Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP
Yes, boys start talking slightly later than girls on average. But the gap is small—for example, boys typically say their first word about one to two months later than girls, per the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. That gap is much smaller than the six or more months many parents assume. Being a boy is not a reason to “wait and see” if your son is missing speech milestones. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to have a language delay, so early evaluation matters more, not less.
Key takeaways
Boys do start talking slightly later than girls on average. But the gap is only about one to two months.
Boys are about three times more likely than girls to have a language delay. Autism, which affects language, is over three times more common in boys.
Being a boy is not a reason to delay a speech evaluation or take a “wait and see” approach. Early speech therapy leads to the strongest outcomes.
By 15 months, most children say at least one word besides “mama” or “dada.” By 18 months, most say at least three or more words, and by 24 months most use at least 50 words and start combining words. A child missing these milestones should be evaluated regardless of sex.
Knowledge is power
Take 5 minutes to check your child’s speech milestones with our free online screener.
Start the screenerMyth or fact: Boys talk later than girls
Fact—but the difference is much smaller than what many people think. Research consistently shows that boys say their first words and reach vocabulary milestones about one to two months later than girls. Girls also use more early gestures, like pointing. But this is an average across many kids. Many boys hit milestones right on time, and being male is not a reason to “wait and see.”
“Research has shown that girls say their first words and first sentences at a younger age than boys. They also have larger vocabularies in their early communication than boys do,” says Alexis Irazoque, MS, L/SLP, a speech therapist with Expressable. “So it is true that boys tend to start talking later than girls.”
Studies have also shown that boys tend to use gestures to communicate (such as pointing) later than girls do.
Many parents assume the average gap between boys and girls on first words and early vocabulary is more like six months. But in reality, most children of both sexes are on similar tracks. When gaps are much bigger, the cause is usually a language delay, not sex.
Why do girls start talking earlier?
There are several reasons girls may hit their language milestones on the earlier side.
Biological factors: The gene FOXP2 is important for speech and language development. Research has called it the "language gene." Females have higher levels of FOXP2. More studies are needed, but researchers agree that this gene has an impact on speech and language development.
Hormones: Male and female sex hormones have been researched to understand their role in the development of speech and language. Estrogen, the female hormone, can enhance social and verbal skills and is connected to certain aspects of the brain that are part of language development. Studies have shown that testosterone has the opposite impact, and it affects the same part of the brain for language development.
Nature versus nurture: There is a biological difference between males and females. But we should also consider the influence of “nurture”—how girls and boys may be raised and treated differently.
We should also consider how girls and boys may be raised and treated differently.
Many people change their behavior and communication style depending on whether they’re speaking with a boy or a girl. Also, for decades boys were encouraged to do more physical activities like sports and playing outside. Girls were encouraged to do more social and “domestic” activities, such as having tea parties or playing with dolls. These activities can affect speech and language development.
Our speech therapists explain the red flags for speech delay by age, key speech milestones to know, and when to schedule an evaluation.
When do boys typically say their first word?
Babies typically start talking at around 12 months old. Most boys say their first true word between 12 and 15 months. The average lands around 13 months, which is roughly one month behind the girls' average of about 12 months.
By 18 months, most boys try to say at least three or more words. By 24 months, most use at least 50 words and are combining two words into phrases, like “Mommy go.” If your son is 15 months and has not said a true word, or is 24 months and not combining words, schedule a speech evaluation. Being male is not a reason to wait.
Boy-specific milestones: Quick reference
12-13 months: first true word (for example, “Mama,” “Dada,” “ball,” “dog”), plus points to show or ask for things
18 months: at least three words (some children can say about 20); follows simple one-step directions
24 months: about 50 words; starts combining two words (such as “Mommy up”)
Boys are more likely to have language delays than girls
Language development refers to two things: (1) a child’s ability to learn and understand what’s said to them, called receptive language, and (2) a child’s ability to communicate verbally or nonverbally, called expressive language.
