Your baby is able to communicate with you long before they speak a single word! A baby’s cry, smile, and responses to you help you to understand their needs. Learn how children communicate and what to do when there are concerns about delays in development.

Milestones during the first 2 years

Children develop at different rates, but they usually are able to do certain things at certain ages. Following are general developmental milestones. Keep in mind that they are only guidelines. If you have any questions about your baby’s development, ask your child’s doctor—the sooner the better. Even when there are delays, early intervention can make a significant difference.

By 1 year most babies will

• Look for and be able to find where a sound is coming from.
• Respond to their name most of the time when you call it.
• Wave goodbye.
• Look where you point when you say, “Look at the _________.”
• Babble with intonation (voice rises and falls as if they are speaking in sentences).
• Take turns “talking” with you—listen and pay attention to you when you speak and then resume babbling when you stop.
• Say “da-da” to dad and “ma-ma” to mom.
• Say at least 1 word.
• Point to items they want that are out of reach or make sounds while pointing.

Between 1 and 2 years most toddlers will

• Follow simple commands, first when the adult speaks and gestures, and then later with words alone.
• Get objects from another room when asked.
• Point to a few body parts when asked.
• Point to interesting objects or events to get you to look at them too.
• Bring things to you to show you.
• Point to objects so you will name them.
• Name a few common objects and pictures when asked.
• Enjoy pretending (for example, pretend cooking). They will use gestures and words with you or with a favorite stuffed animal or doll.
• Learn about 1 new word per week between 11/2 and 2 years.

By 2 years of age most toddlers will

• Point to many body parts and common objects.
• Point to some pictures in books.
• Follow 1-step commands without a gesture like “Put your cup on the table.”
• Be able to say about 50 to 100 words.
• Say several 2-word phrases like “Daddy go,” “Doll mine,” and “All gone.”
• Perhaps say a few 3-word sentences like “I want juice” or “You go bye-bye.”
• Be understood by others (or by adults) about half of the time.

When milestones are delayed

If your child’s development seems delayed or shows any of the behaviors in the following list, tell your child’s doctor. Sometimes language delays occur along with these behaviors. Also, tell your child’s doctor if your baby stops talking or doing things that he or she used to do.

• Doesn’t cuddle like other babies
• Doesn’t return a happy smile back to you
• Doesn’t seem to notice if you are in the room
• Doesn’t seem to notice certain noises (for example, seems to hear a car horn or a cat’s meow but not when you call his or her name)
• Acts as if he or she is in his or her own world
• Prefers to play alone; seems to “tune others out”
• Doesn’t seem interested in or play with toys but likes to play with objects in the house
• Has intense interest in objects young children are not usually interested in (for example, would rather carry around a flashlight or ballpoint pen than a stuffed animal or favorite blanket)
• Can say the ABCs, numbers, or words to TV jingles but can’t use words to ask for things he or she wants
• Doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything
• Doesn’t seem to feel pain in a typical fashion
• Uses words or phrases that are unusual for the situation or repeats scripts from TV

Delays in language

Delays in language are the most common types of developmental delay. One out of 5 children will learn to talk or use words later than other children their age. Some children will also show behavioral problems because they are frustrated when they can’t express what they need or want.

Simple speech delays are sometimes temporary. They may resolve on their own or with a little extra help from family. It’s important to encourage your child to “talk” to you with gestures or sounds and for you to spend lots of time playing with, reading to, and talking with your infant or toddler. In some cases, your child will need more help from a trained professional, a speech and language therapist, to learn to communicate.

Sometimes delays may be a warning sign of a more serious problem that could include hearing loss, developmental delay in other areas, or even an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Language delays in early childhood also could be a sign of a learning problem that may not be diagnosed until the school years. It’s important to have your child evaluated if you are concerned about your child’s language development.

What your child’s doctor might do

Sometimes more information is needed about your child before your child’s doctor can address your concerns. The doctor may

• Ask you some questions or ask you to fill out a questionnaire.
• Interact with your child in various ways to learn more about his or her development.
• Order a hearing test and refer you to a speech and language therapist for testing. The therapist will evaluate your child’s speech (expressive language) and ability to understand speech and gestures (receptive language).
• Refer your child for evaluation through an early intervention program.

What to expect after the doctor’s visit

If your child’s doctor tells you not to worry (that your child will “catch up in time”) but you are still concerned, it’s OK to get a second opinion. You can ask your child’s doctor for a referral to a developmental specialist or a speech and language therapist. You may also contact an early intervention program for an evaluation if your child is younger than 3 years, or your local school district if he or she is 3 or older.If what your child says (expressive language) is the only delay, you may be given suggestions to help your child at home. Formal speech therapy may also be recommended.

If both what your child understands (receptive language) and what he or she says are delayed and a hearing test is normal, your child will need further evaluation. This will determine whether the delays are caused by a true communication dis order, generalized developmental delays, an ASD, or another developmental problem.

When an ASD is the reason for language delays, your child will also have difficulty interacting with other people and may show some or all of the concerning behaviors listed previously. If there is concern your child might have an ASD, your child will usually be referred to a specialist or a team of specialists for evaluation and treatment of an ASD or a related disorder. The specialist(s) may then recommend speech therapy and may suggest other ways to improve social skills, behavior, and the desire to communicate.

Programs that help children and families

If your child has delays or suspected delays, your child’s doctor will probably refer you to an early intervention program in your area. The staff there might do additional evaluations and reassure you that your child’s development is normal or tell you that your child would benefit from some type of intervention. Your child does not need to have a diagnosis of a developmental problem to receive services through this program.

If your child is younger than 3 years, the referral may be to an early intervention program in your area. Early intervention programs are sometimes called “Part C” or “Birth to Three” programs. Early intervention is a federal- and state-funded program that helps children and their families. You may also contact the early intervention program yourself.

If your child qualifies for services, a team of specialists will work with you to develop an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan becomes a guide for the services your child will receive until 3 years of age. It may include parent training and support, direct therapy, and special equipment. Other services may be offered if they benefit your child and family. If your child needs help after 3 years of age, the early intervention staff will transition your child to services through your local school district.

If your child is 3 years or older, the referral may be to your local public school. You may also contact the local public school directly. If your child is eligible, the school district staff will, with your input, develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP). This plan may provide some of the same services as the early intervention program but focus on school services for your child. The level of services also may be different. If your child continues to need special education and services, the IEP will be reviewed and revised from time to time.

Remember

As a parent, follow your instincts. If you continue to have concerns about your child’s development, ask for a reevaluation or referral for additional formal testing.

Listing of resources does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of the resources mentioned on this page. Web site addresses are as current as possible, but may change at any time.