# What are the early signs of Speech and Language Delay in an 18-to-24-month-old? Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-speech-and-language-delay-in-an-18-to-24-month-old Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited 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. *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](/speech-therapy) builds early communication through play, and [what the AbilityScore® is and how it is calculated](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-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](/speech-therapy). This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. ## Sources - AAP HealthyChildren.org — language milestones in toddlers: https://www.healthychildren.org - CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. — developmental milestones: https://www.cdc.gov/child-development - ASHA — early speech and language development: https://www.asha.org ## Connected topics and perspectives - Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent - Toddler-18-24: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/age/toddler-18-24 - Context: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/context - Early Signs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/early_signs ## Related question paths ### Understand assessment - Can Speech and Language Delay be diagnosed in an 18-to-24-month-old?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-speech-and-language-delay-be-diagnosed-in-an-18-to-24-month-old - Can Speech and Language Delay be diagnosed in a 12-to-18-month-old?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-speech-and-language-delay-be-diagnosed-in-a-12-to-18-month-old - Can Speech and Language Delay be diagnosed in a 2-year-old?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-speech-and-language-delay-be-diagnosed-in-a-2-year-old - Can Speech and Language Delay Be Diagnosed in a 3-Year-Old?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-speech-and-language-delay-be-diagnosed-in-a-3-year-old ### Explore therapy & support - Speech and Language Delay at 18–24 Months: A Parent's Guide: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-18-to-24-month-old-is-showing-signs-of-speech-and-language-delay-what-should-i-do - Speech and Language Delay at 12–18 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-12-to-18-month-old-is-showing-signs-of-speech-and-language-delay-what-should-i-do - Speech and Language Delay at 2 — What Parents Can Do: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-2-year-old-is-showing-signs-of-speech-and-language-delay-what-should-i-do - My 3-Year-Old Has Signs of Speech and Language Delay — What Should I Do?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-3-year-old-is-showing-signs-of-speech-and-language-delay-what-should-i-do