---
title: What is the earliest age at which expressive language delays can be identified?
description: "Answer:  There is great variation in vocabulary development before 24 months.  Many c"
url: "https://answers.aseba.org/post/what-is-the-earliest-age-at-which-expressive-language-delays-can-be-identified/"
updated: "2024-01-31"
category: ASEBA Forms
tags:
  - Preschool Age Forms
---

# What is the earliest age at which expressive language delays can be identified?

**Answer:  **There is great variation in vocabulary development before 24 months.  Many children who have almost no words at 20 months are speaking well by 24 months.  A large vocabulary on the LDS from 18-23 months indicates that a child is making good progress, but a small vocabulary in that period does not necessarily indicate a significant delay.  However, by 24 months, most toddlers say at least 50 words and produce some word combinations.  A child who fails either of these milestones may therefore have a significant language delay.