My child isn’t talking yet. Should I worry?
As parents and caregivers, one of the most exciting parts of raising young children is hearing their very first words and watching their communication skills grow. Understanding what’s “typical” for early speech and language development can help you support your child — and know when it might be time to seek guidance from a speech-language pathologist (SLP).
At NRC Therapy Services in Monmouth County, NJ, we follow the developmental milestones outlined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to help families track progress and feel confident about their child’s communication journey.
Early Language Milestones (ASHA Guidelines)
By 12 Months
Babbling with longer strings of sounds (e.g., mamama, bababa)
Saying a few first words (e.g., mama, dada, ball)
Understanding simple directions like “come here”
Using gestures such as waving or pointing
By 18 Months
Using around 10–20 words consistently
Following simple one-step directions (“get the shoe”)
Pointing to people, animals, or objects when named
Attempting to imitate new words
By 24 Months (2 years)
Vocabulary grows to around 50 words or more
Beginning to combine words into simple phrases (“want cookie”)
Following two-step directions (“get the toy and put it on the table”)
Naming common objects in the environment
By 36 Months (3 years)
Using 200+ words and short sentences
Asking simple “what” or “where” questions
Being understood most of the time by familiar listeners
Engaging in back-and-forth conversations
When to Seek Support
Every child develops at their own pace, but if your child is not meeting these communication milestones or you notice red flags like limited vocabulary, frustration when communicating, or lack of response to their name, it may be time to consult with an SLP.
Early identification and support make a significant difference in long-term communication, literacy, and social skills.
Speech Therapy in Monmouth County, NJ
At NRC Therapy Services, we proudly serve families across Monmouth County, NJ, providing speech and language evaluations, therapy sessions, and parent coaching. Whether you’re in Belmar, Manasquan, Spring Lake, Wall, or nearby towns, our goal is to help your child build strong communication skills from the very beginning.
👶 Ready to Learn More?
If you’re in Monmouth County, NJ and have questions about your child’s speech and language development, contact NRC Therapy Services today. Together, we’ll celebrate milestones, support growth, and give your child the best start possible.