Late talking on its own does not mean autism, but don't wait. Ask your pediatrician for autism screening, which the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at 18 and 24 months. Because your child is under 3, you can also call Early Steps, Florida's early intervention program, at no cost to your family.
What do most children do by 18 months and by 2 years?
The CDC checklists say:
- By 18 months: tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada,” and follows one-step directions without gestures, like handing you a toy when you say “Give it to me.”
- By 2 years: says at least two words together, like “More milk,” and points to things in a book when you ask.
Which signs matter more than the number of words?
Autism also affects communication without words and how a child relates to others. Notice whether your child:
- Points to show you something interesting (18 months).
- Uses gestures like blowing a kiss or nodding yes (2 years).
- Looks at your face in a new situation, or notices when someone is upset (2 years).
- Responds to their name. NIDCD, part of the National Institutes of Health, says children with autism often do not point and may not respond to their own names.
Hearing and two languages
NIDCD says these children are sometimes mistakenly thought to have a hearing problem, and a speech-language pathologist may refer for a hearing test. If no one has checked your child's hearing, ask.
Speaking Spanish and English at home is no reason to wait or to drop your language: ASHA, the speech-language association, says being multilingual is not a disorder. Our page on ABA therapy in Spanish explains more.
What do I ask the pediatrician, and what if they say to wait?
A common screening tool is the M-CHAT, a parent questionnaire; ask if it is available in Spanish. Screening is not a diagnosis: the CDC says a positive screen should be followed by a thorough assessment. If you are told to wait and you are still worried, calmly ask for the screening or a referral to a specialist. The CDC's advice is plain: you know your child best, so don't wait.
Early Steps in Palm Beach County
Early Steps serves children from birth to 36 months with developmental delays, at no cost to families. You can call 1-800-218-0001 yourself; our Early Steps page explains the local office.
And Paramount Behavior?
We provide ABA therapy at home and at school across Palm Beach County, in English and Spanish: (561) 421-0047.
How many words should a 2-year-old say?
The CDC checklists do not give a word count for age 2. The milestone is saying at least two words together, like “More milk.” By 18 months, it is trying to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada.”
Do I need a diagnosis to call Early Steps?
No. Early Steps serves children under 36 months with developmental delays, disabilities or at-risk conditions, and you can call it yourself.
Does screening tell me if my child has autism?
No. The CDC says screening tools do not result in diagnoses. If the result is positive, the next step is a full evaluation; our Palm Beach County evaluation guide explains how to get one.
General information, not a diagnosis or medical advice for your child. If your child loses words or skills they once had, call the pediatrician promptly; in an emergency, call 911.
Sources
- Indicadores del desarrollo a los 18 meses (Milestones by 18 Months). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accessed October 30, 2026.
- Indicadores del desarrollo a los 2 años (Milestones by 2 Years). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accessed October 30, 2026.
- Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder for Healthcare Providers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accessed October 30, 2026.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Communication Problems in Children. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Institutes of Health, accessed October 30, 2026.
- Early Steps. Florida Department of Health, Early Steps Program, accessed October 30, 2026.