Speech, Language and Hearing Development Checklist
Jeffrey Okamoto, M.D.
This checklist is a helpful guide for parents of young children to help ensure their child is developing at an appropriate rate for his age. "Parents know their children best and will often be the first to notice if there is a problem. Early detection and intervention will help a child continue to progress at a healthy rate," says Jeffrey Okamoto, M.D., Kapi'olani pediatric developmental specialist. Kapi'olani's comprehensive rehabilitation program includes diagnosis and treatment for speech, hearing and developmental problems. For further information about our services, call 808-983-8235.
0-3 Months
Startled by loud sounds (hand clap at 3-6 feet away)
Calmed by mother's voice
Makes throaty sounds: Whimpers, squeals, chuckles
3-6 Months
Turns eyes and head to sound
Quiets to mother's voice
Babbles, makes a variety of sounds: "Ooh," "ba-ba," "ga-ga," "ma"
Enjoys making sounds
Enjoys sound-making toys
6-9 Months
Responds to own name
Understands "no," "bye-bye"
Imitates speech and non-speech sounds (cough, tongue clicks, lip smacking)
Plays with sound by repeating sound sequences: "la-la-la-la"
Says "da-da" or "ma-ma"
Sits well
9-12 Months
Turns head toward loud and soft sounds (rattle, whisper, spoon in dish)
Babbles in response to human voice
Uses speech to get attention
Gives toys on request
Understands "no," "bye-bye," and other common words
12-18 Months
Identifies body parts, people, and toys on request
Locates sound in all directions
Indicates wants by naming items
Uses jargon (sounds like sentences, but few understandable words)
Uses a few words ("mama," "dada")
Walks by self
18-24 Months
Follows simple commands
Speaks in two-word phrases (25 percent understandable)
Identifies common household toys and objects
Recognizes environmental sounds (car, dog, vacuum, doorbell)
Vocabulary of 20 words or more
24-30 Months
Refers to self by name
Makes most speech sounds correctly; no longer uses baby talk
Vocabulary of 50 or more words used in two-to-three-word phrases
Uses negative ("not go")
Answers yes/no questions about familiar events
