Parent Resources
Developmental Milestones Guide
12 - 18 Months
- Follows simple one-step commands (e.g., 'Give me the ball')
- Uses 5-10 functional words consistently
- Points to objects or pictures when named
2 - 3 Years
- Combines 2-3 words into short phrases
- Speech is understood by familiar listeners about 50-75% of the time
- Uses simple prepositions like 'in' or 'on'
4 - 5 Years
- Tells stories or stays on topic during conversation
- Uses mostly adult-like grammar and complex sentences
- Speech is clear to strangers
When to reach out for support?
If your child is not meeting these milestones, or if you notice a regression in skills, limited interest in social interaction, or difficulty being understood by others, early intervention is key. We are here to help you navigate your child's unique communication journey.
Support Communication
At-Home Strategies
Daily Narrating
Talk about what you are doing as you do it. Whether you're folding laundry or making a snack, describing your actions helps your child connect words to real-world objects and movements.
Expanding Language
Repeat what your child says and add one more word. If they say 'car,' you say 'big car.' This simple technique models how to build longer sentences naturally.
Looking for more specific guidance?
Every child's journey is unique. If you'd like tailored strategies for your child's specific needs, we are here to provide personalized support and resources.
The Power of Pausing
Wait a few seconds after asking a question or starting a familiar routine. Giving your child 'wait time' encourages them to initiate communication and process what they want to say.
Face-to-Face Play
Get down on your child's level during play. Making eye contact and being at eye-level helps them see your mouth movements and feel more engaged in the interaction.
Trusted External Links
These vetted, reliable resources are selected to support your understanding of speech and language development. Please note that these materials are for educational purposes and do not replace individualized therapy tailored to your child's specific needs.
ASHA
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association provides comprehensive information on communication disorders.
CDC Milestones
Track your child's milestones from birth to age 5 with resources from the Centers for Disease Control.
Zero to Three
Early development resources focused on the healthy development of infants and toddlers.