Understanding Communication Delays: A Guide for Parents in Bondi Junction and Mascot
Communication is an amazing yet complex process, especially during the early years of your child’s life. Watching your child begin to communicate and become more proficient is a truly rewarding experience. However, not all children follow the same path. While many children develop communication skills naturally, others may take longer or need extra support. As Speech Pathologists at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, we understand how important early communication is, and we’re here to help.
Is My Child’s Communication Delayed?
It’s normal for parents to worry if their child isn’t talking as much as others their age. But how do you know if your child is just taking a little longer or if they need extra help? Our Speech Pathologists have created the following checklists to give you an idea of what communication skills your child should be developing between their first and fifth birthdays.
Communication Milestones Checklist
3 Months:
- Makes noises like cooing and gurgling
- Reacts to loud sounds
- Is soothed by calm, gentle voices
6 Months:
- Watches your face and makes noises when you talk
- Coos and squeals for attention
- Cries differently when hungry
- Laughs
- Starts babbling sounds like ‘ka, ga, ba’
9 Months:
- Responds to their name
- Babbles using repeated sounds like ‘bababa’
- Listens and imitates consonant sounds (e.g. ‘p, b, m, k, g, t, d’)
- Uses gestures like pointing
- Plays peek-a-boo
- Starts searching for objects they can’t see
12 Months:
- Copies actions and words
- Understands common words like ‘bye-bye’
- Recognises names of familiar objects
- Follows simple instructions like ‘Time for bed’
- May say their first meaningful word
18 Months:
- Points to body parts when asked
- Understands simple questions like ‘Where’s the dog?’
- Follows simple instructions like ‘Don’t touch’
- Uses between 5-25 words
- Gestures or asks for ‘more’ or ‘again’
2 Years:
- Follows instructions like ‘Get your book’
- Identifies objects in books (e.g. ‘Where’s the dog?’)
- Uses two-word combinations
- Says at least 50 words, but understands even more
- Greets and says farewells
3 Years:
- Follows two-step directions (e.g. ‘Go to the kitchen and get your cup’)
- Uses sentences of three words or more
- Has a vocabulary of at least 200 words
- Asks questions like ‘Why?’
- Talks about things that happened in the past
4 Years:
- Can follow three-step commands
- Uses more complex sentences
- Uses ‘I, me, you, he, she’
- Tells simple stories
- Stays on topic during conversations
5 Years:
- Follows 3-4 step commands
- Explains the purpose of objects
- Talks about past, future, and imaginary events
- Understands rhyming words
What If My Child Isn’t Reaching These Milestones?
If your child isn’t meeting these communication milestones, it’s possible they have a communication delay. This is where a Speech Pathologist can step in to help. Early intervention can make a big difference, helping your child catch up and build strong communication foundations.
How Can Speech Pathologists Help?
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, our Speech Pathologists are experienced in assessing and treating communication delays. We will assess your child’s language skills, offer personalised recommendations, and provide therapy to support their development. Whether your child needs direct therapy or you benefit from parent training, we’ll create a plan that works for your family.
More Resources on Communication Development
You can also refer to Speech Pathology Australia for additional communication checklists to help determine if your child may need an assessment. These resources provide valuable insights into what typical communication development looks like and when to seek professional help.
We’re Here to Support Your Child’s Journey
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow, communicate, and thrive. Our clinics in Bondi Junction and Mascot offer more than just therapy—they provide a supportive environment where children can overcome challenges and discover their strengths. We use innovative therapy techniques in a fun, engaging way, ensuring that your child receives the best possible care.
Reach Out for Support
If you’re concerned about your child’s communication development, we’re here to help. Contact OneOnOne Children’s Therapy today to learn more about how Speech Pathology can support your child. Our team of experienced Speech Pathologists in Bondi Junction and Mascot, who are members of Speech Pathology Australia, are ready to guide you through the next steps.
- Call us at (02) 8065 7837
- Email us to book a consultation
- Let’s discuss how we can support your child’s unique communication journey
