When a baby's or young child's communication signals are not understood, his needs may go unmet. Because of this communication breakdown, he or she may not learn how to communicate like other children who are sending more clear and consistent signals. Read, Recognize, and Respond to early communication signals. These three R's of early communication development help a baby learn that he or she can have an affect on the world. The child is also learning to become an effective communicator by gaining attention and getting his needs met.
Early signals can develop into spoken words.
Children's early communication signals consist of bodily movements, facial expressions, gestures, cries and coos. These early signals eventually become speech-like sounds, then words, then sentences. Usually by a child's first birthday, he or she may say a few clearly understood words. Most children begin putting words together around their second birthday. Children develop speech, however, at different rates.