From the Guidelines
Normal speech milestones in toddlers typically begin with saying their first words around 12 months, followed by a gradual expansion of vocabulary and sentence structure over the next few years. By 12 months, most toddlers say their first words like "mama" or "dada" and understand simple commands, as indicated in the provided evidence [ 1 ]. Between 15-18 months, vocabulary expands to 4-6 words, and children begin combining two words into simple phrases, with further development leading to 10-15 words by 18 months [ 1 ]. Around age 2, toddlers typically use short sentences, and by age 3, children speak in longer sentences of 3-4 words, use plurals and past tense, although the exact timeline can vary [ 1 ]. Some key milestones include:
- Smiling in response to face and voice at 1.5 months
- Monosyllabic babble at 6 months
- Inhibiting to "no" and following one-step commands with gestures at 7 months
- Speaking first real words at 12 months
- Speaking 4-6 words at 15 months
- Speaking 10-15 words at 18 months
- Speaking two-word sentences at 19 months Speech development depends on hearing ability, environmental stimulation, and neurological development, as discussed in the context of hearing assessment in infants and children [ 1 ]. Parents should encourage language by talking, reading, and singing with their child daily. If a child shows significant delays, such as no words by 16 months, no phrases by 24 months, or speech that's difficult to understand by age 3, consultation with a pediatrician or speech-language pathologist is recommended for early intervention.
From the Research
Normal Speech Milestones in Toddlers
- Toddlers typically experience significant speech development between the ages of 2 and 5 years, with variations in language development considered normal 2.
- By age 2, children usually start combining two words together, and by age 3, they can use short sentences 2.
- Language problems in toddlers can be influenced by genetic factors, such as family aggregation, and environmental factors, like language input from parents or caregivers 2.
- Some studies suggest that children with language problems may benefit from interventions like speech therapy, which can be combined with other treatments like auditory training 3.
Speech Development and Auditory Skills
- Auditory discrimination, the ability to perceive changes in sound, is crucial for speech and language development 4.
- Children with auditory processing disorders (APD) may have difficulty with speech and language development, and may require individualized therapeutic programs 4.
- Speech and language development can be assessed using various tests, including phoneme discrimination tests and frequency pattern tests 4.
Diagnosis and Intervention
- The diagnosis of speech-language disorders in children typically involves a comprehensive assessment, including examination and testing 5.
- Otorhinolaryngologists often play a key role in initiating speech-language interventions, and may refer children to speech therapists or other specialists 5.
- Speech therapy can be effective in improving speech production, particularly when combined with other technologies like electropalatography and ultrasound imaging 6.