Language Disability in Young Children

How to help them to communicate properly

Achievements during the first two years

Children improve at different rates, but they are regularly able to do certain things at certain ages. Below are some general development achievements. Remember that they are just a guide. Ask all your questions to the doctor you have about your child’s development; the earlier, the better. Even when there are delays, timely intervention can make a big difference.

By the first year of age, most babies can:

• Find and determine where a sound comes from
• React most of the time when their name calls them
• Say goodbye with your hand
• See where you point when you say, “Look at the _________”
• Babble with intonation (the tone of voice goes up and down as if they were saying sentences)
• Take turns while “talking” to you; listen and pay attention when you talk and then babble when you’re done
• Say “pa-pa” to dad and “ma-ma” to mom
• Say at least one word
• Point out the things you want that are out of reach or make sounds when you point.