Checklist
for development of normal speech and hearing up to 2 yearsBy 12 months the baby's communication skills should include:
- understanding "wave bye-bye", "how big", "give a kiss"
- using mama and dada appropriately
- using several approximate words with consistent meaning
- demanding attention by vocalising
- actively looking for sounds, e.g. peep-bo games
Between 12-15 months there is:
- increasing understanding of situational words e.g."bathtime"
- a small vocabulary of definite if not clear words with meaning
- making attempts at singing
- understanding of simple instructions without visual clues
- some response to baby's own name, even with background noise
By 18months the child:
- has a vocabulary of 10-20 definite but not entirely clear words
- is using jargon with conversational intonation
- can point to or show body parts on request
- understands simple instructions without visual clues
By 2years the child:
- recognises names of familiar people and objects even out of context
- can point to pictures of familiar people and objects on request
- uses 20-50 single words with meaning
- is using 2 word phrases
- understands more than he/she can say
- responds to instructions given in a quiet voice, if already listening
If the child is not progressing in this way, seek advice from the Consultant Community Paediatrician and/or S<, then if there are concerns about possible hearing loss refer to the Freeman for audiological assessment.