• use 10-50 words, including names
• combine two words such as "all gone," "daddy bye-bye"
• hear well and discriminate among many sounds
• recognize pictures of familiar persons and objects
• use words to make wants known, such as "more," "up"
• imitate words and sounds more precisely
• point and gesture to call attention to an event or to show wants
• bring a familiar object from another room when asked to do so
• follow simple commands
• hum and may sing simple songs or tunes

You can stimulate the eighteen-month-old child’s speech by...

• frequently reading books to the child
• talking simply, clearly and slowly to the child
• providing experiences to stimulate development of speech and language in the child: taking walks, going shopping, planting a garden, picnicking, or cleaning the house or yard together
• talking to the child about new situations before you go, while you are there, and again after returning home
• looking at the child when he or she talks to you
• imitating and identifying sounds with the child, such as animal sounds, birds singing, sirens on fire trucks, running water
• making speaking and listening experiences pleasant, worthwhile and fun for the child
• allowing the child to listen to children’s records and tapes
• praising the child’s efforts to communicate

Provided for you by the Speech & Hearing Board of the Baptist Health Care Foundation and United Way Agency. If this information raises concerns regarding your child you may call the following for further information:

• Baptist Hospital Speech & Hearing Clinic  (850) 434-4957
• Speech Department of West Florida Hospital  (850) 494-6140
• Audiology Clinic Escambia District Schools  (850) 459-7472