A Guide to Speech and Language Milestones from Birth to 7 Years.
By Rajini
Last Updated: December 27, 2023
Developmental Milestones Chart: Birth to 6 years
Speech and Language Milestones: Birth to 12 Months: Early Sounds and Responses
Speech and Language Milestones: 1 to 2 Years: First Words and Simple Sentences
Speech and Language Milestones: 2 to 3 Years: Rapid Vocabulary Expansion
Speech and Language Milestones: 3 to 4 Years: Language for Communication
Speech and Language Milestones: 4 to 5 Years: Refined Language Skills
Speech and Language Milestones: 5 to 6 Years: Language for Learning and Socializing
Speech and Language Milestones: 6 to 7 Years: Advanced Language Skills
Book Online Speech Therapy Services
Developmental Red Flags: Birth to 6 years
Speech and Language Milestones for Children with Special Needs or Autism
How Speech Therapy Can Help Reach Speech and Language Milestones
Online Speech Therapy: A Convenient Alternative
Speech and Language Milestones: Frequently Asked Questions
AGE | RECEPTIVE LANGUAGE | EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE | GROSS MOTOR | FINE MOTOR | SELF-HELP | PROBLEM-SOLVING | SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL |
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1 month |
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2 months |
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3 months |
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4 months |
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5 months |
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6 months |
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7 months |
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8 months |
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9 months |
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10 months |
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11 months |
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12 months |
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13 months |
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14 months |
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15 months |
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16 months |
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18 months |
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20 months |
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22 months |
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24 months |
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28 months |
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30 months |
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33 months |
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3 years |
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4 years |
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5 years |
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6 years |
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Our Developmental Milestones Chart not only outlines speech milestones, such as the key developments at 18 months and 2 years, but also encompasses a broader spectrum of child development, including gross motor, fine motor, self-help, problem-solving, and social/emotional skills. This holistic approach ensures a complete understanding of a child's overall progress. The inclusion of detailed elements like the language milestones for 2-year-olds and the speech sound development chart offers an in-depth view, aiding in early detection and intervention strategies.
Speech and language development is a crucial aspect of a child's overall growth. This guide compiles detailed insights from various age-specific articles to provide a comprehensive overview of speech and language milestones from birth to 7 years. It also addresses the unique needs of children with special needs or autism.
This foundational period is marked by the emergence of early communication behaviors in infants. Their communication is primarily through basic vocalizations and expressions. These early interactions, though simple, are critical for laying the groundwork for future language skills. Babies start to recognize voices, respond to sounds, and begin the initial stages of babbling, setting the stage for more complex language development.
Age | Typical Development | Special Needs/Autism |
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Birth to 12 Months |
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In this stage, toddlers begin transitioning from mere vocalizations to deliberate attempts at communication. Although their speech might still be challenging to understand, it is marked by the emergence of first words and the formation of simple sentences. This period is crucial for developing the ability to use language to interact with their environment and express basic needs and emotions.
Age | Typical Development | Special Needs/Autism |
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1 to 2 Years |
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Toddlers experience a significant leap in language development during this period. Their vocabulary rapidly expands, and they start to form more complex sentences. This stage is characterized by a mix of growing clarity in speech and the development of grammatical understanding, although some pronunciation challenges may still persist.
Age | Typical Development | Special Needs/Autism |
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2 to 3 Years |
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At this age, children's language skills become more sophisticated. They begin to use language not just for basic communication but also for storytelling and asking questions. This stage is crucial for the development of narrative skills and the ability to engage in more complex conversations, laying a foundation for future academic and social interactions.
Age | Typical Development | Special Needs/Autism |
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3 to 4 Years |
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Children's language abilities continue to grow in sophistication during these years. They begin to form complex sentence structures and can understand and respond to more complex instructions and questions. This period is vital for developing the language skills necessary for entering a more structured educational environment.
Age | Typical Development | Special Needs/Autism |
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4 to 5 Years |
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As children approach school age, their language development gears them for more structured academic and social communication. They develop the ability to interact meaningfully with peers and adults and start using language in more diverse contexts, including learning and socialization in school settings.
Age | Typical Development | Special Needs/Autism |
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5 to 6 Years |
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This stage marks the final stretch of language development before children transition to primary school. Their language skills are now well-developed, with a deeper understanding of complex concepts and the ability to express themselves with advanced sentence structures. These skills are key in preparing them for the formal learning environment of primary school.
Age | Typical Development | Special Needs/Autism |
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6 to 7 Years |
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As we navigate through the exciting journey of speech and language development, it's important to be aware of certain signs that may indicate potential challenges or delays. The following table, titled 'Developmental Red Flags,' is designed to help parents, caregivers, and educators recognize signs that might warrant further evaluation or professional consultation. These red flags do not necessarily mean there is a definite issue, but they can serve as important indicators for seeking additional support or assessment. Early identification and intervention can make a significant difference in a child's communication skills and overall development.
