The age at which kids learn language and start talking can vary. There is no set date and time in a child's life when they will start talking.
Some babies can babble syllable strings like "mama" and "dada" before their first birthday. Some toddlers can say about 20 words before they're one and a half years old. If the child isn't doing these things, there's not necessarily a reason to worry yet. Knowing the norms, or what is considered "normal development," can help you figure out if there's a reason to be worried, or if the child is on track.
Some babies can babble syllable strings like "mama" and "dada" before their first birthday. Some toddlers can say about 20 words before they're one and a half years old. If the child isn't doing these things, there's not necessarily a reason to worry yet. Knowing the norms, or what is considered "normal development," can help you figure out if there's a reason to be worried, or if the child is on track.
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What milestones should your child be reaching?
There are important milestones a child achieves at every stage of their life. To find out more information on milestones click on the Milestones button to the left to visit Pathways.org , their baby milestones are sorted by age and topic making it easy to find the information you need. Below are links to some of their printable charts and checklists to help track a child’s development through 6 years. |
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Speech and Language are different
Many times a parent will state they need their child's speech evaluated, when they really mean language.
Speech or Language Delays
Speech and language delays can differ but can overlap in certain areas
Many times a parent will state they need their child's speech evaluated, when they really mean language.
- Speech is the verbal expression of language which includes articulation (sounds)
- Language is the way of giving and receiving information in a meaningful way. It is the ability to understand and be understood through communication (this includes verbal, nonverbal, and written language)
Speech or Language Delays
Speech and language delays can differ but can overlap in certain areas
- Speech delay
- The child might be able to use words and phrases to communicate but is difficult to understand
- Language delay
- Expressive Language Delay
- The child is not using any words and/or gestures to communicate
- The child might be able to pronounce words well but isn't able to put 2 words together
- Receptive Language Delay
- The child does not understand what is being said to them
- The child has difficulty answering questions
- The child has difficulty following directions
- Mixed Expressive/Receptive Language Delay
- The child has difficulty communicating what they want to say and understanding what is being said to them
- Expressive Language Delay
