Tracking Progress: 19 Month Milestones and Toddler Speech
The journey of watching your toddler grow is filled with exciting changes, especially in how they communicate with the world. Parents often look to 19 month milestones as a roadmap to ensure their little one is developing typically. Our practice, serving Denver County, CO, and Burlington County, NJ, specializes in helping families interpret these milestones through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.
We understand that every child develops at their own pace, and "typical" can look different for everyone. Whether your child is meeting every benchmark or taking a unique path, our in-home speech therapy services are designed to support them. We focus on building on your child's strengths, using evidence-based practices to foster genuine connection and communication skills in the comfort of your home.
What to Expect from 19 Month Milestones
At this age, your child is likely becoming more independent and expressive, even if they aren't using full sentences yet. Important 19 month milestones include a mix of motor skills, social interaction, and emerging language. You might notice them imitating your behaviors, like sweeping the floor or talking on a toy phone, which are excellent signs of cognitive growth and social awareness.
Communication at 19 Months
When reviewing 19 month milestones, we look for a vocabulary of at least 10 to 20 words, though many children have more. More importantly, we look for the intent to communicate. Is your child looking at you, gesturing, or using sounds to get your attention? These pre-verbal skills are the foundation of language and are just as important as spoken words at this stage.
Red Flags at 19 Months
If your child is not meeting key 19 month milestones, such as pointing to show interest or responding to their name, it may be time for an evaluation. As specialists in autism and language delays, we can differentiate between a "late bloomer" and a child who needs specific support. Our in-home model allows us to observe these subtleties in your child's natural environment, leading to more accurate guidance.
The Big Question: How Many Words Should a 2 Year Old Know?
As the second birthday approaches, the most common question we hear from parents is, how many words should a 2 year old know? The general expectation is that a child should have a vocabulary of about 50 words and be starting to put two words together, like "more juice" or "daddy home." However, this number is a guideline, not a strict rule.
Quality Over Quantity
While the answer to how many words should a 2 year old know provides a baseline, we prioritize the function of communication. We want to know if your child can communicate their needs, share their joy, and protest effectively. For bilingual families, we count words in both languages—Spanish and English combined—to get an accurate picture of their total vocabulary size.
Supporting Diverse Learners
If your child isn't meeting the standard for how many words should a 2 year old know, they might be a Gestalt Language Processor or have a specific language delay. We use strengths-based approaches to support these learners. Instead of drilling flashcards, we use play and connection to help them expand their vocabulary naturally, respecting their unique developmental timeline.
Specialized Support for Your Toddler
We offer personalized, in-home interventions to help your child reach their full potential, regardless of where they are currently on the developmental chart.
Comprehensive Evaluations: We assess your child's communication in their home environment to understand their unique strengths and challenges.
Gestalt Language Therapy: We support children who communicate with scripts, helping them break down "gestalts" into flexible language.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Care: We honor your child's authentic self, focusing on regulation and connection rather than forcing neurotypical behaviors.
Bilingual Therapy (English/Spanish): We support language development in your home language, which is crucial for emotional and cognitive growth.
Parent Empowerment: We teach you how to be the primary driver of your child's progress through daily routines and play.
Social-Communication Support: We help children navigate social interactions in a way that feels safe and authentic to them.
Conclusion
Monitoring 19 month milestones and asking questions like how many words should a 2 year old know shows that you are an engaged and caring parent. However, you don't have to navigate these worries alone. Our team of expert speech-language pathologists is here to provide the clarity and support you need right in your own home.
Whether you are in Denver or New Jersey, we are ready to partner with you to support your child's communication journey. We believe in the potential of every child and are committed to helping them express themselves fully. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward empowering your child's voice.