A child's speech and language skills begin to develop from birth. Hearing skills develop and are demonstrated first, followed by understanding language (receptive language). Together, these are the building blocks needed to use non-verbal gestures, first sounds and words (expressive language).
It is important to remember that each child develops at their own pace. However, there are certain milestones that we look for when determining the need for intervention.
HEARING AND UNDERSTANDING
Birth-3 Months
· Startles to loud sounds
· Quiets or smiles when spoken to
· Seems to recognize your voice and quiets if crying
· Increases or decreases sucking behavior in response to sound
4-6 Months
· Moves eyes in direction of sounds
· Responds to changes in tone of your voice
· Notices toys that make sounds
· Pays attention to music
7 Months-1 Year
· Enjoys games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
· Turns and looks in direction of sounds
· Listens when spoken to
· Recognizes words for common items like "cup", "shoe", "book", or "juice"
· Begins to respond to requests (e.g. "Come here" or "Want more?")
COMMUNICATING
Birth-3 Months
· Makes pleasure sounds (cooing, gooing)
· Cries differently for different needs
· Smiles when sees you
4-6 Months
· Babbling sounds more speech-like with many different sounds, including p, b and m
· Chuckles and laughs
· Vocalizes excitement and displeasure
· Makes gurgling sounds when left alone and when playing with you
7 Months-1 Year
· Babbling has both long and short groups of sounds such as "tata, upup bibibibi"
· Uses speech or non-crying sounds to get and keep attention
· Uses gestures to communication (waving, holding arms to be picked up)
· Imitates different speech sounds
· Has one or two words (hi, dog, dada, mama) around first birthday, although sounds may not be clear
WHEN TO BE CONCERNED: If your child…
0 up to 6 months:
· does not make sounds
· does not react to your voice or other sound
· rarely engages socially – does not smile or make eye contact
· is more interested in objects than people’s faces
· has difficulties with feeding or swallowing
· has lost any previous skills
6 up to 12 months:
· has inconsistent or no response when his/her name is called
· is not using sounds
· does not engage in meaningful eye contact
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