milestones of speech development in children
Speech often confused as just a verbal expression, actually needs to understand as any mode of communication between two living beings in the form of listening speech, understanding speech and expressing speech through action or gestures or words. Speech-language development is best understood as a progression from attention and listening → understanding → intentional communication → words → sentences → conversation . Autism does not have a single speech-milestone pattern; the important issue is the quality, purpose and progression of communication , not simply the number of words. Speech milestones: typically developing vs autism Age Typically developing child Child with autism — possible pattern 0–3 months Reacts to sounds, calms to familiar voice, coos May show reduced response to voice/sounds or less social engagement 4–6 months Laughs, vocalises, babbles, enjoys interaction Less reciprocal vocalisation, reduced social response or limited shared attention may appea...