When children don’t develop language at the expected rate, and don’t meet the milestones for their age, this is called a language delay. Males have been shown to be three times more likely to have late language emergence than females. This is a language delay with no other diagnosed disabilities or developmental delays. Toddlers with this type of language delay may also be referred to as “late talkers” or “late language learners.”
In addition, autism, which can affect a person's language abilities, is over three times more common in boys than in girls. It should be noted, however, that females are often underdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life because of differences in how autism characteristics present. Learn more about the differences between speech delay and autism in our guide.
Help your child make faster progress with 15 easy speech therapy exercises to use at home—proven tips from speech therapists for toddlers and kids.
Signs your son may need speech therapy
“These warning signs apply to boys just as much as to girls. Being male is not a reason to wait,” Irazoque notes. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to have a language delay, so early evaluation matters more for them, not less. Talk with your pediatrician or a speech therapist right away if you see any of these signs:
No babbling with a mix of consonant sounds by 12 months
No true words by 15 months
Fewer than 20 words by 21 months
Not combining two words by 24 months (for example, "more milk," "Daddy up")
Does not respond to his name or follow simple directions like "come here" or "give me"
Does not use gestures like pointing, waving, or shaking his head
Has lost words or communication skills he used to have
You have a family history of speech, language, or learning problems—even if the affected family members "caught up" later
One warning sign is enough to warrant a speech evaluation. Family stories about a dad, uncle, or grandfather who "talked late and turned out fine" are reassuring, but they are not evidence. The safer move is a quick evaluation.
"The most common thing I hear from parents is: 'My husband says he was a late talker too, and then he started talking in full sentences.' I understand the pull to wait. But every month you wait is a month your child could be building skills,” Irazoque says. “Early speech therapy is often short, and it’s effective. Waiting is the more expensive choice.”
Toddlers aren't too young for speech therapy. Learn the many benefits of speech therapy for toddlers and young children.
How do you know if your child needs an evaluation?
If your child hasn't hit his language milestones for his age, don't assume it's because he's a boy. If your child is 15 months or older and has not said their first word—or is struggling to communicate at any age—talk with your pediatrician and schedule an evaluation with a speech therapist. You can also take our simple online screener to find out if your child would benefit from an evaluation.
Research has shown that the earlier speech therapy begins, the better the outcomes. A speech therapist is best equipped to evaluate your child, discuss any questions or concerns you have, and provide professional guidance on whether your child needs speech therapy.
“Helping your child learn to communicate clearly and confidently is important for their social, academic, and emotional development. So if you have concerns, trust your gut,” Irazoque advises. Contact a speech therapist for an evaluation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes, but the difference is small. On average, boys reach first-word and early-vocabulary milestones only about 1 to 2 months after girls. Being a boy is not a reason to delay a speech evaluation if your son is missing milestones.
On average, boys say their first true word around 13 months. Girls average about 12 months—a difference of about one month. Similarly, girls tend to gain 50-word vocabularies a few weeks before boys. By 24 months, most children of both sexes use at least 50 words and combine two words, such as “Daddy up.” Kids who aren’t meeting these milestones should be evaluated.
Contact your pediatrician or a speech therapist if your son is not babbling with a mix of consonant sounds by 12 months, has not said a true word by 15 months, uses fewer than 20 words at 21 months, or is not combining two words by 24 months. Also seek help if he loses words he used to have, does not respond to his name, or does not use gestures like pointing. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to have a language delay, so early evaluation is especially important.
How Expressable Can Help
Concerned your child isn't reaching age-expected milestones? Looking for communication support from a professional? Expressable is a national online speech and occupational therapy practice serving children and adults. We treat all major areas of communication, feeding, and developmental skills, offer flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and accept most major health insurance plans. We’re proud to have earned more than 4,500 5-star reviews from our clients (4.83/5 average).
Our therapy model is centered on parent and caregiver involvement. Research proves that empowering caregivers to participate in their loved one’s therapy leads to better outcomes. That’s why we combine live, 1-on-1 speech and occupational therapy with personalized education and home practice activities for faster progress.
