

Common Questions Parents Ask About Speech Delay
My toddler is not talking. Should I be worried?
Children develop at different rates, but it is worth seeking support if your toddler is not using words, gestures, or sounds to communicate, or seems frustrated communicating.

What age should babies say first words?
Many babies begin using first words around 12 months, although development varies between children.

How can I help my toddler talk?
Talking during routines, reading books, playing together, singing songs, using gestures, and responding to communication attempts can all help support speech and language development.

Does baby sign language delay speech?
No. Research suggests that using signs alongside spoken language does not delay talking and may support communication development.

What are signs of speech delay?
- Possible signs include:
- not babbling
- limited gestures
- few or no words
- difficulty understanding language
- frustration communicating
- difficulty combining words

What is a late talker?
A late talker is a child who is slower to begin talking but may otherwise appear to be developing typically.

Can speech delay be linked to autism?
Some autistic children experience speech and language delays, although speech delay alone does not necessarily mean autism.

When should I see a speech therapist?
It can help to seek support if your child is not meeting communication milestones, loses skills, struggles interacting, or becomes frustrated communicating.

Can parents do speech therapy activities at home?
Yes. Everyday routines, play, books, songs, gestures, and responsive interaction are powerful ways to support communication development.

Developed by an Experienced Speech Pathologist
Talkable was developed by Karen Nitsche, a Speech Pathologist and child development researcher with more than 20 years of experience supporting babies, toddlers, and families.