During the toddler years, children quickly acquire and refine the ability to verbally interact with adults and other children. The U.S. National Institutes of Health note that toddlers develop language skills at varying rates. While some toddlers can speak fluently by 18 months, other perfectly healthy children may not engage in conversation until age 3 or later. Nevertheless, most children fall within a broad spectrum of developmental "normalcy." Key milestones can indicate whether or not a child's linguistic skills are developing at a normal rate.
Signifiance
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the early years of a child's life are critical for enabling his long-term social, cognitive and communication skills. The CDC states that if a child's developmental needs are not met during toddlerhood, she may suffer from long-term developmental delays and learning disorders. Pediatricians and child-development experts evaluate a toddler's pattern of language development to help determine the presence of certain diseases and conditions. If a child has a persistent delay in his ability to comprehend and speak clearly, an expert evaluation is in order.
Areas of Development
Between ages 1 and 3, toddlers enter a period of rapid language development. This stage involves the development of many interrelated skills. According to the National Institutes of Health, language development involves not only the ability to speak, but also the ability to understand directions, participate in conversation, express desires and enunciate clearly. As a toddler hones his ability to communicate, he will begin repeating words and concepts overheard in conversation. Most toddlers also engage in make-believe and interactive play after age 2.
Time Frame
Most toddlers will reach core developmental milestones within the standard time frame. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers 15 to18 months old can usually say several words clearly. Most toddlers develop the ability to speak in phrases between 18 and 24 months; an average 2-year-old can speak in two- to four- word sentences. Additionally, by age 2, a toddler should be able to follow simple instructions and recognize the names of familiar people and objects. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that girls tend to develop language skills more quickly than boys, however both sexes generally fall within a standard developmental time frame.
Considerations
Several factors can contribute to the rate at which a toddler develops language skills. The AAP notes that some children are naturally quiet, but may be as intelligent and affectionate as their more talkative peers. Gender also plays a strong role in a child's language development; girls may speak more and have a broader vocabulary than boys of the same age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that parental interaction is crucial in a toddler's language development---parents can help to expand a child's verbal skills and vocabulary by reading to the child and including the child in conversation.
Warning
The AAP states that several warning signs may indicate the presence of a developmental speech delay in a toddler. AAP recommends that parents consult a licensed practitioner if a child does not say at least 15 words by 18 months of age. The organization further recommends that parents seek evaluation if the toddler can not imitate words, speak in two-word phrases and follow simple instruction by 24 months of age. Possible causes for a language delay may include mental retardation, autism-spectrum disorder, deafness or neglect. Early intervention and speech therapy can help to address this common problem.
