Prelinguistic skills provide the foundation for language acquisition by developing the cognitive, motor, and social-emotional skills necessary for communication. Prelinguistic skills occur in a series of predictable stages, each building upon the previous one.
- Responds to their environment and others
- Takes Turns (including conversational turn-taking)
- Increases Attention Span
- Joint Attention
- Plays with Toys
- Understands Words
- Follows Directions
- Imitation Skills
- Uses Vocalizations Purposefully
- Uses Gestures for Communication
- Initiates Communication
You can read more about these individual stages here!
Supporting Prelinguistic Development
Clinicians and caregivers play a critical role in supporting prelinguistic development. Responsive and engaging interactions provide infants with the social and emotional foundation necessary for language development. Responding appropriately to babies’ vocalizations and gestures reinforces the importance of communication and language.
