# When to worry about DLD at 18–24 months

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-i-worry-that-my-18-to-24-month-old-might-have-developmental-language-disorder
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

Between 18 and 24 months there is a very wide normal range in talking, and Developmental Language Disorder is rarely diagnosed this young. The most useful signal is whether your child understands you and communicates through gestures, pointing and eye contact, even with few words. Seek a gentle developmental and hearing check if words are very limited at 24 months, understanding seems delayed, or any skills are lost. Only a Pinnacle clinician can assess, never an online form.

*If your toddler is closer to two and still saying very few words, it is natural to wonder whether something more than a slow start is at play — and asking early is a loving, sensible instinct.*

## In short
Between 18 and 24 months there is a wide, normal range in talking — some children are happily chatty while others are quietly building up to it. [Developmental Language Disorder](/developmental-language-disorder) (ICD-11 6A01.2) is not usually diagnosed this young, but a few patterns are worth noting and watching rather than worrying over. The most useful single signal is whether your child is *understanding* you and *trying to communicate* — through pointing, gestures, sounds and eye contact — even if spoken words are few. None of these signs is a diagnosis; they simply tell you when a gentle developmental check is worthwhile.

## What is normal — and what is worth watching
At this age, a typical range looks like: around 50 words by 24 months and beginning to join two words together ("more milk", "daddy go"). But communication is far bigger than word count. Watch your child's whole toolkit:

- **Understanding** — does she follow simple instructions ("get your shoes"), point to body parts or familiar objects when named?
- **Communicating without words** — pointing to show you things, bringing objects, gesturing, making eye contact and taking turns in babble
- **Sound and word growth** — a steadily *growing* vocabulary, even if slow

Gentle reasons to seek a check around 18–24 months:

- Very few or no clear words by 24 months **and** little use of gestures or pointing
- Difficulty understanding simple everyday requests
- Not responding to her name or to familiar words
- A loss of words or skills she previously had (this always warrants prompt attention)

A child who understands well, points, gestures and is socially connected — but is simply slower to speak — is often a "late talker" who catches up. That is reassuring, and still worth a conversation if you are unsure.

## When a check becomes meaningful
DLD as a formal label is generally considered from around age 3–4, when language patterns become clearer. Before then, the right stance is *watch, support and check* — not a frightening signs list. A developmental and hearing review is sensible if words are very limited at 24 months, if understanding seems delayed, or any time skills are lost. Always have hearing checked, as glue ear and hearing dips are common and very treatable.

## The Pinnacle way
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 — never from an online form or a checklist. Our team looks at your child's whole communication picture — understanding, gestures, play and hearing — before any label is ever considered, and supports families through gentle, play-based [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) when it helps. Backed by 25 million+ therapy sessions and 4.95 lakh+ families served across 70+ centres, our approach is empowerment first.

## Trusted sources
WHO ICD-11 (6A01.2, Developmental Language Disorder); American Academy of Pediatrics developmental milestone guidance (healthychildren.org); ASHA guidance on early language and late talkers (asha.org).

**Next step —** If your toddler's words or understanding feel behind, a calm check is the kindest first move. [Book a developmental check](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/enroll-autism-speech-aba-therapies-india) with a Pinnacle speech-language therapist.

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

## Sources
- WHO ICD-11: Developmental Language Disorder: https://icd.who.int/
- AAP: early language milestones (HealthyChildren.org): https://www.healthychildren.org/
- ASHA: late talkers and early language: https://www.asha.org/

## 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
- Concern: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/concern
- 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 Developmental Language Disorder affect a child's daily life?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-developmental-language-disorder-affect-a-child-s-daily-life
- Is Developmental Language Disorder considered a disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-developmental-language-disorder-considered-a-disability
- Is Developmental Language Disorder Genetic or Hereditary?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-developmental-language-disorder-genetic-or-hereditary
- What are common myths about Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-common-myths-about-developmental-language-disorder
- What are the types or levels of Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-types-or-levels-of-developmental-language-disorder
- What causes Developmental Language Disorder in children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-developmental-language-disorder-in-children
- What is Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-developmental-language-disorder
- What is Developmental Language Disorder, and what does it look like in early childhood?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-developmental-language-disorder-and-what-does-it-look-like-in-early-childhood
- What other conditions often occur alongside DLD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-other-conditions-often-occur-alongside-developmental-language-disorder
- Early Intervention Outcomes for Developmental Language Disorder Under 7: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-current-research-show-about-early-intervention-outcomes-for-developmental-language-disorder-in-children-under-7
- Developmental Language Disorder: ICD-11 Definition & Early Features: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-developmental-language-disorder-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood
- ICD-11 Classification for Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-developmental-language-disorder

