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Language explosion: vocabulary surges and first sentences emerge
Between 18-24 months, most toddlers experience a 'vocabulary explosion,' learning new words daily. They begin combining two words into simple phrases like 'more milk' and 'daddy go.' Understanding grows rapidly, and toddlers can follow two-step directions. This is often when the gap between typically developing children and those with speech delays becomes more noticeable.
Consider a speech-language evaluation if your child shows any of these signs during ages 18 to 24 months:
Sources: CDC, Hustad et al., JSLHR (2021)
Referred by a pediatrician or teacher? Here's what to do next. Under 3? Learn about free early intervention in UT, ID & WY.
Try these evidence-based activities to encourage speech and language skills during ages 18 to 24 months.
Read books multiple times. Ask 'What's that?' and 'What's happening?' Accept any attempt at answering and expand on it.
As your toddler plays, describe actions: 'The baby is hungry. You're feeding the baby!' This builds vocabulary and sentence structure.
Model two-word phrases constantly: 'Big truck!' 'More crackers?' 'Daddy's home!' This shows how to combine words.
Sort objects by color, size, or type while naming them. 'This is a BIG ball. This is a SMALL ball.' Builds vocabulary and concepts.
By 24 months, most children say 50-100+ words and are combining two words into simple phrases. However, there's a wide range of normal. The key indicators are: vocabulary is growing, child is attempting to combine words, and they're communicating for various purposes (not just requesting).
By 24 months, most children combine at least two words. If your child has a good vocabulary (50+ words) but isn't combining yet, give it another month or two. If they have fewer than 50 words AND aren't combining, a speech evaluation is recommended.
A 'late talker' is a toddler (18-30 months) who has fewer words than expected but is otherwise developing normally. About half to 70 percent of late talkers catch up on their own by school age, but it's hard to tell early which children will, so an evaluation is worthwhile.
Source: ASHA
Yes, if your 2-year-old says fewer than 50 words, isn't combining words, or has speech that's difficult to understand even for family. Early intervention is highly effective, and getting evaluated early gives your child the best chance to catch up.
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