Most children, by the time they are one year old, can say at least one word, and it is a bit unusual for an 18 month old to not be talking at all. However, there is no real cause for concern, as boys, especially those under the age of two, sometimes take longer to talk than girls do. There are also some children who prefer to wait a while until they understand a lot more of what is going on around them, before they start to talk.
If your child points to pictures in a book or to something that he wants, this is a sign that he is on the verge of actually speaking. Also, if he understands a lot of what is being said to him, then he is also just about ready to talk. Some children make use of gestures and facial expressions to communicate with you, just before they begin talking.
If your toddler grunts while playing with toys or pointing to pictures, this is also his way of communicating. According to the experts, children who aren't talking yet, and don't grunt, have a good chance of being diagnosed with language delay later on.
If your child points to pictures in a book or to something that he wants, this is a sign that he is on the verge of actually speaking. Also, if he understands a lot of what is being said to him, then he is also just about ready to talk. Some children make use of gestures and facial expressions to communicate with you, just before they begin talking.
If your toddler grunts while playing with toys or pointing to pictures, this is also his way of communicating. According to the experts, children who aren't talking yet, and don't grunt, have a good chance of being diagnosed with language delay later on.