According to the Child Development Institute the following information is a representation of typical language development. Most children will not follow the chart to the letter but the information is presented so parents will know what to expect as their child develops:
By age one: recognizes name, says 2-3 words besides “mama” and “dada”, imitates familiar words, understands simple instructions, recognizes words as symbols for objects such as car (points to garage), cat (meows).
Between one and two: understands “no”, uses 10 to 20 words including names, combines two words such as “daddy bye-bye”, waves good-bye and plays pat-a-cake, makes the sounds of familiar animals, gives a toy when asked, uses words such as “more” to make wants known, points to his or her toes, eyes and nose and brings objects from another room when asked.
Between two and three: Identifies body parts, carries on conversation with self and dolls, asks questions such as ” what’s that” and “where’s my?”, uses 2-word negative phrases such as “no want”, forms some plurals by adding “s”, has a 450 word vocabulary, gives first name and holds up fingers to tell age, combines nouns and verbs such as “mommy go”, understands simple time concepts: “last night”, “tomorrow”, refers to self as “me”, likes stories repeated, talks to other children as well as adults, solves problems by talking instead of hitting or crying, names common pictures and things, uses short sentences like “me want more”, can match 3-4 colors, knows big and little.
Understand that “normal” for all children is relative. If parents are concerned about a developmental issue consult your child’s physician first and consider contacting your local school district to see if an evaluation is recommended.
If circumstances indicate the need for early intervention (EI) most child care facilities accommodate services on-site. Tender Nest will make adequate space available for speech, occupational and physical therapies.
Remember deficits can be overcome and disorders managed with early diagnosis and intervention.
