BIAP Recommendation n° 24/1

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN AGED 0 TO 3 YEARS

In children aged 0-3 years, any auditory, visual, neuromotor deficit or relationship problem can have negative consequences on the child's linguistic development (slowness or disorders).

We have produced a simple document, which presents the main stages of a child's visual, neuromotor, auditory and linguistic development (until the age of 3 years). The document provides some basic reference points which can help diagnosing the existence of a disorder and thus ensure early treatment.

BIAP believes that parents and individuals in contact with infant children should be aware of the need to detect possible development disorders, which could later result in language difficulties.

A wide dissemination of the document mentioned above should help us to achieve that objective.

Pertisau (A) 01.05.1989

Towards language development stages.

A child will speak

-if people around him communicate with him,

-if he sees gestures,

-if he hears the words of the the person talking to him,

-if he can make the movements which produce speech.

Auditory, visual, motor impairments or communication disorders may prevent or delay the development of speech and language. If an early follow-up is ensured, the child will most probably develop adequately.

Several consultation centers, specialised in diagnosing hearing, visual and motor disorders, as well as relationship and speech difficulties can help you and your child. Ask your doctor, he/she will indicate you where to find them.

3 months

-Reacts to noises, voice and music by giving a start and/or stopping his/her activities.

-Says: " aaa...eu! ".

-Holds his/her head. When lying on belly, lifts head.

-Reacts to bright light by grimacing or looking away.

-Smiles and relaxes when seeing a face, even if no words are spoken to him/her.

-At close range, follows an object with his/her eyes.

-Opens the hands.

6 months

-Turns around towards a noise produced out of his/her field of vision.

-Enjoys playing with musical toys.

-Makes noises with the lips.

-Babbles.

-When talked to, answers by producing sounds.

-Becomes agitated when seeing an object associated with pleasure (baby's bottle, etc).

-Looks at his/her hands and feet.

-Recognizes an object or person from a certain distance, follows with the eyes without squinting.

-Can remain in a sitting position if supported.

-If lying on back, can easily turn around and lie on belly, and vice-versa.

-Grabs objects voluntarily and transfers them from one hand to another.

12 months

-Pronounces double syllables and possibly some words.

-Tries to determine where noises are coming from, if produced outside his/her field of vision.

-Recognizes a melody.

-Understands certain words and simple commands.

-Reacts to his/her first name.

-Grabs small objects with thumb and forefinger.

-Finds an object hidden in front of him/her.

-Recognizes a familiar face from other faces.

-Explores the details of various objects.

-Grabs an object handed to him/her, can drop it voluntarily; enjoys throwing objects.

-Moves freely alone, is able to get up if leaning on something and to walk with someone's help.

-Moves his/her hands pretending they are puppets.

-Drinks from a cup.

18 months(1)

-Pronounces some recognizable words.

-Recognizes all familiar noises.

-Understands short sentences (without gestures).

-Blows.

-Scrawls.

-Points his/her finger at something he wishes to get, even if the object is far away.

-Piles up objects.

-Recognizes images.

-Walks without help.

-Climbs stairs with someone's help.

-Uses a spoon.

-Chews.

2 years(2)

-If asked, can show some parts of the body.

-Understands a word or sentence (" a secret ") whispered in his/her ear.

-Begins to reproduce melodies (nursery rhymes)

-Understands complex commands: " Give a cake to Sophie! "

-Pronounces 2-word sentences such as " daddy gone ".

-Uses " me " and " you ".

-Kicks a ball.

-Associates similar objects.

-Recognizes familiar faces and small details on pictures or images.

-Turns the pages of a book.

-Climbs up.

-Enjoys eating alone.

3 years(3)

-Uses sentences.

-Listens to and understands simple stories.

-Takes part in family conversations and asks questions: " where? ", " what? ", " who? "

-Answers to simple questions whispered in either of both ears.

-Sings or tells stories

-Uses " I " and " you ": " I have finished, you are going "

-Uses his/her fingers to hold a pen and tries to draw.

-Enjoys " reading " books.

-Able to carry a full glass.

-Climbs up/down stairs without help.

-Rides a three-wheel bicycle.