Early development 0-12 months

A child begins to communicate with the world around them from the first few days they are born. As a child hasn’t developed the skills that are needed for speech or for understanding and expressing language at this age, the child uses their cry, facial gestures, motor movements and eye contact to communicate with those around them.

Although children develop at different paces there are some milestones children should meet. Below are expected milestones children should typically reach at this age:

0-6 months

• When hearing a sound will turn towards it.
• Is startled by loud or sudden noises.
• Recognise the voice of carers.
• Will watch the face of those who is speaking to them.
• Will imitate the facial gestures made by those who are interacting with them e.g. will smile back when smiled to.
• Will make noises like cooing, babbling and gurgling.
• Will make vocalisations that are made up of vowels.
• Will use and change their cry to communicate their different needs and moods, e.g. hungry, uncomfortable and annoyed.

6-12 months

• Will turn immediately towards familiar voices.
• Will listen to a voice even if the adult is not in sight.
• Will babble to themselves and others using vowel and few consonants sounds e.g. dadada agagaga.
• Will laugh, squeal and scream during play.
• Will respond to turn taking conversation.
• Responds to their name.
• Understand simple phrases such as no and bye-bye especially when they are accompanied by gestures.
• Understands and reacts to simple questions such as ‘where’s mummy?’.
• Imitates vocal sounds in a playful manner.
• Will mouth toys through exploratory play.

Our speech and language therapists have the knowledge and experience to help increase the development of children who may be finding, speech, language or communication difficult. We can provide a range of assessments and an individualised therapy programme to suit the needs of your child and to improve development.

If you are concerned about your child’s speech, language and communication development and would like to book an assessment please email office@sltforkids.co.uk or call 0330 088 2298.