Language Development From 12–24 Months: Don’t Wait for Words to Catch Up

The second year of life is when language truly takes off. Toddlers move from sounds and gestures to words, phrases, and purposeful communication. It’s also the age when many parents start to feel a quiet (or loud) sense of concern.

If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Should they be talking more by now?”—you’re asking the right question.



What Language Development Typically Looks Like at 1–2 Years

Between 12 and 24 months, toddlers are learning that words have power. During this stage, many children:

• Use words to request, label, or protest
• Understand far more than they can say
• Follow simple directions
• Imitate words and sounds
• Combine gestures with sounds or words
• Begin using two-word phrases toward the end of this stage

Language growth during this year is often rapid—but it should be moving forward.

Common Concerns Parents Notice (and Are Told to Ignore)

Parents of toddlers are frequently reassured with phrases like “They’ll talk when they’re ready.” While some children do catch up naturally, others benefit greatly from early support.

Common signs parents notice include:

• Few or no words by 18 months
• Limited imitation of sounds or words
• Reliance on gestures without spoken words
• Frustration, tantrums, or pulling adults instead of communicating
• Limited understanding of simple directions
• Little interest in naming or interacting with others

These signs don’t mean something is “wrong”—but they do mean it’s worth getting answers.

Why Waiting Can Make Communication Harder

Toddlers know what they want—but without words, communication becomes frustrating. This can show up as:

• Frequent tantrums
• Difficulty transitioning
• Increased behavior challenges
• Withdrawal or reduced interaction

Early language support helps toddlers learn how to communicate before frustration becomes their main strategy.

An Evaluation at This Age Is Play-Based and Parent-Focused

A language evaluation for a 1–2 year old looks very different than school-age testing. It focuses on:

• How your child understands and uses language
• How they communicate during play and routines
• Strengths to build on
• Practical strategies parents can use immediately

Early evaluations are supportive, collaborative, and often empowering for families.

Pediatricians Don’t See the Whole Picture

Pediatric visits are brief snapshots. Parents see communication across meals, play, outings, and daily routines. If your concerns persist—even if you’ve been told to wait—you’re allowed to seek an evaluation.

You do not need to wait for a referral, a failed screening, or a specific word count.

Trust What You’re Seeing

If you’re thinking:

• “Other toddlers seem to be talking more.”
• “They understand me, but don’t say much.”
• “They get so frustrated trying to communicate.”

Those observations matter.

The Bottom Line: Earlier Support Builds Stronger Language

The toddler years are a powerful window for language development. When support happens early, progress is often faster, more natural, and less stressful for everyone.

👉 If you’re concerned about your toddler’s language, a developmental evaluation can provide clarity, reassurance, and practical tools to support communication right now. Trust your instincts and take the next step—because waiting is never required to advocate for your child.