Speech and Language Development Milestones & Warning Signs Parents Should Know

Every child develops speech and language skills at their own pace, but there are certain milestones most children meet around the same age. Knowing these milestones—and the red flags that could indicate a delay—can help parents and caregivers get the right help early.

Early intervention in speech therapy can make a huge difference in a child’s ability to communicate effectively, build social skills, and succeed in school.

In this guide, we’ll walk through speech and language development warning signs by age so you know what to look for and when to seek support.

Speech & Language Warning Signs by Age

By 12 Months:

• Not babbling or using different tones

• Rarely uses gestures like waving or shaking head

• Does not respond to their name

• Difficulty showing needs (e.g., reaching, pointing, or vocalizing for help)

By 15 Months

• Doesn’t respond to simple words like “no” or “bye-bye”

• No spoken words yet

• Doesn’t point to objects or pictures when asked

• Limited interest in sharing attention with others

By 18 Months

• Trouble following simple commands (“Come here”)

• Vocabulary of fewer than 20 words

• Rarely answers questions with words or gestures

• Difficulty pointing to familiar body parts

By 24 Months

• Vocabulary of fewer than 100 words

• Not combining words into short phrases (“more juice”)

• Doesn’t imitate simple actions or words

• Limited pretend play

By 30 Months

• Vocabulary of fewer than 300 words

• Rarely uses action words (run, eat, play)

• Struggles with basic grammar (plural -s, past tense -ed)

• Trouble forming simple questions

Ages 3-4 Years

• Doesn’t ask questions by age 3

• Difficulty forming sentences and expressing ideas

• Cannot tell a simple story by age 4–5

Why Early Action Matters

If your child is missing multiple milestones or showing signs of a speech or language delay, don’t wait early help can make a lasting difference. Speech-language pathologists can identify the underlying cause and provide strategies to improve communication skills in everyday life.

When to Contact a Speech Therapist

Reach out to a certified pediatric speech-language pathologist if your child:

• Frequently misses multiple developmental milestones

• Shows frustration with communication

• Is hard to understand compared to peers

• Has a history of frequent ear infections, developmental delays, or neurological conditions

Helping Your Child Find Their Voice

At Find My Voice Therapy Services, we provide in-home, school-based, and virtual speech therapy in St. Petersburg and the surrounding Tampa Bay area. Our family-centered approach focuses on practical, evidence-based techniques you can use every day to help your child grow into a confident communicator.

Worried Your Child Might Be Showing Some of These Signs?

Don’t wait early support can make all the difference.

Read our guide on how to support your child’s speech and language development for practical, at-home strategies and when to seek professional help.