Most toddlers develop language at their own pace — but there are some key signs that early support could make a real difference. Here’s what to look out for between 18 months and 3 years.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Research consistently shows that early speech and language therapy leads to significantly better outcomes. The brain is most “plastic” — most open to learning — in the first few years of life. If a child is struggling with communication, the sooner support begins, the better.
5 Signs to Watch For
1. Limited Vocabulary for Their Age
By 18 months, most children say at least 10 words. By 2 years, they should have around 50 words and be starting to put two words together (e.g., “more milk”, “daddy go”). If your child has significantly fewer words than this, it may be worth seeking an assessment.
2. Not Combining Words by Age 2
Two-word combinations are a key milestone. If your 2-year-old is still mainly using single words, this is worth discussing with a speech and language therapist.
3. Difficulty Being Understood
By age 2, familiar adults should understand about 50% of what a child says. By age 3, this should rise to around 75%. If your child’s speech is very unclear even to those who know them well, an assessment can help identify any sound difficulties.
4. Frustration When Communicating
If your child frequently becomes frustrated, upset, or withdraws because they can’t make themselves understood, this is a sign that communication is challenging for them — and that support could make a real difference to their wellbeing.
5. Not Following Simple Instructions
Understanding language (receptive language) develops alongside expressive language. By 18 months, children should follow simple one-step instructions. By 2 years, they should manage two-step instructions. Difficulty with this can indicate a language delay.
What to Do Next
If you recognise any of these signs in your child, the first step is to speak to your health visitor or GP. You can also contact Sosalin Communication Services directly for a free 20-minute consultation to discuss your concerns.
Remember: seeking support early is not a sign of failure — it’s one of the most loving things you can do for your child’s future.
Esosa Evbonaye is a paediatric speech and language therapist and founder of Sosalin Communication Services.