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Speech and Language Traits
of the Four to Twelve
Month Old
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| At age four
months, your child will... |
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- startle to a sudden sound
- look for the source of new sounds
- calm down to a soothing out-of-sight voice
- laugh, gurgle, coo with familiar people
- use his voice to get attention
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| By eight months,
your child will... |
- turn his head toward sound
- widen his eyes to a loud sound
- enjoy noise toys
- babble to others
- frequently use syllables such as "ba", "da", "ka"
- produce four or more different sounds
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| By twelve months,
your child will... |
- turn quickly to his name
- use a variety of pitches in the voice
- listen, bounce or talk with music
- use jargon that sounds like real sentences
- play "peek-a-boo"
- imitate familiar words
- understand simple instructions
- recognize words as symbols for objects,
i.e., say "meow" for cat, "brum, brum" for car
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| You can stimulate
your infants speech and language by... |
- responding too your childs coos,
gurgles, and babbling
- talking to your child as you care for him
or her throughout the day
- reading colorful books to your child every
day
- keeping your speech rather simple and concrete
- reciting nursery rhymes and singing songs
- showing interest in all the different sounds
you hear (ice clinking in a glass, doorbell ringing, rain
falling)
- teaching your child the names of everyday
items and familiar people
- playing simple games with your child such
as "peek-a-boo" and "pat-a-cake"
- playing simple music for your child
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| Your childs speech and language development
depends on his or her ability to hear. A hearing loss can interrupt
or delay the ability to communicate. All children, even newborns
and young babies, can have their hearing tested. If you suspect
a hearing problem, ask your doctor to refer your child to an
audiologist. Seek prompt medical treatment if you suspect your
child may have an ear infection. Remember, if you have any
questions about your childs hearing, call an audiologist,
the hearing professional.
Provided for you by the Speech & Hearing
Board of the Baptist Health Care Foundation and United Way
Agency. If this information raises concerns regarding your
child you may call the following for further information:
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- Baptist Hospital Speech & Hearing Clinic
(850) 434-4957
- Speech Department of West Florida Hospital
(850) 494-6140
- Audiology Clinic Escambia District Schools
(850) 453-7472
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