If a 2-year-old exhibits abnormal behaviors or communication, what should be assessed?

• A. Their height
• B. Their age
• C. Sleep patterns
• D. Their vocabulary; by age 2 should have about 300 words

Answer: (D)

Language development at this age is the key focus. By two years old, children typically have a growing vocabulary and can begin to combine words into simple phrases. Assessing how many words the child uses and understands provides a practical, direct measure of whether communication is progressing as expected. If a toddler shows abnormal behaviors or limited or delayed speech, evaluating vocabulary helps identify potential language delays or disorders early, which is crucial for timely intervention and better outcomes.

Other aspects like height or simply the child’s age don’t directly reflect language development, and sleep patterns can influence behavior but aren’t specific indicators of a language delay.