Topic Overview
Speech and language development milestones relate to receptive language (the ability to understand words and sounds) and expressive language (the ability to use speech and gestures to communicate meaning).
A child's speech and language development becomes more advanced beginning around age 3 through age 5. Receptive language skills during this period become more sophisticated; a child learns to make subtle distinctions between objects and relationships. Also, the child can understand multi-step requests. Most children also gradually speak more fluently and use proper grammar more consistently.
| Receptive language | Expressive language |
3-year-olds: |
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4-year-olds: |
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5-year-olds: |
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Related Information
Credits
Current as of: August 22, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Thomas M. Bailey, MD, CCFP - Family Medicine
John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
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Current as of: August 22, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & Thomas M. Bailey, MD, CCFP - Family Medicine & John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics