Language is the ability to understand and express ones ideas for which we require correct word order, structure and content, along with functional and social use of language. Any difficulty with understanding others (receptive language) or sharing thoughts, feelings and ideas (expressive language) can result in a language disorder. Typical symptoms are difficulty with grammar & vocabulary; not using language socially and appropriately; as well as a difficulty during speaking, listening, reading or writing.
In children, a language disorder can be developmental or acquired; where as in adults it is primarily acquired. An acquired language disorder results from damage to the left-hemisphere or ‘language governing’ part of the brain (as in the case of a stroke, neurological condition, brain injury).
Please refer to the table below to check for a child’s typical language development.
• Smiles spontaneously to human contact
• Smiles when playing alone
• Smiles at faces of several family members
• Stops crying when spoken to
• Shows different responses to different family members
• Responds to ‘Come here’
• Becomes more outgoing with familiar people
• Shows anxiety when separated from favorite caregiver
• Likes to be with specific people
• Reacts to others moods
• Is fearful of strangers
• Can tolerate momentary loss of contact with caregiver in unfamiliar places
• Shows off to get attention
• Has an expressive vocabulary of between 5-20 words
• Is aware of the value of communication
• Follows simple directions, especially with gesture
• Practices intonation, sometimes imitating an adult
• Uses mostly nouns with a few others, such as ‘down’ or ‘up’
• Uses much, meaningful jargon with inflection and emotion
• Names common objects
• Uses two or three more prepositions such as ‘on’, ‘in’, ‘or’ ‘under’
• Uses noun + verb consistently
• Family understands about 2/3 of what child says
• Receptive and expressive vocabulary is about 150-300 words
• Rhythm and fluency of speech is poor
• Control of pitch and volume is poor
• ‘My’ and ‘mine’ emerging (like a vengeance!)
• Follows commands, such as ‘Show me your nose’
• Uses ‘I’, ‘you’, and ‘me’ correctly
• Uses some plurals and past tenses
• Knows principle body parts
• Uses three-word sentences
• Has about 900 words
• Family understands about 90% of what child says
• Verbs emerge quickly
• Understands and responds to questions dealing with immediate environment
• Tells about his experiences
• Can answer thinking questions, such as ‘what do you want when you’re thirsty?’
• Gives name, age, and gender
• Understands much more than he expresses
• Knows names of animals
• Uses at least four prepositions
• Knows some colors
• Can repeat four digits when given slowly
• Can repeat a four-syllable word
• Knows contrasts such as larger and longer
• Follows directions when desired object is not in sight
• Repeats many words, phrases, syllables, and sounds
• Loves make-believe and takes on multiple roles during play
• Talks extensively during play by himself or with others
• Uses adjectives and adverbs extensively in conversation
• Knows opposites such as ‘on-off’, ‘big-little’, ‘heavy-light’, and ‘soft-hard’
• All speech should be intelligible, but articulation errors may persist
• Can repeat sentences as long as nine words
• Can define common words, such as shoe, chair, hat, and bird
• Can follow three-stage commands without help
• Understands simple time concepts, such as morning, later, and tomorrow
• Verbal language is generally correct
• Uses long sentences, including some compound and complex constructions
Keep in mind that this chart represents typical language development, and you can use this as a “barometer” of sorts to measure where your child is with their communication. There is a wide range of normal or typical development, so there is some room for growth within these age brackets. However, if you find that your child is falling behind it may be a good idea to have them evaluated by a Licensed and practicing Speech-Language Therapist/Pathologist.
To maintain privacy and confidentiality of patients, the names or identity are not disclosed.
I know what a mom goes through when her child can’t speak clearly and she is ready to do anything and everything that she knows about. It’s just that we need more good people like you, trust me Anuja I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for him. For my family you are no less than an angel. We pray you get all the happiness and go a lot ahead in your field.
You really deserve so much. You are really very good with your work and at the same time you are very helpful with the right guidance. I am sure you will go so far ahead in your field.
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