Early Language Milestones:
What to expect, and when to act.

Milestones by Age

Language development follows a general timeline — but every child moves through it at their own pace. This guide gives you a clear picture of what most children can do at each age, along with the signs that suggest a child might benefit from a speech-language evaluation.

One important note: missing a milestone does not automatically mean something is wrong. But it does mean it is worth a conversation. Early intervention — support provided before age three — produces the best outcomes. Waiting to see if a child “catches up” can cost valuable time.