AEPA Special Education Early Childhood Practice Exam 2025 – Full Prep Resource

At 12 months old, a child's language development is still in its early stages, and one of the significant milestones that parents might notice is the understanding of vocal cues for requests. At this age, infants typically begin to recognize and respond to specific words and phrases, especially those that are part of their everyday interactions, like “more,” “milk,” or “no.” They may not be able to speak in full sentences, but they can often comprehend simple directives and show awareness of the intentions behind the words.

This understanding is crucial as it sets the foundation for further language acquisition. Rather than using complex sentences or having the ability to respond to literary works, which are more advanced skills typically seen in older toddlers or preschoolers, a 12-month-old is just beginning to grasp the basic communicative functions of language.

The consistent use of multiple words without meaning is also not typical at this stage. While children often babble and may say a few recognizable words, the use of words by themselves typically carries the intent or reference to something meaningful, even if the full language structure is not yet in place.