Language delays are often identified when a child strays from the expected developments in the timeline of typical speech and language developmental milestones that researchers agree on. Children can stray slightly from the confines of the expected timeline; however, if a child is observed to be largely straying from the expected timeline, the childs caretaker should consult with a medical specialist. Timeline of typical speech and language developmental milestones
This timeline only provides a very general and brief outline of expected developments from birth to age five, individual children can still exhibit varying development patterns as this timeline only serves as a general guideline. This timeline is only one model, other models regarding language development exist. The development of language remains a theoretical mystery. Around 2 months, babies can make "cooing" sounds.Around 4 months, babies can respond to voices.Around 6 months, babies begin to babble and respond to names.Around 9 months, babies begin to produce mama/dada - appropriate terms and are able to imitate one word at a time.Around 12 months, toddlers can typically speak one or more words. They can produce two words with meaning.Around 15 months, toddlers begin to produce jargon, which is defined as "pre-linguistic vocalizations in which infants use adult-like stress and intonation".Around 18 months, toddlers can produce 10 words and follow simple commands.Around 24 months, toddlers begin to produce 2-3 words and phases that use "I", "Me", and "you", indicating possession. They are about 25% intelligible.Around 3 years, toddlers are able to use language in numerical terms.
Instead, these parents are more likely to adapt to the childs communication, which results in an "idiosyncratic feedback cycle" that worsens the childs language difficulties rather than help with their language acquisition.Birth Order
First-born children grow up in an environment that provides more possibilities of communicative interaction with adults, which differs from what is experienced by their younger siblings. Younger siblings are likely to have less one-on-one time with their parents or guardians. Older siblings also tend to talk for their younger siblings, giving them less opportunities to grow their language skills.Television viewing
Excessive television viewing is associated with delayed language development. Children who watched television alone were 8.47 times more likely to have language delay when compared to children who interacted with their caregivers during television viewing. Some educational television shows, such as Blues Clues, have been found to enhance a childs language development. But, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under the age of 2 should watch no television at all, and after age 2 watch no more than one to two hours of quality programming a day. Therefore, exposing such young children to television programs should be discouraged, especially television shows with no educational value. Parents should engage children in more conversational activities to avoid television-related delays to their children language development, which could impair their intellectual performance.