Many parents worry when their child is 18 months or 2 years old and still not talking. Here is what is typical at this age, which signs need attention, and simple ways to help at home.
Your child is 18 months or 2 years old, other children the same age are saying words, and yours is not. It is one of the most common worries we hear from parents. Every child develops at their own pace, but this is also the age when early help makes the biggest difference, so it is worth looking closely.
What is typical at 18 months and 2 years?
- Around 12 months: babbles, uses gestures like waving and pointing, may say a first word.
- Around 18 months: says several words, understands simple instructions like “give me the ball”, points to show you things.
- Around 2 years: uses many words and starts joining two words, such as “more milk” or “daddy go”.
Understanding matters as much as talking. A child who understands well, points, copies sounds and enjoys back-and-forth play is in a stronger position than a child who does none of these.
Signs to check without waiting
- no babbling by 12 months
- no single words by 16 months
- no two-word phrases by 2 years
- does not point, wave or show you things
- rarely responds to their name or makes little eye contact
- loses words or skills they used to have
Any of these is a good reason to have your child’s hearing and development checked. Late talking can be a simple speech delay, or a sign of autism or another developmental need; our guide on speech delay or autism explains the difference.
8 ways to help your child talk at home
1. Talk about what your child is doing
Describe everyday moments in short sentences: “You are eating rice.” “Ball is rolling.” Children learn words they hear often, linked to what they see.
2. Get down to your child’s level
Sit face to face during play so your child can see your mouth and expressions.
3. Wait and give a chance to speak
Pause and look expectantly before giving a toy or snack. A sound, a gesture or a word all count; praise every attempt.
4. Add one word
If your child says “car”, you say “red car” or “car go”. Build just one step above what your child says.
5. Read and sing every day
Picture books, rhymes and songs with actions build vocabulary and attention. Repeat favourites; repetition helps.
6. Offer simple choices
“Banana or biscuit?” while holding both gives your child a reason to point or try the word.
7. Limit screen time
Children learn language from people, not from screens. Replace screen time with play and talk together, especially before age 2.
8. Use gestures and signs too
Gestures and simple signs do not stop a child from talking; they often help words come sooner.
When to see a speech therapist
If you notice any of the signs above, or you simply feel something is not right, do not wait for your child to “grow out of it”. A speech and language assessment shows how your child understands, communicates and plays, and what support will help. Read why starting early matters.
At Wonder Kids Development Center in Sector 5, Uttara, our speech and language therapy sessions are play-based and parents learn simple activities to continue at home. If a wider check is needed, we offer a full child development and autism assessment.
Questions parents ask
Is it normal for a 2-year-old not to talk?
Some children talk later than others, but by 2 years most children use words and start joining two words. If your child is not doing this, it is worth getting a speech and language check.
Will my child grow out of it?
Some late talkers catch up on their own, but many do not, and there is no way to know without an assessment. Starting support early never harms and often helps a lot.
Can a 1.5-year-old start speech therapy?
Yes. Therapy for young children is play-based and focuses on attention, understanding, gestures and first words, with parents closely involved.
Talk to us
For advice on late talking, call or WhatsApp +880 1757-707684, or book an appointment online and our team will call you.
Have questions about your child?
Our team is happy to talk with you and help you plan the next steps.
