From 12 months onwards, there are notable and sizeable differences between the speech milestone and the average ability for any specific age group.
You should note that milestones and averages apply instantly when a child is a given age.
So, for example, the 18-month milestones and averages are applicable to a child the very day they turn 18 months old.
This video has been created in the same format as our live streams.
Milestones are what most children can achieve — defined as 90% of the age group.
This is what you would expect the average child of a specific age group to achieve. By definition, 50% of children are above average and 50% of children are below average.
The entire circle represents all children of a specific age.
The thick green line is the average ability, and either side, represented by either dark or light blue, are the children who fall below and above average.
The yellow arrow represents a significant number of children (about 60%) who are ‘around average’ — some ‘just below’ and some ‘just above’ average.
The pink arrow represents the majority of children (about 80%) and now includes those children who are further below or above average.
The farthest left and right portions of the circle, beyond the pink arrow, represent the bottom and top 10% of children. Those either way below or way above average.
The milestone is located at 10% — that means that 90% of children achieve the milestone.
It's important for you to be honest about your child's abilities, so that you can provide them with needed assistance as quickly as possible.
We've all heard phrases like, "Oh, he's a boy. Don't worry, they're often late talkers."
Don't fall for this.
Delaying help for your child is the wrong course of action. Early intervention is proven to be most effective — and the earlier the better!
Take a minute now and check your child's ability with our speech check tool.
