Trusted information, tools, and organizations to support your child's communication journey.
Every child develops at their own pace, but these milestones can help you understand what to expect at different ages. If your child isn't meeting several milestones, it may be worth reaching out for an evaluation.
| Age | Speech Milestones | Language Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | Babbles with different sounds; may say 1–2 words like "mama" or "dada" | Responds to their name; understands simple words like "no" and "bye-bye" |
| 18 months | Says at least 10 words; speech may not always be clear | Points to show interest; follows simple 1-step directions |
| 2 years | Uses about 50 words; starts combining 2 words ("more milk," "daddy go") | Understands simple questions; identifies common objects and pictures |
| 3 years | Strangers understand most of what child says; uses 3–4 word sentences | Understands size words and position words; follows 2-step directions |
| 4 years | Speech is mostly clear; can tell simple stories; uses most sounds correctly | Answers "who," "what," and "where" questions; tells about recent events |
| 5 years | All speech sounds mostly correct; communicates easily in conversation | Understands time concepts (yesterday, tomorrow); tells detailed stories |
| School Age | Clear, fluent speech; can self-correct errors | Reading, writing, following complex directions; social conversation skills |
Source: ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association). This table is a general guide and not a diagnostic tool. Contact Laura to discuss your specific concerns.
Speech-Language Pathology
The national professional organization for SLPs and audiologists. ASHA's website has excellent resources for families, including information on communication disorders, finding a certified SLP, and developmental milestones.
Visit ASHA for the Public →Literacy
The leading professional organization supporting practitioners trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to multisensory literacy instruction — the gold standard for children with dyslexia.
Visit the OGA →Dyslexia
A nonprofit organization providing information about dyslexia, dyslexia-friendly schools, advocacy resources, and connections to local chapters. An excellent starting point for families navigating a dyslexia diagnosis.
Visit the IDA →Feeding
ASHA's dedicated resource page for pediatric feeding and swallowing, including signs of feeding difficulties, what to expect from an evaluation, and how SLPs help.
Read more →Early Literacy
A national literacy initiative with research-based strategies, articles, and videos for parents on how to support early reading and language development at home.
Visit Reading Rockets →Dyslexia Support
A comprehensive resource for families of children with learning and attention differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, and related challenges. Covers everything from understanding diagnoses to advocating for your child at school.
Visit Understood.org →Books for Kids
A free streaming video program featuring actors reading award-winning books aloud. Great for building early language, vocabulary, and a love of reading in young children.
Visit Storyline Online →Language Tips
Research-based programs and resources for parents to help their child's communication development. Includes the "It Takes Two to Talk" and "More Than Words" programs for families of children with language delays.
Visit Hanen for Parents →Bilingual Development
ASHA's guidance on bilingualism, language difference vs. language disorder, and how SLPs approach assessment and intervention with bilingual children.
Read ASHA's guidance →Raising Bilingual Kids
A community and resource hub for parents raising bilingual children, with articles, podcasts, and advice on bilingual education, maintaining heritage languages, and language mixing.
Visit Bilingual Kids Rock →Feeding Therapy
A nonprofit dedicated to advancing the field of pediatric feeding disorder, with resources for families navigating feeding challenges, including how to find help and understand your child's diagnosis.
Visit Feeding Matters →Picky Eating
Information about the Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding therapy — a common, evidence-based method for helping picky eaters and children with feeding difficulties.
Learn about SOS Feeding →Early Intervention
DC's early intervention program provides free developmental services — including speech-language therapy — for children under age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities. Contact Strong Start if your child is under 3 and you have concerns.
Visit DC Strong Start →Special Education
If your school-age child may need an IEP or special education services, DC Public Schools provides resources for families on how to request an evaluation and understand your rights.
Visit DCPS Special Education →Community
Advocates for Justice and Education (AJE) is a DC-based nonprofit that provides free training, information, and support to parents of children with disabilities to help them navigate the special education process.
Visit AJE →Autism Support
Local chapter of the Autism Society providing support, information, and community connections for families of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in the DC metro area.
Visit Autism Society →