Signs of communication delay in an 18-to-24-month-old

By two, most toddlers are bubbling with words, gestures and pointing — and noticing what your little one is and isn't doing yet is exactly the right, loving thing to do.

In short

By 18–24 months, most toddlers say a growing handful of words (often 10–25 by 18 months, edging towards 50 and starting to join two words by 24 months), point to show you things, follow simple instructions and copy sounds. Gentle signs worth a developmental check include very few or no words, not pointing or gesturing, not responding to their name, not following simple requests, or losing words they once had. None of this is a diagnosis — it simply means a clinician's calm look is wise now, because early communication support works beautifully at this age.

What to watch at 18–24 months

Language blooms at different speeds, and a quiet toddler is not automatically a worried one. But these flags deserve a clinician's friendly eye:

• Very few or no spoken words — far fewer than the small handful most are using, or not adding new words over months.
• Little or no pointing or gesturing — not pointing to ask, to show, or waving, clapping and reaching to communicate.
• Not responding to their name or to simple, familiar requests like "give me the ball" without your gesture helping.
• Not copying — sounds, words, simple actions or play.
• Little back-and-forth — limited eye contact, shared smiling or taking turns in babble-chat.
• Loss of skills — words, babble or gestures your child once had now fading. This always deserves prompt review.

The aim isn't alarm — it's turning small everyday questions into early opportunities.

When to act

If your toddler is using very few words, isn't pointing or gesturing, isn't responding to their name, or has lost any communication skills, arrange a developmental check now rather than adopting a wait-and-see approach. What you notice in daily play is valuable clinical information — trust it.

The Pinnacle way

A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — never from an online list. Our clinicians watch how your child connects, gestures and plays, then shape support around joyful, everyday moments. You can explore how our speech therapy team builds early words and how a developmental assessment gives you a clear, kind picture.

Trusted sources

CDC "Learn the Signs, Act Early" developmental milestones for 18 and 24 months; American Academy of Pediatrics (healthychildren.org) guidance on early language and developmental monitoring; ASHA resources on toddler communication development.

Next step — Trust what you've noticed. Book a developmental assessment with a Pinnacle clinician for a warm, clear review of your toddler's communication and milestones.

This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.