How do I know my child is ready to talk?
- Muhiba
- Jul 20, 2023
- 1 min read
Before your child begins using words to talk, there are 11 pre-language skills they need to master first! These skills are typically mastered before first words or around 12 months.
These skills build the foundation for communication and social interactions.
Reacting to the environment: your child reacts to things they hear, feel and see. Reactions can be vocalizations, smiles, arm/leg movements.
Responding to other people playing or talking to them: your child enjoys when other’s interact with them by smiling, babbling or laughing.
Turn-taking: your child takes turns in an interaction. Taking a turn may be looking at you to continue a communication circle, vocalizing, babbling, smiling or gesturing.
Develops an attention span: your child can engage with an activity for at least 5 minutes, and even longer when an adult is engaging with them
Joint attention: your child can shift attention from you and to the toy or activity you are both sharing. They show equal interest in activities and you at the same time.
Plays with a variety of toys: Your child has interests in a variety of toys and plays with toys in different ways
Understands early and simple directions: your child can follow simple directions starting such as “where’s mama”, “show me your ball”
Intentionally vocalizes: your child makes noises in order to get your attention
Imitation: your child imitates your actions, sounds or gestures
Gestures: your child communicates non-verbally by pointing, reaching or waving
Initiation: your child initiates an interaction with you in order to get their needs met.
If you have any questions about your child’s pre language skill development, contact one of our therapists today for a free speech therapy consultation!
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