Signs of Speech Delay in Toddlers: A Gentle Guide for Parents

Lynn Wong

15 hours ago

5 min read

Maybe it started with a comment at a family gathering: "Eh, your cousin's son already talking so much leh." Or you noticed it at the playground, when another toddler was chatting away and yours was mostly pointing.

If you're reading this, you're probably a little worried. That's okay. Wondering about your child's speech doesn't make you a "kiasu" parent. It means you're paying attention, and that's the best place to start.

This guide covers the common signs of speech delay in toddlers, a simple checklist for home, and when to seek an assessment.

First, a gentle reminder: every child is different

Children don't all develop on the same timetable. Some walk early and talk late. Some say nothing for months and then suddenly speak in full sentences. Families who speak two or three languages at home (very common here!) may also notice their child mixing languages, and that's normal too.

Milestones are a guide, not a test. The milestone lists from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe what most children, meaning 75% or more, can do by a certain age (CDC, Milestones by 18 Months). So a child who hasn't hit one milestone yet isn't automatically "behind". It's simply a signal to watch a little more closely.

This article can't diagnose your child, and neither can any checklist. Only a qualified professional can properly assess your child's development. What a checklist can do is help you decide whether it's time to talk to one.

What speech and language look like at 18 months and 2 years

It helps to know what's typical. According to the CDC's milestone checklists:

By about 18 months, most children:

Try to say three or more words besides "mama" or "dada"
Follow a one-step direction without gestures, like giving you a toy when you say "Give it to me"

By about 2 years, most children:

Say at least two words together, like "more milk"
Point to things in a book when you ask, like "Where is the bear?"
Point to at least two body parts when asked
Use more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes

(Sources: CDC, Milestones by 18 Months; CDC, Milestones by 2 Years.)

Notice that many of these aren't about talking at all. Understanding words, pointing, nodding and following instructions are all part of communication, and professionals look at all of them.

Common signs of speech delay in toddlers

Here are some signs parents often notice. One sign on its own is not a cause for panic, but a few together are worth looking into:

Few or no words by around 18 months
Not putting two words together ("mummy go", "want ball") by around 2 years
Not responding to their name consistently, or seeming not to hear you
Difficulty understanding simple instructions like "come here" or "give me the cup"
Not pointing to show you things or to ask for things
Mostly pulling your hand to what they want, instead of using words or gestures
Repeating words or phrases without using them to communicate
Losing words or skills they used to have

That last one is important. If your child used to say words and has stopped, please don't wait and see. Speak to a doctor soon.

A simple checklist for home

Over a week, watch your child during everyday routines like meals, bath time and play. Tick what you notice:

☐ My child responds when I call their name
☐ My child looks at me when I talk to them
☐ My child points to show me something interesting
☐ My child follows a simple instruction without me pointing or gesturing
☐ My child uses at least a few words (in any language) on purpose
☐ My child is starting to combine two words (around age 2)
☐ My child copies sounds, words or actions
☐ My child hasn't lost any words or skills they used to have

If you left several boxes unticked, jot down a few examples. It can also help to take a short video of your child at home, because toddlers are often quieter in a new place. Bring your notes and video along when you speak to a professional.

When to seek an assessment

The CDC's advice is simple: you know your child best, so don't wait. If your child isn't meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills they once had, or you have other concerns, act early and talk to your child's doctor about developmental screening (CDC, Developmental Milestones).

A good first step is the routine check-up you may already be going to. The Ministry of Health schedules regular clinic visits for young children (every 3 months between ages 1 and 2, and every 6 months between ages 2 and 4) to check things like growth, motor skills, hearing, vision and psychosocial development. Findings are recorded in your child's Buku Rekod Kesihatan Kanak-kanak (KKM, Jadual Lawatan ke Klinik). Do raise your concerns at these visits; you can ask to discuss them with the health staff.

Consider seeking a developmental assessment if:

Your child has several of the signs above
You've been told to "wait and see" but your gut says something isn't right
Your child has lost words or skills
Your child's preschool or babysitter has raised concerns

A hearing check is often one of the first steps, since hearing affects how children learn to talk. Your doctor can advise you on this.

How we can help at Capers Montessori

At Capers Early Intervention Montessori in Kota Damansara, we work with families in and around Petaling Jaya who have concerns about their child's development, including speech, language and communication.

Our Centre Developmental Assessments help us understand your child's strengths and needs across areas like language and communication, motor skills and social skills.
If you'd like a deeper or more formal evaluation, our in-house clinical psychologist offers Clinical Psychological Assessments, from developmental screening to a comprehensive assessment.
Our Early Intervention Montessori (EIM) programme is a small-group Montessori preschool with one teacher for every three children (1:3). Everyday routines, play and hands-on learning give children lots of gentle chances to communicate, alongside other early skills.

To be clear about what we offer: we are not a speech therapy or clinical occupational therapy centre. If you're wondering whether your child might need more specialised support, our consultants will talk it through with you honestly and help you think about the right next steps for your family.

You don't have to figure this out alone

Worrying about your child's speech can feel lonely, especially when everyone says "boys talk late lah". Sometimes that's true. But asking early never hurts, and it often brings peace of mind.

If you'd like to talk things through, visit our centre, or book an assessment, WhatsApp us at +60 11-1200 3910. Visits and assessments are by appointment, and you're welcome to come and chat with us first, with or without your child.

For January 2027, we have places in our EIM small-group preschool (1:3), and we're taking bookings for Centre Developmental Assessments and Clinical Psychological Assessments.

We'd love to meet you and your little one. 🌱

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Every child develops differently. If you're concerned about your child's development, please speak to your child's doctor, or WhatsApp our consultants at +60 11-1200 3910.