Speech & Language Development
Typical speech and language development varies by child, but the following are warning signs to look out for in young children.
You know your child best. If you are worried, contact Communicating Kids Speech & Language for an evaluation.
By 2 years old:
Has less than 50 words.
Does not put two words together to say phrases.
Does not understand simple directions you say.
Does not understand simple questions.
Does not understand new words quickly.
Can not say the sounds, "p, b, m, and h".
By 3 years old:
Doesn't understand new words quickly.
Does not understand spatial concept words like, "up, down, big, little, on, off".
Can not answer simple questions.
Does not follow simple 2-step directions.
Does not put three words together to say short sentences.
Does not ask simple questions ("why?").
Speech is difficult for family to understand.
Can not say the sounds "n, t, d, f, k, and g"
By 4 years old:
Does not put four words together to say a short sentence.
Can not share what happened during the day.
Does not use pronouns ("I, you, me").
Does not make rhymes.
Does not answer simple who, what, and where questions.
Does not understand or use words for colors and shapes.
Speech is difficult for most people to understand.
By 5 years old:
Can not tell a short story.
Can not engage in conversation.
Does not understand time concept words like, "first, last, yesterday, tomorrow".
Does not use grammatically correct sentences.
Can not identify some letters of the alphabet and the sounds they make.
Speech is not understood 100% of the time.
Can not say the sounds, "v, s, z, sh, ch, l, j and r".
