Audio LecturePro Feature Speech and Language 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x Child development is the process by which the dependent infant matures into the independent adult, functioning within society. It is a complex interweaving of biology, psychology and environment where each skill builds on the ones that have come before and provides a foundation for those skills yet to develop. Development in humans follows a predictable pattern and a rough schedule but no individual develops in exactly the same manner as any other. It follows an orderly pattern (unlike almost everything else regarding children); from top to bottom, central to outer and simple to complex. What is important, when considering normal development, is progress and parity; that children are moving forward in the different areas of development at roughly the same rate. Disparity in progress between areas of the body (e.g. the right side and the left or the lower limbs and the upper limbs) or between domains of development (see below) is concerning, as is regression (i.e. loss of previously attained skills). This article will outline the typical stages of development that children go through. The features typically seen at each age are described below. Speech and language We often talk about speech and language interchangeably, but they are two distinct concepts. Speech is the actual sounds of spoken language, produced by the co-ordinated action of the muscles of the tongue, lips, jaw and vocal tract. Language is the systems of words and symbols that we use to communicate with each other and encompasses written, verbal and non-verbal (gestures and body language) communication. Speech and language development relies on intact hearing, good muscle control and exposure to language, through interaction with other people. Age Feature Newborn Cries 6-8 weeks Coos 3 months Laughs and vocalises 6 months Understands words such as mama, dada or bye-bye Babbles spontaneously, initially monosyllables Uses a tuneful, singsong voice 9 months Imitates adult sounds, such as coughs Understands simple commands Understands “no” 12 months Knows and responds to own name Uses 2-6 words and understands many more 18 months Uses 6-40 recognisable words Can point to parts of the body when asked Tries to sing 24 months (2 years) Speaks over 200 words, understands many more Joins words together Omits opening or closing consonants 30 months Continually asks questions 36 months (3 years) Can name 2 or 3 colours Knows and repeats songs and nursery rhymes Counts by rote up to 10 Has simple conversations 48 months (4 years) Talks fluently Counts by rote up to 20 Enjoys jokes 60 months (5 years) Fluent in speech and mostly grammatically correct Interested in reading and writing References (1) Kapoor, Barnes, “Developmental Assessment”, Paediatrics, Edition 4, 2013 (2) Lissauer, W. Carroll, “Normal Child Development, Hearing and Vision”, Illustrated Textbook of Paediatrics, Edition 5, 2017 (3) Sheridan, M. D., From birth to five years; children’s developmental progress, 3rd edition revised and updated by A. Sharma and H. Cockerill, Routledge 2007 (4) understood.org (5) thecommunicationtrust.org.uk (6) Meggitt, C., Child development, an illustrated guide, 2nd edition, Heinemann 2006 (7) kidsmatter.edu.au Authors: 1st draft: Trainee doctor Hannah Murray Senior review: Dr Louise Ingram (Paediatric specialist registrar) Do you think you’re ready? Take the quiz below QuizPro Feature Speech and Language Question 1 of 3 Submitting... Skip Next Rate question: You scored 0% Skipped: 0/3 1000+ More Questions Available Upgrade to TeachMePaediatrics Pro Challenge yourself with over 1000 multiple-choice questions to reinforce learning Learn More Frequent questions What is the difference between speech and language in child development? Speech refers to the actual sounds produced during verbal communication, while language encompasses the systems of words and symbols used for communication, including written, verbal, and non-verbal forms. Both are essential for effective interaction and rely on hearing, muscle control, and social exposure. At what age do children typically start to babble and understand basic words? Children usually begin to babble around six months of age and can understand words like "mama" and "dada" by this time as well. This stage marks a critical point in their speech and language development. How many words can a child typically use by the age of 24 months? By 24 months, children can speak over 200 words and understand many more. They also start to join words together, which indicates significant progress in their language skills. What developmental milestones are expected by the age of 3 years? At 36 months, children can name 2 or 3 colours, count by rote up to 10, and engage in simple conversations. They also demonstrate an ability to repeat songs and nursery rhymes, showcasing their growing language abilities. Why is it concerning if a child shows regression in speech and language skills? Regression, or the loss of previously acquired skills, is a red flag in child development as it may indicate underlying issues. Consistent progress across different developmental areas is crucial for healthy growth, and any disparity or regression should be evaluated further. Rate This Article