At 18 months, toddlers are entering an exciting phase of expressive and receptive language growth. Let’s explore the averages for this age, practical tips for enhancing language skills at home, and guidance on when to seek professional assessment.
Expressive Language Milestones
By 18 months, most children can:
- Say a few words: Typically, they will have a vocabulary of 20-50 words. Common words include “mama,” “dada,” “more,” and names of familiar people or objects.
- Use gestures: Pointing, waving, and nodding are important ways toddlers communicate their needs and interests.
- Imitate sounds: Children at this age often mimic animal sounds and simple words, showing their growing understanding of language.
Examples:
- Your child might say “ball” when they want to play.
- They may point to a dog and say “woof,” demonstrating sound imitation.
Receptive Language Milestones
In terms of receptive language, 18-month-olds usually can:
- Follow simple commands: Such as “come here” or “give me the ball.”
- Recognize familiar objects and people: They can identify family members or common toys when named.
- Understand simple questions: Even if they can’t answer, they often understand prompts like “Where’s your shoe?”
Examples:
- When you ask, “Where’s your teddy bear?” they may look for it or point to it.
- They might turn their head when you say, “Look at the cat!”
Tips to Encourage Language Development at Home
- Read Together: Choose colorful, engaging books. Point to pictures and name them to enhance vocabulary.
- Talk Often: Narrate your day and describe activities as you go along. Use simple, clear language to make it relatable.
- Use Repetition: Repeat words and phrases during playtime. Repetition reinforces learning.
- Encourage Imitation: Play games that involve sounds and words, encouraging your child to imitate you.
- Sing Songs and Nursery Rhymes: Melodies make language fun and memorable, helping with rhythm and vocabulary.
- Limit Screen Time: Interactive play is far more beneficial than passive viewing. Engage in activities that require communication and interaction.
When to Seek Assessment
While every child develops at their own pace, consider seeking an evaluation from a speech and language therapist if your 18-month-old:
- Uses fewer than 15 words.
- Does not follow simple commands.
- Is not imitating sounds or words.
- Shows little interest in communication (e.g., does not point or gesture).
- Has difficulty with understanding or responding to simple questions.
Early intervention is key to supporting your child’s communication skills. If you have any concerns, reaching out for a professional assessment can provide early intervention.
Happy communicating!