We are interested in knowing what skills should be expected in most children at different ages in order to set criteria for early detection. Early communication is rooted in the expression of emotion and use of eye gaze. Even before 8 months, most parents report that they know when their child is happy versus upset. By 8 to 9 months of age, most parents report that their child looks at them to see if they are watching when playing with toys and that their child smiles while looking at them. Sharing emotion and attention is a critical milestone in learning to talk.
Children learn the power of communication before they learn to talk.
By 12 months most parents report that their child can get them to notice interesting objects. Communicating to get others to do things and to draw others' attention to things are important milestones in learning to talk. Children use gestures before they use words. Most parents report that their child gives objects, shows objects and waves by 10 to 11 months. By 12 months, most children point to objects and use at least 6 of the conventional gestures listed.