SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 1 to 2-YEAR OLD CHILD
Between the ages of 1 and 2 years, children experience a remarkable leap in their speech and language development. Toddlers begin to form their first words, their understanding of communication expand, and later they move from simple babbling to using meaningful words and phrases. This period is essential for laying the foundation for the development of more complex language skills, as children learn to express their needs, emotions, and ideas. At this stage, they start to understand the connection between words and their meanings, and their ability to engage in basic conversations begins to emerge. Below we explore key milestones in speech and language development for children aged 1 to 2 years of age.
What speech and language development can you expect to see at this age?
- 12 – 18 months
- Your toddler points and names pictures of clothes, peoples, toys and animals independently
- They follow simple instructions, especially with a gestural cue
- Your toddler listens to simple stories, songs and rhymes
- They use a few single words at 12 months and understand up to 50 different words at 18 months
- They call out for attention
- 18 – 24 months
- Able to identify some body parts
- Begins to use 2- word utterances (e.g. “mommy sock”)
- They sing and enjoy rhyming games
- Able to answer questions (e.g. “Where is the ball?”; “What is this?” and Yes/No questions)
- They also tart asking questions (e.g. “What’s that?”) with rising intonation
- Use some pronouns (e.g. “I” and “it”)
- They use up to 50 different words
- Follows directions to find two familiar objects (e.g. “Fetch the apple and banana.”)
- They talk to themselves during play activities
- Engages in simple pretend play, such as talking on a telephone
- They refer to themselves by name
Red Flags: When to Seek Help
While every child develops at their own pace, there are some warning signs that may indicate a potential delay in speech and language development. If your child shows one or more of the following signs, it may be helpful to consult a speech therapist:
At 12 Months (1 Year):
- No Babbling: If your child isn’t babbling or making sounds like “ma-ma” or “ba-ba.”
- No Gestures: If your child isn’t using gestures like pointing or waving.
- Not Responding to Name: If your child doesn’t respond when their name is called.
- Lack of Interest in Social Interaction: If your child seems uninterested in interacting with others, such as avoiding eye contact or not responding to people.
At 18 Months:
- Limited Vocabulary: If your child isn’t using at least 5-20 words.
- Not Imitating Sounds or Words: If your child isn’t attempting to imitate sounds or words from others.
- Not Following Simple Directions: If your child can’t follow simple instructions like “Come here” or “Give me the toy.”
At 24 Months (2 Years):
- Limited Vocabulary (Under 50 Words): If your child is not using at least 50 words.
- No Word Combinations: If your child isn’t starting to combine two words into short phrases like “want cookie” or “big truck.”
- Unclear Speech: If your child’s speech is hard to understand by familiar adults, or if they aren’t making efforts to communicate.
- Lack of Pretend Play: If your child isn’t engaging in pretend play (like feeding a doll or pretending to talk on the phone).
- Not Engaging in Two-Way Communication: If your child is not participating in simple conversations or responding to questions.
Next Steps: What to Do if You Have Concerns
If you are concerned about your child’s speech and language development, we recommend you consult with a speech therapist that has a special interest in working with infants between 0 and 3 years of age. The speech therapist can assess your child’s communication skills. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s development.