Speech & Language Development

This is part 2 of the posts on child development. This one is dear to my heart because it is the one that all three of my children struggled with during their 2nd year of life. It also was the first indicator that my oldest has Asperger's Syndrome. Fortunately, my second son also had this issue and was not on the spectrum. So it just goes to show that milestones are not always a predictor of disabilities or otherwise. My toddler is now having issues, so I am of course, worried for him. But, I will not let it overwhelm me. I would also like to note that my two oldest are now chatter boxes.

0-6 Months
• Makes some sounds other than crying (by 2 months)
• Begins cooing one syllable (by 3 months)
• Makes first consonant sounds (by 4 months)
• Babbles spontaneously
• Acquires sounds of native language (by 6 months)

6-12 Months
• Puts together long series of syllables
• Responds appropriately to a few specific words (by 9 months)
• Speaks a few recognizable words
• Produces gestures to communicate (by 7 months)
• Learns how to take turns making sounds in “conversation”

12-18 Months
• Has expressive vocabulary of 4-10 words (by 13-15 months)
• Has expressive vocabulary of 10-20 words (by 18 months)
• Can listen and respond to simple directions

18-24 Months
• Has expressive vocabulary of 20-25 words
• Uses 2-word phrases to communicate
• Uses gestures to communicate
• Begins using courtesy words (please, thank you) occasionally

2-3 Years
• Combines words to form short sentences
• Uses plurals
• Answers routine questions
• Provides appropriate answers
• Comprehends some pronouns
• Follows two step directions

4-5 Years

• Uses possessives
• Uses double negatives
• Joins sentences
• Can answer how, who, when questions
• Follows up to 4 step directions
• Uses third person
• Tells simple jokes
• Has a 2000 word vocabulary

6-9 Years
• Speaks fluently and describes complicated happenings
• Reads out loud
• Knows different tenses and grammar.

For more information go to
ACT • Quality Professional Development for Childhood Care and Education Professionals.
Women's and Children's Health Network (WCHN)