Answer a few quick questions about your child’s communication. Find your child’s age group below, open it, and count how many items you’d answer “not yet / no” to. Takes about 2 minutes, no signup.

Key milestones are marked with a ★. They carry extra weight.

12–17 months

• Does your child babble in long strings with different sounds (like “ba-da-ga”)?
• ★ Does your child respond to their name most of the time?
• ★ Does your child point, wave, or use other gestures?
• Does your child say at least one word (word attempts like “ba” for ball count)?
• Does your child look at familiar things or people when you name them?

18–23 months

• ★ Does your child say at least 10–20 words (approximations and animal sounds count)?
• ★ Does your child point to things to show you or ask for them?
• Does your child follow simple directions like “get the ball”?
• Does your child respond to their name and simple questions?
• Is your child adding new words most weeks?

2 years

• ★ Does your child say at least 50 words?
• ★ Does your child combine two words, like “more milk” or “daddy go”?
• Can you (a parent) understand at least half of what your child says?
• Does your child follow simple two-step directions?
• Does your child point to pictures or body parts when named?

3 years

• ★ Does your child speak in sentences of 3 or more words?
• ★ Do people outside your family understand most of what your child says?
• Does your child ask and answer simple questions (what/where)?
• Does your child follow directions without needing gestures?
• Does your child talk about things that happened, in a simple way?

4 years

• Does your child speak in full sentences of 4–5+ words?
• ★ Do strangers understand almost everything your child says?
• ★ Can your child tell a simple story or explain what happened at school?
• Does your child follow multi-step directions?
• Does your child speak smoothly, without a lot of tension or struggle when words get stuck?

5+ years

• ★ Is your child easily understood by everyone, including teachers and new people?
• Does your child use complete, grammatical sentences (“We stayed inside because it rained”)?
• ★ Can your child retell a story or event in order?
• Does your child follow classroom-style directions given once?
• Can your child rhyme or play with word sounds?

How to read your answers

• All “yes”: your child’s communication appears to be developing as expected. Keep talking, reading, and playing together every day. That’s the best language program there is.
• One or two “not yet” (no ★ items): most areas look on track, but it’s worth a closer look. A quick conversation with a speech-language pathologist can give you targeted strategies or peace of mind.
• Any ★ item, or three or more “not yet” answers: an evaluation is recommended. These are exactly the skills speech therapy builds, and early support works best. Also ask your pediatrician about a hearing check.

Book a free consultation, no referral needed, usually available within days. Most families pay $0–$30 per visit, including with Medicaid. Or call (517) 997-8198.

This screener is an educational tool, not a diagnosis or medical advice. Milestone items reflect widely used clinical guidelines; every child develops differently. If you have concerns, whatever the result, a licensed speech-language pathologist can give you real answers.