# Early Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech at 18–24 Months

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-a-18-to-24-month-old
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

At 18–24 months, early signs that may point towards Childhood Apraxia of Speech include limited and varied babble, very few growing words, distorted vowels, visible effort or groping when trying to talk, the same word said differently each time, and strong understanding alongside far less speech. CAS is hard to confirm this young, so these are signs to observe and discuss with a speech-language pathologist — not to self-diagnose.

*At 18 to 24 months, almost every toddler talks at their own pace — so how do you spot a difference that's about the brain planning speech, not just "taking their time"?*

## In short
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor-planning difference: a toddler's brain has trouble coordinating the lips, tongue and jaw to make sounds on purpose, even though the muscles themselves are strong. At 18–24 months it is genuinely hard to confirm — but early signs to watch include very limited babble and few spoken words, vowels that sound "off", trouble copying simple sounds when you ask, and a child who clearly understands far more than they can say. These are gentle flags to observe and discuss with a speech-language pathologist — not a diagnosis you can make at home, and not something to panic about.

## Early signs to watch at 18–24 months
**With sounds and babble**
- Limited or quiet babbling as a baby, with fewer varied consonant sounds (less "ba-da-ga-ma") than other toddlers
- A small set of sounds and words that doesn't grow much month to month
- Vowels that sound unclear or distorted, not just consonants

**With trying to talk**
- Visible effort, groping or "searching" mouth movements when attempting a word
- The same word said differently each time — "baba", then "bada", then "da" for the same thing
- Difficulty imitating sounds or words on request, even when keen to communicate

**The telling gap**
- Strong understanding — your toddler follows instructions, points, knows names — but speech lags well behind
- Leaning heavily on gestures, pointing or leading you by the hand because words won't come out

What sets CAS apart from an ordinary late-talker pattern is **inconsistency** (the word changes each attempt) and **the comprehension–speech gap** — they clearly know what they want to say, but the motor plan won't hold together.

## When to seek a check
Many toddlers with few words at this age simply bloom a little later, so these signs are reasons to observe and ask, not to alarm. A true CAS picture usually becomes clearer once a child is attempting more words — often closer to 2.5–3 years — so early on, the right step is a speech-language assessment that tracks how speech is developing rather than a fixed label. Bring it forward sooner if babble has been very limited, if words aren't emerging at all by around 18–24 months, or if your instinct says something is harder than it should be.

## The Pinnacle way
At [Pinnacle Blooms Network](/childhood-apraxia-of-speech), we start by celebrating how your child already communicates — sounds, gestures, intent — and build from there. Focused, playful [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) for suspected apraxia uses frequent, motor-based practice to help the brain plan and repeat sounds with growing confidence. A clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care; nothing here is a diagnosis. Across 70+ centres in 4 states, 700+ therapists and 4.95 lakh+ families served, our aim is steady, strengths-first progress.

## Trusted sources
Aligned with WHO ICD-11 (6A01.0, developmental speech sound disorder), the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidance on Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and the American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren.org milestones for early communication.

**Next step —** if these signs sound familiar, book an early speech screen with our clinical team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181, and let's understand your toddler's communication together.

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

## Sources
- WHO ICD-11: developmental speech sound disorder: https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en
- ASHA: Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/childhood-apraxia-of-speech/
- HealthyChildren.org: toddler communication milestones: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/default.aspx

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Conditions: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/conditions
- Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent
- Toddler-18-24: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/age/toddler-18-24
- Communication: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/communication
- Early Signs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/early_signs
- Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen
- Special Education: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/special-education
- Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity

## Related question paths

### Understand the subject
- How does Childhood Apraxia of Speech affect a child's daily life?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-affect-a-child-s-daily-life
- Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech considered a disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-considered-a-disability
- Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech Genetic or Hereditary?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-genetic-or-hereditary
- What are common myths about Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-common-myths-about-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
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- What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Early Childhood: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-and-what-does-it-look-like-in-early-childhood
- What Other Conditions Often Occur Alongside Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-other-conditions-often-occur-alongside-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- Early Intervention Outcomes in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (Under 7): https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-current-research-show-about-early-intervention-outcomes-for-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-children-under-7
- What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech and its ICD-11 features?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood
- ICD-11 Classification of Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-childhood-apraxia-of-speech

