Developmental Milestones for Speech Therapy

Speech and language development is a critical part of a child’s overall development. It allows them to communicate with others, express their needs and wants, and learn about the world around them. Speech therapy can help children who are struggling with speech and language development reach their full potential.

There are a number of developmental milestones that children typically reach by certain ages. These milestones can vary from child to child, but they can provide a general guide for parents and caregivers. If a child is not meeting these milestones, it may be a sign of a speech or language delay.

Some of the key developmental milestones for speech and language development include:

Birth to 6 months:

  • Babbling
  • Cooing
  • Turning to the direction of sound
  • Responding to different tones of voice

6 to 12 months:

  • Using single words
  • Combining words to make simple sentences
  • Understanding simple commands

12 to 18 months:

  • Using two-word sentences
  • Understanding more complex commands
  • Asking questions

18 to 24 months:

  • Using three-word sentences
  • Understanding most commands
  • Beginning to use plurals

24 to 36 months:

  • Using four-word sentences
  • Understanding most questions
  • Beginning to use past tense

If you are concerned that your child is not meeting these milestones, it is important to talk to your child’s pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist. They can assess your child’s development and recommend appropriate treatment if needed.

Speech therapy can help children with a variety of speech and language disorders, including:

  • Articulation disorders: These disorders involve difficulty producing certain sounds.
  • Phonological disorders: These disorders involve difficulty using sounds in the correct way.
  • Fluency disorders: These disorders involve difficulty speaking smoothly.
  • Language disorders: These disorders involve difficulty understanding or using language.

Here are some tips for helping your child reach their speech and language milestones:

  • Talk to your child often. The more you talk to your child, the more they will learn about language.
  • Read to your child every day. Reading exposes your child to new words and helps them develop their listening skills.
    Sing to your child. Singing is a fun way to help your child learn about language and rhythm.
  • Play games that involve communication. There are many games that can help your child develop their communication skills, such as charades, Simon Says, and I Spy.
  • Encourage your child to communicate. When your child tries to communicate, be patient and understanding. Don’t correct them if they make mistakes.
  • Get help if you need it. 
Book Free Consult