A child's speech and language skills continue to develop as they become toddlers. In order to produce non-verbal gestures, words and phrases, a child must be able to first hear and understand language (receptive language skills). Although a "burst" of language is typically seen around 18 months, a toddler should be continuously adding new words to their vocabulary. Speech sounds may also be produced with many developmentally appropriate errors during this stage.
It is important to remember that each child develops at their own pace. However, there are certain milestones that we look for when determining the need for intervention.
HEARING and UNDERSTANDING
Age 1-2
· Points to a few body parts when asked.
· Follows simple commands and understands simple questions ("Roll the ball," "Kiss the baby," "Where's your shoe?").
· Listens to simple stories, songs, and rhymes.
· Points to pictures in a book when named.
Age 1-2
· Says more words every month.
· Uses some one- or two- word questions ("Where kitty?" "Go bye-bye?" "What's that?").
· Puts two words together ("more cookie," "no juice," "mommy book").
· Uses many different consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
COMMUNICATING
Age 2-3
· Understands differences in meaning ("go-stop," "in-on," "big-little," "up-down").
· Follows two requests ("Get the book and put it on the table").
· Listens to and enjoys hearing stories for longer periods of time.
Age 2-3
· Has a word for almost everything. Uses two- or three- words to talk about and ask for things.
· Uses f, t, d, and n sounds.
· Speech is understood by familiar listeners most of the time.
· Often asks for or directs attention to objects by naming them.
Typically at 18 months, a language burst occurs- you may see a significant increase in your child’s understanding of concepts and use of new vocabulary.
WHEN TO BE CONCERNED: If your child…
12 up to 18 months:
· does not use meaningful gestures - point to request, wave hi/bye
· does not use meaningful eye contact while communicating
· has not started using approximately 50 meaningful words
· begins to use words then stops
· does not follow simple directions
· lacks interest in toys or plays with them in an unusual way (e.g. lining up, spinning, opening/closing parts rather than using the toy as a whole)
18 up to 24 months:
· is using less than 100 words
· has not started to combine words
· cannot follow 2-step directions
· acts frustrated when trying to talk and is not understood by unfamiliar persons
· is not able to play with a toy in a typical routine (e.g., feeding a doll with a spoon)
3 years old:
· uses words in an unusual way
· repeats words but does not seem to understand
· is not using simple sentences (e.g., “I want a cookie”)
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