1-2 Years

• Says more words every month
• Uses some 1-2 word questions ("Where kitty?" "What's that?")
• Puts 2 words together ("More cookie." "No juice.")
• Uses many different consonant sounds at the beginning of words

2-3 Years

• Has a word for almost everything
• Uses 2-3 words to talk about and ask for things
• Speech is understood by familiar listeners most of the time
• Often asks for or directs attention to objects by naming them
• Understands differences in meaning ("go-stop", "in-on")
• Follows two requests ("Get the book and put it on the table.")

3-4 Years

• Talks about activities at school or at friends' homes
• People outside family usually understand child's speech
• Uses a lot of sentences that have 4 or more words
• Usually talks easily without repeating syllables or words
• Hears you when you call from another room
• Hears television or radio at the same loudness level as the other family members
• Answers simple "who," "what," "where," and "why" questions

4-5 Years

• Voice sounds clear like other children's
• Uses sentences that give lots of details (e.g., "I like to read my books")
• Tells stories that stick to topic
• Communicates easily with other children and adults
• Says most sounds correctly except a few like l, s, r, v, z, j, ch, sh, th.
• Uses the same grammar as the rest of the family

If you suspect that your child is not developing speech and language within normal limits or they are having difficulty being understood by strangers, discuss your concerns with your pediatrician or contact Nancy Foreman & Associates to schedule a consultation or evaluation. Our offices are conveniently located in Bellaire, Sugar Land, and Pasadena, Texas. Individual and group therapy services are available.

This information has been adopted from the American Speech and Hearing Association.