Expressive Language Development

by Sharon Hendrickson-Pfeil, M.S., M.A., CCC

You may be wondering if your child is learning to talk "on tune" or if your child's speech and language development is delayed. Parents of children with special needs are often concerned about expressive language development, since language delays may be caused or complicated by a wide range of problems.

Some conditions which delay language development are hearing loss, physical disabilities which interfere with learning experiences, problems which directly interfere with speech (such as Cleft palate), and overall delays in development and learning.

Most children learn to talk in predictable stages. This is true even for many children whose language development is delayed. You should become familiar with the normal process of speech and language development, so you can better help your child learn to communicate.

Preparing for language

During the first few months of life, babies are already learning to use the senses and the parts of the body which will be necessary for speech. They begin to develop attention, memory, and listening skills. They also learn to control adults by gestures and by different kinds of crying.

Here's how most babies develop the skills that lead up to speech.

During the first month: Vowel-like sounds and crying emerge.

By 2 months: Baby is able to produce different kinds of cries.

By 3 months: Baby begins using m, p, and b, which are made with the lips and are easy to see and imitate.

Over the next few months, babies begin to use their voices in ways other than crying. They learn to vary their tone of voice to express different feelings, and new sounds start to emerge. Now, the baby begins to stop making sounds while being addressed by an adult. Your child is really listening to you!

By 6 months: May spend long periods of time making sounds. May begin producing simple syllables, such as ma and pa. This vocal play is a very important foundation for spoken language, which will emerge within the next 6 months.

The beginnings of language

The second 6 months are increasingly dedicated to "making things happen." Babies learn how to make the same sounds over and over again. They learn to control adults by using gestures. They learn how to imitate adults' speech sounds. Your baby will show enjoyment while you play together and will begin to take part in simple turn-taking routines such as bath time, mealtime, and simple games such as "peek-a-boo." Gradually, babies put these skills together and learn to use their first real words.

Here are some milestones in this learning process.

By 7 months: Begins to put two syllables together while babbling. Some sounds begin to sound almost like real words. Vocal play is more frequent.

By 9 months: May "sing along" with music and has probably learned to play "peek-a-boo" or "pat-a-cake." Can babble a number of different syllables and is learning to produce new sounds. Asks for toys or food by pointing and making sounds. Shakes head for "no!"

By 10 to 12 months: Tries to imitate new words and usually says first words. More sentence-like sounds are present. May "talk" to family members without using true words. May make sounds as if singing along while listening to music and may wave "bye-bye" when asked to.

By 1 year: The baby who is developing language normally will use from one to three spoken words. However, these words may have uncommon and unexpected meanings—baby may use bird for not just birds but also kites and even airplanes!

Most children learn to talk in predictable stages. This is true even for many children whose language development is delayed. You should become familiar with the normal process of speech and language development, so you can better help your child learn to communicate.

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