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Speech, Language & Communication

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firstyears.com.au

Simple support for babies, toddlers & new parents

Speech, Language & Communication

A practical birth-to-5 guide to early communication, milestones, gestures, baby sign, reading, home languages, hearing, late talking and when to ask for support.

General information only. This guide does not replace advice from a GP, child and family health nurse, audiologist, speech pathologist, paediatrician, occupational therapist or other qualified professional. Seek advice early for hearing concerns, loss of skills, feeding/swallowing concerns, developmental concerns or if something does not feel right.

First Yearsfirstyears.com.auCommunication

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Quick summary

The calm version

Communication starts before first words. Babies communicate through cries, facial expressions, body movements, sounds, gestures and shared attention. Talking, singing, reading, playing and responding build communication over time.

Before wordsLooks, sounds, gestures and turns all count.
RespondWarm back-and-forth grows language.
ReadBooks and songs build words.
Home languageFamily languages are strengths.
Ask earlySupport is useful when concerns appear.

What matters most

  • Speech means talking sounds. Language means understanding and using meaning. Communication is broader than words.
  • Gestures like pointing, waving and showing are important milestones, not extras.
  • Home languages support identity, connection and learning. Bilingualism does not cause language disorder. [4]
  • Screens do not replace responsive interaction with people. Video calls can be social interaction when adults are involved. [11]
  • Seek advice early if skills are lost, gestures are missing, words are not emerging, hearing is uncertain, or social communication feels different.

General information only. This guide does not replace advice from a GP, child and family health nurse, audiologist, speech pathologist, paediatrician, occupational therapist or other qualified professional. Seek advice early for hearing concerns, loss of skills, feeding/swallowing concerns, developmental concerns or if something does not feel right.

First Yearsfirstyears.com.auHow to use

Practical companion

How this guide is organised

For worried parents

You do not need to diagnose your child at home. Use this guide to notice patterns, support communication in daily life and ask for help without waiting months when something feels off.

If you needStart withPrint
Understand the piecesCommunication basicsCommunication milestone discussion checklist
Age-by-age guidanceAge map, baby, toddler and preschool sectionsWords and gestures tracker
Everyday ideasCommunication in routines, reading and songsRoutine language sheet
Hearing concernsHearing checklistHearing concern checklist
Late talkingLate talking pathwayLate talking action checklist
Social communicationSocial communication and autism-aware guidanceChildcare handover
AppointmentsQuestions for GP, audiologist or speech pathologistAppointment notes

Suggested page flow

  • Cover and quick summary.
  • Basics and everyday routines.
  • Age map and age-stage support.
  • Speech clarity, baby sign, books, home languages, hearing and screens.
  • Late talking, social communication, feeding note and scripts.
  • Normal/help tables, questions, printable tools, resources and references.

Visual ideas included

  • Speech-language-communication map.
  • Routine communication menu.
  • Milestone age map.
  • Baby sign routine table.
  • Hearing concern checklist.
  • Late talking pathway.
  • Printable trackers and handovers.

General information only. This guide does not replace advice from a GP, child and family health nurse, audiologist, speech pathologist, paediatrician, occupational therapist or other qualified professional. Seek advice early for hearing concerns, loss of skills, feeding/swallowing concerns, developmental concerns or if something does not feel right.

Unlock the full PDF

The full guide includes 32 pages, printable tools including hearing concern checklist, words and gestures tracker, book prompts, speech appointment questions, trusted resource links and safety guidance. It is part of the First Years first 2000 days library.

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Complete First Years Library

The complete First Years guide library: every premium guide plus the two free guide PDFs in one organised early-years resource set.

$99 AUD Save $141

Feeding GuideFirst Foods Starter GuideNewborn EssentialsSleep GuideParent WellbeingHealth & Safety BasicsCommon Childhood IllnessAllergies, Eczema & AsthmaDental & Oral HealthToddler GuideBig Feelings & BehaviourToilet LearningFamily Routines PackChildcare & Preschool ReadinessDevelopment GuidePlay & LearningSpeech, Language & CommunicationDevelopmental Concerns & Early Support
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