Speech Development Milestones

The following information is based on the American Speech-Language -Hearing Association (ASHA) Communication Milestones

Language has 2 categories: Receptive Language and Expressive Language.

The following is a list of Receptive Language and Expressive Language milestones created by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Birth to 12 Months:

Receptive Language:

• Quiets or smiles when you talk

• Turns toward sounds and familiar voices

• Recognizes familiar people and routines

Expressive Language:

• Coos and babbles with long strings of sounds (“mamamama,” “babababa”)

• Imitates simple sounds and facial expressions

Social Communication:

• Makes eye contact and takes turns in playful games

• Shows excitement when seeing familiar people

• Responds to simple words and phrases

• Looks at you when you call their name

  
  

13–18 Months:

Receptive Language:

• Follows simple one-step directions (“Give me the ball”)

• Identifies one or more body parts

• Understands words for common objects, some actions, and familiar people

• Look around when asked “where?” (e.g., "Where's dada?")

Expressive Language:

• Uses words for common objects, some actions, and familiar people

• Combines gestures and sounds to communicate

• Tries to imitate new words

• Shakes head for "no" and nods head for "yes"

19–24 Months:

Receptive Language:

• Understands at least 50 different words

• Follows 2-step directions ("Get the plate and put it on the table")

Expressive Language:

• Uses at least 50 different words

• Puts 2 or more words together ("Mama help" "More bubble")

• Uses words like me, mine, and you

• Uses words to ask for help

• Uses possessives ("Daddy's sock" "Mommy's car")

  
  

2–3 Years:

Receptive Language:

• Answers complex questions ("What do you do when you are sleepy?" "Which one can you wear?")

• Understands basic concepts like big/little, mine/yours

Expressive Language:

• Regularly uses word combinations ("I want juice")

• Tries to get caregivers attention ("Look at me!")

• Says their name when asked

• Uses -ing verbs (running, eating, drinking)

• Asks "why" and "how" questions

Speech Clarity: By age 3, familiar adults should understand about 75% of what your child says. Sounds like p, b, m, h, w, t, d, n, k, g, f typically are developed at this time. They should be correctly pronouncing most vowels in words.

When to Seek Support

Consider reaching out for support if your child has not yet met the milestones for their age.