Language development
The following table outlines the important aspects of linguistic development.
A number of risk factors are associated with delayed speech and language (Nelson 2006):-
The most reliable risk factor is thought to be a positive family history.
H Nelson (2006). Screening for Speech and Language Delay in Preschool Children. Systemic Evidence Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Pediatrics Pediatrics 117;e298.
| Age | Developmental abilities |
|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Reacts to loud noises, vocalises pleasure and displeasure (laughs, cries) |
| 6-12 months | Responds to own name, responds appropriately to angry and friendly tones, babbles |
| 12-18 months | Uses one or more word with meaning, understands simple instructions, tries to imitate simple words |
| 18-24 months | Has a vocabulary of 5-20 words (mainly nouns), knows simple body parts, understands simple verbs (eat, sleep), starts to combine words (e.g. More play) |
| 24-36 months | Able to name a number of objects, vocabulary of 150-300 words, able to combine words into short sentences, begins to use prepositions, answers simple questions |
| 36-48 months | Has a vocabulary of 900-1000 words, begins to use plurals and past tense, handles three word sentences easily, groups objects such (e.g. Food, animals), strangers will understand most of what is said |
A number of risk factors are associated with delayed speech and language (Nelson 2006):-
- Family history
- Male gender
- Twins
- Lower maternal education
- Childhood illness
- Being born late in the family order
- Young mother at birth
- Low socioeconomic status
The most reliable risk factor is thought to be a positive family history.
H Nelson (2006). Screening for Speech and Language Delay in Preschool Children. Systemic Evidence Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Pediatrics Pediatrics 117;e298.
