19-Month-Old Speech Delay: Signs, Causes & Help

If you’re worried your 19-month-old isn’t talking enough, you’re definitely not alone. This age sits right between two big checkpoints—18 and 24 months—so it’s very common for parents to notice speech and language differences now.

Here’s what’s typical, what might be a sign of delay, and how you can support your little one at home.

What Most 19-Month-Olds Are Doing with Language

Kids this age usually:

• Say 10–20 real words (some say 50+, some say just a few)
  
• Understand way more than they can say
  
• Follow simple directions (“get shoes,” “come here”)
  
• Use gestures like pointing, waving, or lifting arms to be picked up
  
• May begin trying out 2-word combos (“more milk,” “daddy up”)
  

Receptive language (what they understand) usually leaps ahead of expressive language (what they say). That’s normal.

Signs Your 19-Month-Old May Have a Speech Delay

Big red flags to look for:

• Fewer than 10 meaningful words
  
• Not imitating sounds or words
  
• Doesn’t respond to name regularly
  
• Doesn’t follow simple instructions
  
• Few or no gestures (pointing, waving, showing you things)
  
• Mostly grunts or points instead of trying words
  
• Limited eye contact or social back-and-forth
  
• Regression (losing words or interaction skills)
  

Red flags needing prompt attention

• No babbling or vocal play
  
• Possible hearing issues
  
• No eye contact or social engagement
  
• Loss of any words or skills
  

If you’re seeing any of these, it’s worth talking to a pediatrician or speech-language pathologist (SLP).

Late Talker vs. Speech Delay—What’s the Difference?

Some kiddos are simply late talkers. They:

• Understand language well
  
• Have great gestures and eye contact
  
• Show steady (but slow) progress
  
• Are social and engaged
  

Around 10–15% of toddlers this age are late talkers—and many catch up between ages 2–3.

But if your child struggles with understanding, gestures, social skills, or has delays in other areas, it may be more than “late talking.” An SLP can help sort this out.

Common Causes of Speech Delay at 19 Months

Some reasons are simple and very treatable:

• Hearing issues (even mild issues from ear infections)
  
• Oral-motor challenges (hard to coordinate mouth movements)
  
• Developmental differences (autism, global delays)
  
• Prematurity or medical history
  
• Low language exposure (usually only in extreme cases)
  
• Bilingual homes don’t cause delays—but may shift word timelines
  

Often, parents didn’t “do anything wrong”—delays simply happen.

How to Encourage Speech at Home

Here are quick, research-backed things you can do daily:

1. Read + label everything

Short, simple picture books work great. Point, name things, and let them help turn pages.

2. Talk through your day

Use simple language:
“Wash hands… water on… dry hands… all done!”

3. Expand what they say

Child: “Ball”
You: “Big ball!” or “Throw ball!”

4. Create chances to communicate

• Put desired toys slightly out of reach
  
• Offer choices (“cracker or cheese?”)
  
• Pause during routines to give them a chance to speak
  

5. Keep screen time low

Face-to-face interaction is unbeatable for language growth.

6. Play speech-boosting games

• Bubbles (say “pop,” “more!”)
  
• Peek-a-boo or turn-taking games
  
• Animal noises and pretend play
  

These can spark big jumps in communication.

When to Get a Professional Evaluation

It’s time to check sooner rather than later if your child:

• Has fewer than 5–10 words at 19 months
  
• Doesn’t follow easy directions
  
• Doesn’t respond to name
  
• Has limited gestures
  
• Has any loss of skills or possible hearing concerns
  

Early Intervention (EI) programs—available in every state—offer free or low-cost evaluations for children under 3.

What Happens During a Speech Evaluation?

An SLP will:

• Play with your child and observe communication
  
• Check understanding vs expression
  
• Look at gestures, eye contact, and interaction
  
• Do a quick oral-motor check
  
• Ask about hearing and developmental history
  

You’ll get guidance on whether therapy, monitoring, or home strategies are recommended.

How Speech Therapy Helps Toddlers

Therapy for toddlers is warm, playful, and parent-involved. It usually includes:

• Play-based learning
  
• Books, songs, bubbles, and pretend play
  
• Parent coaching
  
• Strategies built into daily routines
  

Most children make meaningful progress with weekly sessions + home practice.

Final Thoughts

A 19-month-old speech delay can be stressful, but it’s also very common—and early help makes a huge difference. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, getting an evaluation is simple, gentle, and gives you clarity.

Your toddler’s communication journey is just beginning—and with your support, they’re in a great place to grow.

If you’re noticing signs of a speech or developmental delay, or even if you just have a gut feeling that something’s not clicking, don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Coral Care makes it easy for families to get started with in-home pediatric developmental therapy, with experienced clinicians and openings available in as little as 7–14 days. You can explore our online resources, learn more about what therapy looks like, or connect with a Coral Care Concierge member who will walk you through the next steps with care and clarity.

Your child’s communication journey deserves a team that celebrates their strengths and meets them right where they are. Book an evaluation today! www.joincoralcare.com