15-Month-Old Speech Milestones: Words, Pointing, and Following Directions

Speech and communication at 13 to 18 months

ASHA’s communication milestones for 13 to 18 months include these items. Fifteen months sits in the middle of the range.¹

• Looks around when asked “where” questions, like “Where’s your blanket?”
• Follows directions like “Give me the ball,” “Hug the teddy bear,” or “Show me your nose.”
• Points to make requests, to comment, or to get information.
• Shakes head for “no” and nods for “yes.”
• Understands and uses words for common objects, some actions, and people in their lives.
• Identifies one or more body parts.
• Uses a mix of long strings of sounds, syllables, and real words with speech-like inflection.

Why 15 months now has its own checklist

In 2022 the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. checklists were revised by an expert working group convened by the AAP. The group used milestones that most children — at least 75% — would be expected to reach by each health-visit age, aiming to discourage a wait-and-see approach, and added milestones for the 15- and 30-month visits.⁴

What came before, and what comes next

How to help at home

• Name what your toddler points at, and add one word: “Ball — big ball!”
• Give simple choices: “Milk or water?”
• Read picture books and pause so your toddler can point or fill in a word.
• Talk about categories — things to eat, things to ride on.

ASHA’s activity suggestions include reading books about familiar things, talking about categories, and responding to and repeating what your child says.⁵

When to check in with a professional

If your toddler is not pointing, does not seem to understand simple words, or is not responding to sounds, ask your pediatrician for a check — including hearing. ASHA notes that hearing sounds and words is how children learn to talk, and that early help matters.⁶

In the US, early intervention serves children from birth to 3, and ASHA notes families do not have to wait for a professional’s referral to ask for an evaluation.⁷

• Free speech delay quiz — 20 quick questions, no recording, about 3 minutes

Frequently asked questions

References

7 sources from authoritative bodies. Last reviewed October 2026.

1. 1.ASHACommunication Milestones: 13 to 18 Months — Milestone guidance.
2. 2.ASHACommunication Milestones: Birth to 1 Year — Milestone guidance.
3. 3.ASHACommunication Milestones: 19 to 24 Months — Milestone guidance.
4. 4.Peer-reviewedZubler et al. — Evidence-Informed Milestones for Developmental Surveillance Tools — Clinical report (Pediatrics), 2022.
5. 5.ASHAActivities to Encourage Speech and Language Development — Consumer page.
6. 6.ASHAEffects of Hearing Loss on Development — Consumer page.
7. 7.ASHAEarly Intervention — Consumer page.