WHAT DO LANGUAGE MILESTONES MEAN?
As a pediatric SLP, one question I’m frequently asked is:
“What are language milestones? What do they mean?”
New parents have so much on their minds!
With some pediatricians encouraging a ”wait and see” approach, understanding milestones may help parents feel more empowered.
What are developmental milestones?
Developmental milestones are benchmarks, or points of reference, for a child’s development.
While every child develops differently, many children will reach the same milestones around the same age. Some children may meet these milestones earlier than their peers, and some later.
If a child is meeting milestones later than expected, or has not yet reached a milestone by the expected age, parents may want to reach out to their child’s doctor to share their questions and observations.
“Milestones” and “averages” - what’s the difference?
While every child is different, milestones help parents and pediatricians identify possible areas of concern or delay.
BUT milestones ≠ averages
The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both provide developmental checklists by age. These checklists show “milestones” (skills children are expected to demonstrate) by age (the age at which 75% of children typically demonstrate that skill). Whereas “averages” show the age by which half of children typically demonstrate a skill.
Although it is important to understand there is a wide age-range for acquisition of skills, it is also important to consider the difference between “averages” and “milestones” and to reach out with questions if a child is not meeting expected milestones.
Why are some milestones different?
In 2022, the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provided updated guidance on developmental milestones for parents and pediatricians. A team of eight experts, including pediatricians, professors, and psychologists, looked at data, clinical experiences, and evaluation resources. At the end of this process, the team listed new benchmarks, or guidelines, for parents to watch for as their child learns and grows.
Of note, an SLP was not included on this team of experts, and ASHA was not consulted during the process. As a result, ASHA and the CDC highlight different ages for speech and language milestones.
Next steps?
While milestones are a great place to start, parents often have strong instincts when it comes to their children!
If you have any questions, you can reach out to your child’s pediatrician or a speech therapy practice in your area.
Playful Words Speech-Language Pathology, PLLC offers free consultations in New York State.
Resources:
ASHA. Developmental Milestones Handouts: https://www.asha.org/public/developmental-milestones/handouts/
CDC’s Developmental Milestones: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
References:
Lanza, J. R., & Flahive, L. K. (2008). Guide to Communication Milestones. East Moline, IL: LinguiSystems. https://www.carolinatherapeutics.com/wp-content/uploads/milestones-guide.pdf
Zubler JM, Wiggins LD, Macias MM, et al. Evidence-InformedMilestones for Developmental Surveillance Tools. Pediatrics. 2022;149(3):e2021052138