Introduction
In this first session, we explore one of the most fundamental questions every parent asks: “Is my child’s speech development on track?”
This video is dedicated to understanding developmental and speech milestones in children—whether they are neurotypical or neurodivergent. It’s important to recognize that all children follow a natural progression, but some take a different route or pace. By studying these milestones, parents can understand where their child currently stands, without comparison or judgment, but with awareness and purpose.
The Beginning of Language – The First Year of Life
When a baby is born, speech does not begin immediately. Language development starts subtly and deeply—through connection and response. In the earliest days, the baby spends most of their time sleeping and feeding. But even during these quiet moments, the bond with the mother’s voice and touch begins to lay the foundation of communication.
2 Months (8 Weeks): Social Smile
One of the first observable communication milestones. The baby starts smiling in response to the caregiver’s voice—particularly the mother, father, or grandparents. This is called the social smile, and it is the very first sign of speech stimulus response.
3 to 6 Months: Differential Vocalisation
Babies begin making different sounds for different needs—one cry for hunger, another for comfort. This stage is the beginning of intentional sound-making and shows that the baby is starting to play with their voice.
6 to 7 Months: Babbling Begins
Repetitive syllables like "ba-ba", "da-da", or "ma-ma" emerge. This vocal play indicates that the child is now exploring and enjoying their own voice. By 9 to 10 months, babbling becomes differentiated—indicating specific needs or intentions.
11 to 12 Months: First Meaningful Word
Around their first birthday, most children say their first real word. The vocabulary begins to grow steadily from here.
Second Year: Word Combinations and Functional Language
13 to 15 Months
The child starts picking up need-based vocabulary from their surroundings. They begin noticing and using commonly heard words.
18 Months (1.5 Years)
Two-word phrases emerge: “mamma come”, “go park”, “want toy”. These phrases are often direct and functional.
24 Months (2 Years)
Children begin forming three-word phrases like “I want milk”, “give me toy”. This is when negation, assertion, and basic questioning start to develop.
Third Year and Beyond: Higher Language Functions
3 Years
The child talks about things in the present moment—what they see, feel, or do.
4 Years
Language evolves to include conversations about the past and future, imaginative thinking, and storytelling. Likes, dislikes, and preferences also start becoming verbal.
5 Years and Onward
This is when complex narrative skills begin developing—explaining, reasoning, and using imagination in speech.
Why This Session Matters
The goal of introducing this topic in the very first session is not to make parents feel behind or worried. Rather, it is to equip you with clarity—to help you determine where your child’s speech currently stands, and what milestones are yet to be achieved.
For example, if your child is 3 years old but only says "mamma" and "papa", their language age is approximately 12 months. Knowing this helps set realistic goals and individualized strategies for development.
Comprehension Always Precedes Expression
It’s important to remember: just because a child isn’t speaking doesn’t mean they don’t understand. Many children understand spoken language long before they can express it. A 6-month-old may not say “milk,” but they’ll respond when the mother asks, “Do you want milk?”—perhaps by smiling, waving hands, or moving their body.
Understanding is already happening. Speech will follow.
ARULA’s Vision: Practical Awareness, Not Theoretical Pressure
This session, like all others in this course, is not about flooding parents with jargon or textbook knowledge. It’s about practical awareness—knowing how to observe your child, track their progress, and make informed decisions that are gentle, consistent, and effective.
You are not expected to become a therapist—you are already your child’s best one. Let’s walk this journey together.