02/23/2026
FIRST WORDS: WHAT to Expect, and WHEN ?
Based on evidence-based guidance from College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC)
⸻
🗣️ Typical First Words (around 10–15 months)
Every child develops at their own pace, but many children begin to:
• Use intentional sounds (ba, da, ma)
• Say 1–10 meaningful words (mama, dada, up, ball)
• Copy simple sounds or actions
• Use gestures (pointing, waving) with sounds or words
• Understand familiar words (their name, “bye-bye,” “no”)
⸻
👀 Parents & Caregivers — Watch for:
• Limited babbling or sound play
• Few or no words by ~15 months
• Rare imitation of sounds or actions
• Little eye contact or shared attention
• Frustration instead of attempts to communicate
Early support matters — trust your instincts.
⸻
👉 How You Can Help Elicit First Sounds & Words
Try these simple, evidence-based strategies:
• Follow your child’s lead during play
• Get face-to-face and speak slowly
• Model single words (ball, up, more)
• Repeat & expand (“car” → “fast car”)
• Pause expectantly to invite a response
• Use daily routines (meals, bath, dressing) for language
• Celebrate attempts — not perfection
Small moments, many times a day = big impact.
⸻
❓ When to Consider a Speech-Language Screening
• Fewer than a few words by 15–18 months
• Limited babbling or sound imitation
• Reduced interaction or shared attention
Early screening helps guide next steps and supports strong communication foundations.
⸻
🔗 Evidence-Based Parent Resource (Canada)
Speech-Language & Audiology Canada — Early Language & First Words
👉 https://www.sac-oac.ca/resources/early-language-development.
