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Early Signs of Speech and Language Delay at 18–24 Months
Between 18 and 24 months, most toddlers use a growing number of words and begin joining two together. Early signs of speech and language delay include very few words, not following simple instructions, little pointing or gesturing, not copying sounds, or losing words once used. A hearing check and a gentle developmental check help most; a clinical AbilityScore is formed only at a Pinnacle centre under clinician care.
In this answer 5 sections
By 18 to 24 months, words usually begin to bloom — and noticing when they are slow to arrive is one of the kindest things a parent can do.
In short
Between 18 and 24 months, most toddlers are picking up new words steadily and starting to put two words together by around their second birthday. Early signs of a possible speech and language delay include using very few words, not following simple instructions, rarely pointing or gesturing, or showing little interest in copying sounds and words. None of this means something is wrong — toddlers vary widely — but a gentle developmental check helps you understand your child's pace and gives the best possible head start if support is needed.
Signs worth noticing
Every child develops on their own timeline, but these patterns at 18–24 months are worth a friendly closer look:
- Very few spoken words — by 18 months many toddlers use around 10–20 words; by 24 months, often 50 or more, and beginning to join two words ("more milk", "daddy go").
- Not following simple instructions — struggling to understand everyday requests like "give me the ball" or "where are your shoes?"
- Little pointing or gesturing — not pointing to show you things, wave, or shake the head for "no".
- Not copying — rarely imitating words, sounds or simple actions.
- Limited joint attention — seldom looking where you point or sharing interest in something together.
- Loss of words — any words or skills that appear and then fade away always deserve a prompt check.
Understanding (what your child takes in) matters as much as talking (what comes out). A toddler who understands well but is slow to speak often has a different journey from one who finds both hard — which is exactly what an assessment helps untangle.
When to seek a check
Consider a developmental check if, by around 24 months, your child uses very few words, is not combining two words, does not point or gesture to communicate, seems not to understand simple everyday requests, or has lost words they once used. A quick hearing check is also wise, since hearing differences are a common and treatable reason for slow speech. Early support is gentle, play-based and remarkably effective.
The Pinnacle way
AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional — never from an online form or an app. Our clinicians look at understanding, talking, gestures and hearing together, so support fits your child. Explore Pinnacle Blooms Network, how speech therapy builds early communication through play, and what the AbilityScore® is and how it is calculated.
Trusted sources
American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren.org guidance on language milestones in toddlers; CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." developmental checklists; ASHA information on early speech and language development.
Next step — If your toddler's words seem slow to arrive, book a friendly developmental check with a Pinnacle speech therapist.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
CONNECT THE ANSWER TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY
Something to notice. Something to discuss.
What to notice
Watch for fewer than ~50 words by 24 months, not joining two words, little pointing or gesturing, not following simple instructions, not copying sounds, or any loss of words once used.
In everyday life
Narrate your day in short, clear words — "open door", "big cup", "bye-bye" — and pause to give your toddler a turn to respond. Naming what they look at, with no pressure to repeat, builds words gently.
Bring your observations and questions to your child’s professional. Choose activities that suit your child’s comfort, abilities and agreed plan.
Bring your questions to a first visitQuestions families ask
How many words should my child have at 24 months?
Many toddlers use around 50 or more words by their second birthday and begin joining two words together, like "more milk". Counts vary widely between children, so a slow word count alone is not a diagnosis — but it is a helpful reason for a gentle developmental check.
My toddler understands everything but barely talks — is that a delay?
Strong understanding with little talking is a common and often reassuring pattern, but it is still worth a check. A speech therapist can tell whether your child needs a little time, a little support, or a hearing check, and guide you with simple play-based strategies.
Should I check my child's hearing first?
Yes — a quick hearing check is one of the wisest first steps, because hearing differences are a common and treatable reason for slow speech. It is painless and gives clear answers alongside a developmental check.
Will waiting and watching harm my child?
Toddlers do develop at different paces, so some are simply early or late talkers. But if you notice several signs together, or any loss of words, an early check costs nothing in worry and gives your child the best possible head start if support helps.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Organisation website · further readingAAP HealthyChildren.org — language milestones in toddlers
- Source referenceCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. — developmental milestones
- Organisation website · further readingASHA — early speech and language development
References are supplied with this answer. An organisation homepage offers further reading; it does not establish an independent review of this page.
Content attribution: SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network.
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