Creation of ASHA's Developmental Milestones

In the process of creating these developmental milestones checklists, ASHA consulted subject-matter experts and relied heavily on research, evidence, and expert recommendations. Please note the following important details:

  • Each milestone is supported by research.
  • The communication (hearing, speech, and language) milestones and cutoffs are for American English speakers. Speech-language development for children who speak languages outside of spoken American English may follow a different sequence or have different rates of mastery by age range.
  • Subject-matter experts reviewed the milestones in each area, and ASHA incorporated their comments.
  • The communication (hearing, speech, and language) milestones checklist shows the ages by which at least 75% of American English–speaking children have developed communication (hearing, speech, and language) skills.
  • The feeding and swallowing milestones checklist reflects the ages by which at least 75% of children worldwide have mastered the skills. These milestones are based on international data and are consistent across country of origin or language spoken. A Spanish translation is also available of ASHA's Feeding and Swallowing Milestones.
  • ASHA will review and update these milestones at least every 5 years.

Videos

Feeding and Swallowing Milestones

Communication Milestones

 

Research

Feeding and Swallowing References

Learn more about the research that informed ASHA's feeding and swallowing milestones.

Communication References

Learn more about the research that informed ASHA's hearing, speech, and language milestones.

 

ASHA Corporate Partners