Language

What is Language?
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), "Language is a code made up of rules that include what words mean, how to make words, how to put them together, and what word combinations are best in what situations." Therefore, a language disorder is defined by ASHA as "impaired comprehension and/or use of spoken, written, and/or other symbol systems.

When do children acquire certain language skills?
Generally, children complete the following developmental milestones by the ages listed. However, children often develop skills at different ages. The following is just a general guideline.

By age 1:

• recognizes name
• says 2-3 words (other than mama/dada)
• imitates familiar words
• understands simple instructions
• recognizes words as symbols for objects

• understands "no"
• uses 10-20 words
• combines two words
• waves good-bye and plays pat-a-cake
• makes sounds of familiar animals
• gives a toy when asked
• uses words like "more" to request
• points to toes, eyes, nose
• brings object from other room when asked
• stays with one activity 6-7 minutes

• identifies body parts
• carries on "conversation" with self and toys
• asks "what's that?" and "where's my...?"
• uses 2-word negative phrases ("no want")
• forms plurals by adding "s"
• has about 450 word vocabulary
• combines nouns and verbs
• gives first name, holds up fingers for age
• understands simple time concepts (last night, tomorrow)
• refers to self as "me" rather than name
• tries to get adult attention ("watch me!")
• likes to hear same story repeated
• talks to other children
• answers "where" questions
• names common pictures and objects
• uses short sentences
• matches 3-4 colors, knows big and little
• requests food, drink, potty
• stays with one activity 11-12 minutes

• can tell a story
• has sentence length of 4-5 words
• vocabulary of nearly 1000 words
• names at least one color
• understands "yesterday, summer, lunchtime, tonight"
• begins to obey requests like "put the block under the chair"
• knows his/her last name, name of street, nursery rhymes
• stays with one activity 12-13 minutes

• uses past tense correctly
• vocabulary of nearly 1500 words
• points to colors red, blue, yellow and green
• identifies triangles, circles and squares
• understands "in the morning," "next," "noontime"
• can speak of imaginary conditions such as "I hope."
• Asks many questions ("who?" "why?")

• has sentence length of 5-6 words
• vocabulary of around 2000 words
• defines objects by use and can tell what objects are made of
• knows spatial relations like "on top, behind, far, near"
• knows address
• identifies penny, nickel, dime
• knows common opposites
• understands same/different
• counts ten objects
• asks questions for information
• distinguishes left/right hand in self
• uses all types of sentences
• uses future, present and past tenses

• When your child is 3 and is not able to follow simple directions
• When your child is only using 1-2 words together by age 3 and is not communicating in sentences
• When your child has not reached several of the above milestones by the ages listed

• Tell nursery rhymes and sing songs at an early age. Let your child listen to tapes/cd's with appropriate songs.
• Play simple games such as "peek-a-boo" and "pat-a-cake" from very early on. Continue playing games as he/she gets older.
• Look at your child when he/she talks to you.
• Let your child give you answers to simple questions. Don't answer for your child when others ask questions directed towards him/her.
• Listen to your child and expand on his/her language. Use well-formed sentences that are a little longer than his/hers.
• Read to your child. Talk about pictures. Your child learns new vocabulary, concepts, and the patterns of language from being read to. Read cereal boxes, signs-everything!
• Use television to its best advantage. Limit its use to good programs and talk to your child about the program. Ask questions about the program.
• Be positive. Use positive reinforcements rather than negative.
• Concerning your child's language attempts, don't allow other family members to tease, make fun of, imitate or label your child.
• Don't push your child to the point of embarrassment. Do not correct him/her in front of his/her peers or other family members.
• Provide new experiences. Take field trips, make things, cook, do experiments. Involve your child in daily activities. Talk about everything you're doing all the time!