Signs Your Toddler May Have a Speech Delay — and How to Get Help in NYC

If you’ve found yourself wondering “shouldn’t my child be talking more by now?”, you’re not alone — and asking the question early is one of the best things you can do. Speech and language delays are among the most common reasons families are referred to Early Intervention, and the earlier a child gets support, the more effective it tends to be.

Here’s what to look for, and what to do next if something feels off.

Speech and language milestones by age

Every child develops at their own pace, so treat these as general guideposts — not a diagnosis. It’s the overall pattern that matters most.

By 12 months, many babies:

• Babble with changing sounds (“bababa,” “dadada”)
• Use gestures like pointing, reaching, or waving
• Respond to their name and simple words like “no”

By 18 months, many toddlers:

• Say several single words
• Point to things they want or to show you something
• Follow simple one-step directions (“give me the ball”)

By 24 months (2 years), many toddlers:

• Use around 50 words
• Start combining two words (“more juice,” “mama go”)
• Are understood by familiar adults about half the time

By 36 months (3 years), many children:

• Speak in short sentences
• Are understood by people outside the family most of the time
• Answer simple “who,” “what,” and “where” questions

Signs that are worth a closer look

Consider reaching out for an evaluation if your toddler:

• Isn’t babbling or using gestures by around 12 months
• Has very few or no words by 18 months
• Isn’t combining words by around 2 years
• Seems to understand much less than other children their age
• Has lost words or skills they used to have
• Rarely makes eye contact or responds to their name

Trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone, and a “let’s just check” evaluation is free and low-pressure.

What Early Intervention actually is

Early Intervention (EI) is a New York State program for children from birth to age 3 who have — or may be at risk for — a developmental delay. It’s free to families, and services often happen right in your home or daycare, where your child is most comfortable. For speech and language, that might mean working with a speech-language pathologist and coaching you on simple strategies to weave into everyday play and routines.

How to get started in NYC

Here’s how the process really works — including a step families are sometimes surprised by:

1. Make a referral. You can start a referral with Star EIP, or call the NYC Early Intervention Program at 311.
2. The EI Program reviews and assigns it. Your referral goes to the NYC Early Intervention Program, which accepts it and assigns your family to an approved agency like Star EIP. (This step is handled by the Program, so it isn’t instant.)
3. Your evaluation is scheduled. Once we’re assigned, our team reaches out to arrange a free developmental evaluation — usually in your home.
4. A plan is built together. If your child is eligible, you and the team create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), and services begin.

You don’t need a diagnosis or a doctor’s referral to get started, and there’s no cost to find out where your child stands.

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Worried about your toddler’s talking? See if your child qualifies — it only takes a couple of minutes, and a developmental evaluation is always free.