You should consider seeking a speech and language evaluation for your toddler by 18 months if they are not meeting certain communication milestones described in the provided reference.
Key Milestones for Toddler Speech Development
While every child develops at their own pace, there are key markers that indicate healthy speech and language progression. According to the information provided:
- By 18 months, if your child is not demonstrating specific communication behaviors, it is recommended to seek a professional evaluation.
These behaviors include:
- Absence of Babbling: The child never babbled previously.
- Lack of Jargon with Different Sounds: They do not use complex babbling or 'jargon' that sounds like conversation but without real words, incorporating a variety of sounds.
- Limited Sound Play: The child is not actively playing with different sounds throughout the day.
- Not Using Single Words: They are not using single words purposefully to communicate their wants and needs.
Meeting these milestones by 18 months is an important signpost in early development. If your child is not consistently doing these things by this age, it's a good idea to consult with a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist.
Taking action when concerns arise is proactive and can provide valuable support for your child's communication journey. Early intervention, if needed, is often the most effective approach.
