Speech Therapy Tips for 18 Months Old

We are going to explore speech therapy tips for 18 month old baby, at 18 months, babies are becoming more active and social. They are learning to comprehend and use words, but they still rely on gestures and tone to convey their meaning. They imitate adults, copying their words and actions, and are like little sponges, eager to learn. Here are some suggestions for developing your child’s communication abilities.

At this age, 18-month-olds should be using between 10 and 20 words and might begin to use short phrases such as “all gone” and “what’s that.” They can point to familiar items when asked and follow basic directions. Although their speech may not be clear to unfamiliar listeners, it should include a range of different speech sounds. They still use babble, pointing, gestures, and tone to add additional meaning to their words when attempting to express themselves.

By 18 months, children can:

• Use 10 to 20 simple words or phrases.
• Follow simple instructions such as “find your shoes.”
• Point to familiar pictures in books.
• Point to simple body parts.
• Wave or say hello and bye.
• Give objects when asked “ta.”
• Attempt to imitate new words.
• Point to things they want but can’t say.
• Ask “what’s that” with words or by pointing.
• Respond to their name.
• Make eye contact when spoken to and respond with words or babble.
• Use pointing, tone of voice, and gestures to make their meaning understood.
• Understand “stop” and “no.”

How can I help my 18 month old with speech?

To support your child’s language development, here are some tips:

1. Build a bank of new words: Children at this age absorb new words quickly. Help your child learn the names of things they encounter. Name objects around the house, items in books, and things you give your child to play with or eat. Repeat words a few times to help your child remember them.
2. Expand the single words your child says by adding another word: Try to repeat it a couple of times if you can. Sometimes, you might add another word you know they can say, or you might introduce a new word. Your child does not need to imitate you; just hearing what you say will help, and they will use that phrase when they are ready. If they do try to copy you, respond positively.
3. Build your child’s vocabulary by naming things they come into contact with. Use repetitive games and activities where you can repeat words over and over again. Toddlers love repetition and learn from it. For example, you can play peekaboo or put a teddy in and out of bed many times over while saying the words “peekaboo” and “teddy.”
4. Put your child’s thoughts into words. If your child communicates with you through pointing, gesture, or tone of voice, give them a word for what they are trying to say. Repeat words a few times to help your child remember them. Expand the single words your child says by adding another word. Repeat the phrase a couple of times, and respond positively if they try to copy you.
5. Introduce books as early as possible. Books are a great way to introduce new words to babies and early experiences set them up well for success at school. Toddlers love books with pictures of familiar items and young children as well as books with noises or textures to explore or flaps to open.
6. Introduce simple pretending. Use simple, familiar toys such as dolls or teddies with plastic food, cups, and plates, and a blanket for pretend feeding and sleeping. Encourage your child’s natural tendency to copy what they see you do and add some words as you play.

By implementing these techniques, you can help your child develop their language skills and set them up for success in communicating effectively.

Important tips for helping toddlers learn:

• Get down to your child’s level and play face to face with lots of eye contact.
• Copy what your child does, and this will encourage them to copy you.
• Repeat words, activities, stories, and songs.
• Start where your child is and gradually move them forward. Start with the words, toys, books, and songs your child knows and gradually add new ones.
• Follow your child’s interests. Watch what they like, what they choose, and what makes them light up. Use these things to help them learn.