TIME PERIOD | LANGUAGE/COGNITIVE | MOTOR | SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL |
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Neonatal period | The infant shows no reaction to loud noises. | Insufficient muscle tone in the infant for feeding. | The caregiver exhibits a lack of interest or concern towards the infant. |
2 months | No response to voices. | Unable to lift head while lying on stomach. | Absence of focus on faces or objects. |
4 months | Absence of cooing or gurgling noises. | Incapable of bringing hands to the center of the body. | Does not smile. |
6 months | Does not orient towards sounds or voices. | Unable to transfer objects between hands. | Absence of smiles, laughter, or varied facial expressions. |
9 months | Does not babble using consonant sounds. | Cannot sit independently or roll over. | No reciprocal smiling or vocalizing in interactions. |
12 months | Fails to respond to their name and doesn't comprehend the meaning of "no." | Unable to stand or support weight on legs even with assistance. | Shows a lack of or resistance to forming an attachment with the caregiver and doesn't follow caregiver's pointing. |
15 months | Not using words like "mama" or "dada/papa." | Lacks the ability to perform a pincer grasp. | Does not point to objects of desire (lacking proto-imperative pointing). |
18 months | Uses fewer than six words. | Unable to walk on their own. | Does not point to indicate interest (lacking proto-declarative pointing) or use showing gestures. |
24 months | Absence of speech and two-word meaningful phrases. Cannot follow basic instructions. | Unable to walk proficiently. | Fails to mimic actions or words of caregivers. Limited eye contact. |
36 months | Cannot construct sentences with three words. | Often falls or struggles with using stairs. | Does not engage in pretend play. |
4 years | Speech is not easily understood. Fails to respond to straightforward questions. Does not use pronouns appropriately. | Unable to jump on the spot. | Does not interact with peers. |
5 years | Cannot engage in rhyming. Fails to identify shapes, letters, or colors. Shows reluctance towards dressing, sleeping, and toilet use. | Unable to create drawings, draw a square, or a cross. Exhibits issues with balance. | Exhibits excessive fearfulness, sadness, shyness, or anger. Struggles to differentiate between reality and fantasy. |
6-12 years | Unable to recap a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. | Incapable of skipping or hopping on one foot. Cannot write own name. | Does not identify friends by name. Struggles to perceive emotions in others. |
Any age | Loss of previously acquired skill. |
Children with special needs or autism often experience speech and language development differently from their typically developing peers. Their milestones may vary significantly, both in timing and in the manner of acquisition. For instance:
Supporting speech and language development in children with special needs or autism requires tailored strategies that address their unique challenges:
Understanding and supporting speech and language development in children with special needs or autism is essential. These children often face unique challenges, but with tailored strategies and early intervention, significant progress can be made. Parents, educators, and therapists play a critical role in this journey. It's important for caregivers to seek age-specific information and professional guidance to best support each child's individual needs.
Using sign language with babies and toddlers, particularly those who are pre-verbal or have speech delays, can be a powerful way to facilitate early communication. It allows children to express their needs and feelings before they can speak, reducing frustration for both the child and parents. Teaching sign language can start as early as 6 months old. Simple signs like "eat," "more," "all done," and "milk" are usually introduced first. This form of communication not only aids in reducing tantrums but also has been shown to potentially boost verbal language development. Parents and caregivers can learn basic signs and incorporate them into their daily routines, making it a fun and interactive learning experience.
Creating a language-rich environment at home involves more than just speaking to children. It includes engaging in meaningful conversations, reading books together, singing songs, and providing opportunities for children to express themselves. This can be done by narrating everyday activities, asking open-ended questions, and encouraging children to describe their thoughts and feelings. Displaying books and reading materials around the house, playing word games, and limiting screen time in favor of interactive play can also contribute to a stimulating language environment. Such a setting nurtures language development, enhances vocabulary, and lays a solid foundation for literacy skills.
Play is a fundamental component in a child's language development. Through play, children learn to communicate, negotiate, and express their ideas and emotions. Activities like role-playing, storytelling, and pretend games allow children to experiment with language in a safe and imaginative way. Interactive play with parents, caregivers, or other children also encourages social language use, teaching children important conversational skills and how to read non-verbal cues. Incorporating educational toys that promote language skills, like puzzles with words or electronic devices that speak, can further enhance language development through play.
Communicating effectively with young children involves clear, simple, and direct language. It's important to get down to the child's level physically, making eye contact, and using expressions and gestures to reinforce verbal messages. Active listening is key – showing children that their words are valued encourages them to express themselves more. Repetition and rephrasing help reinforce language and understanding. Praise and positive reinforcement for attempts at communication can boost a child's confidence in their language abilities. Encouraging turn-taking in conversations, allowing the child ample time to respond, and being patient with their efforts at speaking are also crucial in developing effective communication skills.