Early Signs of Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation at 18–24 Months

Some toddlers say very little just yet — so how do you tell a slow start from a pattern worth a gentle, loving second look?

In short

Between 18 and 24 months, possible early signs of a non-verbal or minimally verbal presentation include very few or no spoken words, little babbling or jargon, limited pointing or gesturing to share interest, and relying on leading you by the hand rather than using sounds or words to communicate. At this age these are signs to observe and discuss, not to diagnose at home — many toddlers are simply late to talk and catch up. A hearing and speech-language check is the kind, sensible first step.

Early signs to watch (18–24 months)

Talking and sounds

• Very few or no clear words by around 24 months, or words that appear and then fade away
• Little babbling, jargon ("speech-like" strings of sounds) or attempts to imitate words
• Few different consonant sounds; mostly vowel sounds or one repeated sound

How your child connects

• Limited use of gestures such as pointing to show, waving, nodding or shaking the head
• Tends to lead you by the hand to what she wants rather than pointing or vocalising
• Less back-and-forth "conversation" — fewer turns of sound, gesture and eye contact

Understanding and play

• May or may not follow simple one-step requests like "give me the cup"
• Communication can stay flat over several months rather than steadily growing

What gently shifts this from ordinary late-talking towards something to assess is few words alongside few gestures, little drive to share or imitate, or words that have stopped appearing. Strong pointing, good understanding and warm shared attention are reassuring even when spoken words are slow.

When to seek a check

Many healthy toddlers are simply on the later side of normal — especially in bilingual homes, or after frequent ear infections. Consider a developmental and hearing check if, near the second birthday, your child has very few or no words, isn't using gestures to communicate, or has lost words she once used. A hearing screen always comes first, because glue ear and other hearing differences are common and very treatable. Being minimally verbal is a description of communication right now, not a diagnosis — and early support never has to wait for a label.

The Pinnacle way

At Pinnacle Blooms Network, we begin by understanding how your child already communicates — every sound, gesture and glance — then build a bridge from there. Gentle, play-based speech therapy grows understanding, shared attention and the joy of connecting, with parents coached as everyday communication partners, and with picture or device-based supports where helpful. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care; nothing here is a diagnosis. You can learn more about non-verbal and minimally verbal presentation and how support works. Across 70+ centres in 4 states and 4.95 lakh+ families served, our aim is steady, strengths-first progress.

Trusted sources

Aligned with WHO ICD-11 guidance on early language and communication, American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren.org milestone resources, and ASHA materials on toddler communication and late talkers.

Next step — if this sounds like your little one, book a developmental and speech screen with our clinical team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181, and let's understand your child together.