As children grow, there are certain milestones parents/guardians look forward to, such as crawling, walking and speaking. By their first birthday, most children know a word or two; at 18 months, their vocabulary should consist of five to 20 words and include simple two-word sentences. But these are rough guidelines. Every child progresses at a different pace.
Both heredity and environment play a role in speech-language development. As a parent/guardian, there are steps you can take to assist your child with speech-language development. Communicate often (talk and sing), encourage verbal interaction whenever possible and read to your child starting at infancy.
Approximately one out of every four children experiences a speech delay. While some children may catch up without intervention, it is best to consult with your child’s physician. Early intervention for speech-language/listening/developmental diagnoses is the key to sound beginnings.
Call The Hearing & Speech Center at (859) 268-4545 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Read about the conventional milestones for speech and hearing and children below:
BIRTH TO 3 MONTHS
- Coos and gurgles
- Startled by loud sounds
- Makes eye contact briefly
4 TO 6 MONTHS
- Babbling begins
- Smiles in response to speech
- Looks in response to name
7 TO 9 MONTHS
- Uses wide variety of sound combinations
- Understands “no”, “bye-bye”, etc.
- Shouts to attract attention
10 TO 12 MONTHS
- Uses consonants and vowels in vocal play
- Closes mouth without drooling
- May acquire first true word
- Will give block, toy, or object on request
18 MONTHS
- Uses all vowels and consonants in jargon
- Basically unintelligible with exception of a few words
- Uses 3 to 20 words
- Follows simple one-step commands
- Says “all gone” and asks for “more”
2 YEARS OF AGE
- Approximately 65% intelligible
- Uses approximately 50 recognizable words
- Comprehends approximately 300 words
- Uses two word phrases
- Refers to self by name
3 YEARS OF AGE
- Approximately 80% intelligible
- Uses 500 intelligible words
- Comprehends approximately 900 words
- Can ask simple questions
- Listens to a 20 minute story
4 YEARS OF AGE
- Becoming very intelligible in connected speech
- Uses 1000 to 1500 words
- Comprehends 1500 to 2000 words
- Carries on long, detailed conversations
- Combines 4 to 5 words in a sentence
5 YEARS OF AGE
- Most consonant sounds used consistently and accurately
- Combines 5 to 8 words in sentences
- Classifies according to form, color or use
- Tells long story accurately
- Counts 10 objects
Call The Hearing & Speech Center at (859) 268-4545 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
