Three language milestones before age three
Early Language Development: When to Check In on Your Child’s Speech and Language Skills
Every child is unique, and all children learn and grow at their own pace. That said, there are key speech and language milestones that can help parents know whether their child’s communication development is on track, and when extra support from a speech-language pathologist (SLP) may be helpful.
Early language development is one of the most important foundations for a child’s social, emotional, and academic life. During the first year of life, parents are often overwhelmed, and understandably so. In the absence any clear physical or developmental concerns, many families assume that language development will “just come.” While this is often true, early signs of language difficulties can be subtle and easily overlooked.
Being aware of early communication milestones allows parents to check in proactively, without panic or pressure. Early support, when needed, can make a meaningful difference.
General Language Milestones to Watch For
By about 18 months, children are typically communicating in a variety of ways, many of which can be subtle or easy to miss. Example of milestones at this age include:
- Using gestures (e.g., pointing, waving, showing)
- Saying a few words
- Following simple directions
- Sharing attention
- Showing clear motivation to communicate
This age is often the earliest point at which a speech-language pathologist (SLP) assesses a child’s language development, as early communication patterns become more consistent.
By 2 years old, there are several important milestones to look for:
- Saying 50 words or more
- Combining 2 words
- Following directions, such as being asked to get an item and bring it to a caregiver
- Speech that is at least partly understandable to familiar adults; if almost nothing is intelligible, that can be a concern
A major red flag at this age is regression—a child who has started to use words or meet milestones and then appears to lose those skills. This should always prompt further evaluation.
By around 3 years old, language typically takes a big leap forward. Common expectations include:
- A rapidly expanding vocabulary, often sayng hundreds of words
- Combining at least 3 words
- Asking questions and having simple conversations
- Understanding more complex directions that include concepts like size, color, and location
- Speech that is mostly understandable to familiar listeners
Beyond words and sentences, as a child develops, attends daycare, and nears school age, social communication also matters. Potential red flags include:
- Consistently preferring to play alone
- Limited interest in interacting with other children or adults
- Very repetitive or stereotyped play
- A lack of pretend or symbolic play
According to a recent study by the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists in the UK, “79% of children and young people… improved in one or more of the following areas” following treatment by an SLP:
- Extent [severity] of speech and/or language difficulties
- Ability to communicate
- Participation in daily activities such as education or social activities
Parents don’t need to track every word in a spreadsheet (a few parents do, and it helps!), but they should trust their instincts. If something feels off, or if a child is not meeting several of these milestones, it is worth seeking advice from a speech-language pathologist. Early assessment does not necessarily mean there is a problem. Rather, it provides parents with clarity, reassurance, and guidance; and when needed, supports timely early intervention, which is strongly associated with positive long-term outcomes.
About Speakable Speech & Language
Founded in 2013 by Tamara Paull, M.Sc., SLP(C), Speakable Speech & Language provides both in-person and virtual speech therapy to Canadian children between 18 months and 18 years of age. Our team is composed of clinicians in good standing with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) or l’Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec (OOAQ). Our staff are dedicated to delivering sessions that are engaging, educational, therapeutic, and fun. Sessions range from 30–45 minutes and are designed to meet each child’s unique needs while fostering confidence and communication skills.