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Speech and Language Norms

All children develop speech and language at their own pace. The following milestones are commonly achieved by the set ages. However, if you feel your child does not demonstrate the skills for their age, please contact us for information.

18 Months

  • Responds to simple words, directions and phrases like “no”, “come here”, and “want more?”

  • Waves “bye”

  • Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name

  • Tries to say 3 or more words other than mama or dada, like “hi”, “dog”, “uh-oh”

2

Years

  • Follows 1-step directions without gestures (e.g. put the toys in the bin, roll the ball)

  • Responds to and asks simple questions (e.g. who’s that? Where’s the cat?)

  • Uses a lot of new words

  • Uses p,b,m,h,w sounds in words

  • Combines 2 words (e.g. more milk, happy mama)

3

Years

  • Understands opposites like “go/stop, big/little”

  • Follows 2-step directions (e.g. get your shoes and put them on)

  • Combines 3 words to talk about things and ask questions

  • Talks about actions in a story (e.g. running, hopping, eating)

  • Asks “why”

  • Mostly understood by familiar listeners

  • Using the sounds k,g,f,t,d,n in words

4

Years

  • Answers simple who, what, and where questions

  • Combines 4+ words

  • Uses pronouns and some plurals

  • Asks when and how questions

  • Most people understand what your child says

5

Years

  • Follows 3-step directions

  • Understands words for order (e.g. first, next, last) and time (e.g. yesterday, today, tomorrow)

  • Answers simple questions about a book you read

  • Holds a conversation for more than 3 back and forth turns

  • Says all speech sounds in words

  • Can tell a short story

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