### Recognise signs & concerns
- Early Signs of Developmental Language Disorder at 18–24 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-developmental-language-disorder-in-a-18-to-24-month-old
- When should I worry about Developmental Language Disorder at 12–18 months?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-i-worry-that-my-12-to-18-month-old-might-have-developmental-language-disorder
- When should I worry about DLD in my 2-year-old?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-i-worry-that-my-2-year-old-might-have-developmental-language-disorder
- When should I worry about few words at 18–24 months?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-i-worry-that-my-18-to-24-month-old-might-have-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- When should I worry about speech and language delay at 18–24 months?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-i-worry-that-my-18-to-24-month-old-might-have-speech-and-language-delay
- Early Signs of Developmental Language Disorder at 12–18 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-developmental-language-disorder-in-a-12-to-18-month-old
- Can DLD be cured? The hopeful, honest answer: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-developmental-language-disorder-be-cured
- Can Developmental Language Disorder be prevented?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-developmental-language-disorder-be-prevented
- Should I be worried my child might have Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/developmental-language-disorder-03-should-i-be-worried-my-child-might-have-developmental-l
- Do boys show Developmental Language Disorder differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-boys-show-developmental-language-disorder-differently
- Do girls show Developmental Language Disorder differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-girls-show-developmental-language-disorder-differently
- Early Signs of Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-developmental-language-disorder

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

### Understand assessment
- How AbilityScore tracks progress in Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-abilityscore-track-progress-in-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- Assessing Developmental Language Disorder in a Young Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-developmental-language-disorder-assessed-in-a-young-child
- How is Developmental Language Disorder assessed in children under 7?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-developmental-language-disorder-assessed-in-children-under-7
- What an AbilityScore of 0–100 Means for a Child with DLD: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- What does an AbilityScore of 100–200 mean for a child with DLD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- What an AbilityScore of 200–300 Means in DLD: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- AbilityScore 300–400 and Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- What does an AbilityScore of 400–500 mean for a child with DLD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- AbilityScore 500–600 and Developmental Language Disorder: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-500-600-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- What does an AbilityScore of 600–700 mean for a child with Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-600-700-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- What does an AbilityScore of 700–800 mean for a child with Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-700-800-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- What does an AbilityScore of 800–900 mean for a child with DLD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-800-900-mean-for-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder

### Explore therapy & support
- Can a Child with Developmental Language Disorder Attend a Mainstream School?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-attend-a-mainstream-school
- Can a Child with DLD Attend a Regular School?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-attend-a-regular-school
- Can a child with DLD grow up to live independently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-grow-up-to-live-independently
- How can we support communication development in a child with Developmental Language Disorder?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-we-support-communication-development-in-a-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- How Developmental Language Disorder Is Diagnosed in a Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-developmental-language-disorder-diagnosed-in-a-child
- How Developmental Language Disorder Is Supported Through Therapy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-developmental-language-disorder-supported-through-therapy
- Your Child's DLD AbilityScore®: What to Do Next: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-has-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-what-should-we-do-next
- DLD AbilityScore® 100–200 — Next Steps: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-has-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-what-should-we-do-next
- What to do after a 200–300 AbilityScore in DLD: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-has-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-what-should-we-do-next
- AbilityScore 300–400 with DLD — what to do next: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-has-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-what-should-we-do-next
- DLD AbilityScore 400–500: what to do next: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-has-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-what-should-we-do-next
- AbilityScore 500–600 in DLD: what to do next: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-has-an-abilityscore-of-500-600-what-should-we-do-next

### At home & in everyday life
- How can I support my child with Developmental Language Disorder at home?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-support-my-child-with-developmental-language-disorder-at-home