What To Do When Your 18-Month-Old Doesn’t Talk Yet

At 18 months, toddlers are beginning to express themselves with words, gestures, and sounds. While some may have a growing vocabulary, others are still working on their first words. If your child isn’t talking yet, it’s normal to feel concerned, but the good news is that there are many ways to encourage speech development in everyday interactions.

Understanding Typical Speech Development at 18 Months

Children at this stage are typically:

• Using 10–20 words, though some may have fewer.
• Understanding simple instructions (e.g., “Give me the ball”).
• Communicating using gestures like pointing or waving.
• Attempting to imitate sounds and words.

If your child hasn’t reached these milestones yet, don’t panic! There are many ways to nurture their communication skills through consistent, everyday interactive experiences.

Why Isn’t My 18-Month-Old Talking Yet?

Every child develops at their own pace, and while some toddlers are already using words regularly, others may still be finding their voice. If your child isn’t talking yet, there could be several reasons why. Understanding these factors can help you determine how best to support their communication growth.

Late Talkers

Some children take longer to start talking but otherwise develop as expected. Late talkers often catch up by age 2 or 3, especially if they understand language well, respond to instructions, and engage with their surroundings.

Limited Exposure to Language

Toddlers learn through interaction. If a child has fewer opportunities for rich verbal exchanges—whether due to limited conversations, excessive screen time, or environmental factors—they may take longer to start using words. Simple adjustments, like narrating daily activities and engaging in back-and-forth interactions, can make a big difference.

Hearing Challenges

Hearing is the foundation of speech development. Frequent ear infections or undiagnosed hearing loss can make it harder for a child to pick up and produce words. If your child doesn’t respond to their name, struggles to follow directions, or seems unbothered by loud sounds, a hearing evaluation may be  required.

Oral-Motor Delays

Some toddlers have difficulty coordinating the muscles needed for speech. If your child has trouble chewing, sucking, or making a variety of sounds, underlying oral-motor challenges could be affecting their ability to form words.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Speech delays can in some instances be linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). If your child shows limited eye contact, doesn’t use gestures like pointing, or seems uninterested in interactions, it may be helpful to discuss these observations with a pediatrician.

Developmental or Neurological Differences

Certain conditions, such as childhood apraxia of speech or global developmental delays, can impact how a child learns to communicate. Early identification and support, including speech therapy, can help provide the tools your child needs to build their language skills.

If you have concerns about your child’s speech development, you’re not alone—and there are many ways to help. Seeking guidance from a speech-language pathologist can provide clarity and personalized strategies to support your child’s communication journey.

Strategies to Support Language Development

1. Model Speech Clearly and Slowly

Children learn language by listening and observing. You can help by:

• Speaking slowly and emphasizing key words.
• Bringing attention to your mouth when forming words by holding objects near your lips (e.g., “Milk” while holding their milk cup close to your mouth) helps children associate the words with their meaning while also reinforcing sensory information about the motor planning required to say the word.
• Using exaggerated facial expressions and movements to make words more engaging.

2. Encourage Repetition and Imitation

Children need to hear a word over and over again before they’ll begin using it. Repetition strengthens word learning. Try:

• Saying words multiple times. ( E.g., Your child reaches their arms up, try: “Up! You want up? Say ‘Up!’… Up! OK I’ll pick you Up!”)
• Using verbal routines—routine, predictable phrases repeated in daily activities. These help children anticipate the upcoming word making it easier for theme to participate verbally. For example:
  • “Ready, Set… (pause)” and waiting for your child to say “Go!” before swinging them on a swing.
  • Singing the same song for handwashing each time to reinforce language (“This is the way we wash our hands, wash our hands…”).

3. Creating opportunities for your child to request desired items

This can help build motivation to speak. Try:

• Offering only a few Cheerios at a time and waiting for them to say or gesture “more” before adding more to their plate.
• Waiting to start a favorite activity (e.g., pushing a swing) until they attempt to say “go” or communicate their need using a gesture.

4. Pair Movement with Words

Movement engages multiple senses helping to hold attention and reinforce word meaning.

• Jumping on and off the couch while practicing “on/off.”
• Playing hide-and-seek and saying “Where are you? Here I am!”
• Singing “The Hokey Pokey” to reinforce concepts “in” and “out” or names of body parts.

5. Sing Songs and Play Games that Encourage Words

Music and play make learning fun. Try:

• Singing songs like:
  • “Pop Goes the Weasel” (pause before saying “Pop!” to encourage participation).
  • “Row Row Your Boat” with animal sounds.
  • “Zoom Zoom Zoom, We’re Going to the Moon.”
• Playing games like blowing bubbles and saying “Pop!” each time a bubble bursts.

6. Read Together

Reading together exposes children to new vocabulary and language patterns. Look for books with:

• Repetition: Provides increased exposure and practice with key words.
• Rhyming: Builds phonological awareness, a key pre-literacy skill.
• Familiar routines: Reinforces everyday vocabulary (e.g., books about bedtime, mealtime, or bath time).
• Interactive elements: Flaps, pop-ups, or textures keep attention grounded and little hands engaged.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your child isn’t using words, gestures, or showing interest in communication by 18 months, consider speaking with a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). You may want to seek help if your child:

• Does not say any words or babble
• Does not respond to their name or simple directions
• Does not use gestures (pointing, waving, reaching up to be picked up)
• Seems uninterested in communicating or engaging with others
• Has difficulty making different speech sounds
• Has a history of frequent ear infections

Final Thoughts: Supporting Your Child’s Language Growth

If your 18-month-old isn’t talking yet, remember that every child develops at their own pace. Many late talkers catch up, especially with increased exposure to language-rich environments. However, if you have concerns, trust your instincts, early support can help maximize your child’s communication potential.

By engaging in verbal interactions, reading, playing, and modeling communication, you can create a nurturing environment that fosters speech development. 

If concerns persist, early intervention can make a significant difference. The faster a child receives support, the faster they start making leaps and gains. Working with a licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist can provide expert guidance to help your child gain the skills they need to communicate effectively.

Your child’s voice is valuable, and with patience, encouragement, and the right support, their words will come.