### Recognise signs & concerns
- Early Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech at 12–18 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-a-12-to-18-month-old
- Early Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech at 2 Years: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-a-2-year-old
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- What are the early signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech in young children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-young-children
- When should I worry about Childhood Apraxia of Speech at 18–24 months?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-i-worry-that-my-18-to-24-month-old-might-have-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- Early Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech in a 3-Year-Old: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-a-3-year-old
- Can Childhood Apraxia of Speech be cured?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-be-cured
- Can Childhood Apraxia of Speech be prevented?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-be-prevented
- Do boys show Childhood Apraxia of Speech differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-boys-show-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-differently
- Do girls show Childhood Apraxia of Speech differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-girls-show-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-differently
- Should I be worried about Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/should-i-be-worried-my-child-might-have-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- Early signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech in a 1-year-old boy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-a-1-year-old-boy

### Explore causes & influences
- Are Boys More Likely to Have Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-boys-more-likely-to-have-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- Are girls more likely to have Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-girls-more-likely-to-have-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What Causes Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Young Children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-young-children
- Early intervention for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: advancing UNCRPD and the SDGs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-early-intervention-for-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-advance-un-child-rights-uncrpd-and-the-sdgs
- Contributing factors for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-known-contributing-factors-for-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-early-childhood
- Cost-effectiveness of early therapy for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-cost-effectiveness-of-early-therapy-for-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-young-children
- Prevalence and Public-Health Burden of Childhood Apraxia of Speech in India: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-prevalence-and-public-health-burden-of-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-among-young-children-in-india

### Understand assessment
- How AbilityScore Tracks Progress in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-abilityscore-track-progress-in-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- How Childhood Apraxia of Speech Is Assessed in a Young Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-assessed-in-a-young-child
- How Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech Assessed in Children Under 7?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-assessed-in-children-under-7
- What an AbilityScore of 0–100 Means in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What an AbilityScore of 100–200 means for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- AbilityScore 200–300 in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What does an AbilityScore of 300–400 mean for a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What an AbilityScore of 400–500 means for a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What an AbilityScore of 500–600 means in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-500-600-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What does an AbilityScore of 600–700 mean for a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-600-700-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- What an AbilityScore of 700–800 means in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-700-800-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- AbilityScore 800–900 in Childhood Apraxia of Speech: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-800-900-mean-for-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech

### Explore therapy & support
- Can a child with CAS attend mainstream school?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-attend-a-mainstream-school
- Can a Child With Childhood Apraxia of Speech Attend Regular School?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-attend-a-regular-school
- Can a Child With Childhood Apraxia of Speech Live Independently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-grow-up-to-live-independently
- How can we support communication development in a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-we-support-communication-development-in-a-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech
- How Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech Diagnosed in a Child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-diagnosed-in-a-child
- How Childhood Apraxia of Speech Is Supported Through Therapy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-supported-through-therapy
- AbilityScore® for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: next steps: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-has-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-what-should-we-do-next
- AbilityScore 100–200 with Childhood Apraxia of Speech: what to do next: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-has-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-what-should-we-do-next
- CAS in the AbilityScore 200–300 Band — What To Do Next: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-has-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-what-should-we-do-next
- AbilityScore 300–400 with Childhood Apraxia of Speech: what to do next: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-has-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-what-should-we-do-next
- AbilityScore 400–500 with Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Your Next Step: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-has-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-what-should-we-do-next
- AbilityScore 500–600 with Childhood Apraxia of Speech — next steps: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-has-an-abilityscore-of-500-600-what-should-we-do-next

### At home & in everyday life
- How to Support Your Child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech at Home: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-support-my-child-with-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-at-home