normal speech &
language development
An individual child may not follow this timetable exactly, however, it may be used as a general guide in helping to identify speech and language problems at an early age.
Age
Ability to understand
Expressive Language
Age
3 – 6
Months
Ability to understand
seeks sound source; smiles in response to speech, recognizes bottle
Expressive Language
babbling begins; vocalize pleasure; displeasure
Age
7 – 9
Months
Ability to understand
responds to “no”; responds to gestures; pat-a-cake, bye-bye
Expressive Language
/m, n, t, d, b, p, z/ babbling; multiple syllables (maybe “mamma”, “dada”), imitates speech sounds
Age
10 – 12
Months
Ability to understand
begins to relate object and name; follows simple commands regarding body action; responds to own name consistently
Expressive Language
may acquire 1st true word; (10-18 months); sentence-like intonations (jargon) begin; uses all sounds in vocal play
Age
1 – 1.5
Years
Ability to understand
simple 1-step commands; recognizes some body parts, objects
Expressive Language
3-20 single words; jargon; gestures
Age
1.5 – 2
Years
Ability to understand
200-300 words; simple yes/no questions
Expressive Language
uses 20-60 recognizable words; 2- word combinations (“daddy car”, “more milk”); 65% intelligible by 2 years
Age
2 – 3
Years
Ability to understand
800-900 words; why, what, where questions; listens to short stories
Expressive Language
uses 200-500 words; 3-4 words sentences (“daddy drive car”, “I want to play”); grammar emerging; 70- 80%intelligible
Age
3 – 4
Years
Ability to understand
1200-1500 words; understands comparisons (big, little); responds to 2-part commands
Expressive Language
uses 800-1500 words; 4-5 words sentences; question asking stage
Age
4 – 5
Years
Ability to understand
2500 words; answers complex questions; some color/number concepts
Expressive Language
uses 1500-2000 words; very intelligible in connected speech; 4-8 words sentences (grammar refined); tells long stories