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Language Delays

Language development is unique to every child.  As a speech therapist, I describe language as a person's ability to use and understand the words and grammar spoken around them. 

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Below is a non-exhaustive list of language skills usually shown by children ages 1 to 5.

Typical language development of 1-year-olds

  • By 12 months: babbling with sequences of different speech sound (e.g., ma-da-boo)

  • First word around 10-13 months

  • Responds to sounds and voices in environment

  • Looks most of the time when name is called

  • Anticipates familiar verbal routines (e.g., peek-a-boo)

Typical language development of 2-year-olds

  • By 24 months: >50 distinct words in expressive vocabulary

  • Variety of two-word combinations (e.g., mommy shoe; ball go)

  • Uses words and gestures to comment, request, describe, and protest​​

  • Attempts to imitate words and speech sounds

  • Carry out routine, one-step directions

Typical language development of 3-year-olds

  • By 36 months: hundreds of distinct words produced

  • Can produce sentences >3 words in length

  • Answers simple who, what, and where questions

  • Uses verb ending such as progressive -ing, third person -s, and regular past tense -ed

  • Compares objects with adjective endings (e.g., nicer; fastest )

Typical language development of 4-year-olds

  • Speaks in complete sentences

  • Understands and follows basic multi-step directions

  • Connects sentences and ideas with words such as because and but

  • Uses common irregular plural nouns (e.g., teeth)

  • Maintains conversations with family and peers

Typical language development of 5-year-olds

  • Uses a variety of multi-clause sentences (e.g., I know the girl that built the rocket!)

  • Predicts what will happen next in a story

  • Sounds out words (e.g., mm - ow - ss...mouse!)

  • Initiates and carries conversations with friends

  • Tells detailed pretend and autobiographical stories

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's language development, schedule a call with Mr. Zak SLP today!

Mr. Zak Speech Therapy is out of network for all insurance providers at this time. Please contact Mr. Zak directly for more information regarding private pay rates of services and policies.

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