Warning Signs of Language/Communication Delay

Age:

Warning Signs:

12 to 18 months

at 12 months, doesn't use gestures such as waving or shaking her head
by 12 months, isn't practicing using at least a couple of consonants (c, b, etc.)
by 12 months, isn't somehow communicating to you when she needs help with something
at 15 months, doesn't understand and respond to words such as "no" and "bye-bye"
by 15 months, can't say at least one to three words
by 15 months, doesn't say "mama" or "dada"
at 16 months, doesn't point to body parts when asked
at 18 months, isn't saying at least six to 10 words



Age:

Warning Signs:

19 to 24 months

by 19 to 20 months, isn't pointing out things of interest, such as a bird or airplane overhead
by 20 months, isn't making at least six consonant sounds
at 21 months, doesn't respond to simple directions
by 21 months, doesn't pretend with her dolls or herself (brushing her hair, feeding her doll, etc.)
by 24 months, doesn't imitate actions or words of others
by 24 months, can't point to named pictures in a book
at 24 months, can't join two words together
at 24 months, doesn't know the function of common household objects — toothbrush, telephone, fork, etc.



Age:

Warning Signs:

25 to 36 months

at 26 months, uses no two-word simple sentences
at 30 months, can't name at least three body parts
at 30 months, can't be understood by anyone in her family
by 32 months, has difficulty singing fragments of nursery rhymes
at 36 months, doesn't ask questions
at 36 months, can't be understood by strangers at least half the time
by 36 months, is unable to articulate initial consonants (for example, says "all" instead of "ball"
by 36 months, is unable to name most common household objects



Age:

Warning Signs:

3 to 4 years

at 3, can't speak in short phrases
by 3, is unable to understand short instructions
at 3, has no interest in interacting with other children
at 3, has extreme difficulty separating from a parent
by 3 1/2, consistently fails to add final consonant to words (for example, saying "ca" instead of "cat")
at 4, still stutters (has true difficulty producing a sound or word) frequently, often accompanied by facial grimacing
at 4, isn't almost fully understandable

 

IMPORTANT: The information provided on our website is a general educational aid designed to help you discuss your child's unique issues with your physician, clinician or qualified provider. You should not rely on the information as a substitute for  medical or health care advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes. Always consult your physician, clinician or other qualified  provider as soon as possible about any medical or health-related question.  BBB Autism Support Network is not made up of any type of physician ~ we are families helping other families!

July 23, 2002