Prelinguistic skills provide the foundation for language acquisition by developing the cognitive, motor, and social-emotional skills necessary for communication. Clinicians and caregivers play a critical role in supporting prelinguistic development. Responsive and engaging interactions provide infants and toddlers with the social and emotional foundation necessary for language development. 

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

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