Your Child’s Journey: An Ohio Guide for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Support

Developmental Milestones

Taking a first step, smiling, and waving “bye-bye” are examples of developmental milestones. These are skills children learn as they grow. They reach milestones in how they play, learn, communicate, act, and move. You might wonder, “Is my child doing what other kids their age is doing?” As a caregiver of a deaf or hard of hearing child, you may have many questions about your child’s development.

A child sitting upright on the floor looking at a book with her parents who are also sitting on the floor

Developmental Checklists

Developmental checklists can be helpful, but it is important to understand how they are used. A checklist cannot diagnose a health condition, and its results alone do not always mean a child has a delay. Every skill has a normal range of development. Some toddlers start walking at 10 months, while others walk at 18 months. If your child has not mastered a certain skill yet, it does not necessarily mean there is a delay. Use checklists to see if your child’s progress matches what you would expect based on their unique situation.

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs are designed to find hearing conditions early and connect families with support as soon as possible. These programs help make sure children can develop strong language and communication skills, whether through spoken language, sign language, or a mix of both.

When children have full access to language early on, they have the same potential to meet thinking, learning, and developmental goals as their hearing peers. That means the milestones we expect, like understanding, talking, playing, and learning, are the same. What may be different is how each child gets there. All children need access to language in order to learn, grow, and meet their developmental milestones. For children who are deaf or hard of hearing, that access can look different, but it is just as important.

What about checklists made for deaf or hard of hearing children?

Some checklists are made just for deaf and hard of hearing children. These tools can be helpful, but they focus on different things. Some track visual language like sign language, while others focus on listening or spoken language. Keep in mind, language and listening are not the same. A child might not hear spoken words, but they can still develop strong language skills in other ways.

With the right support and early connection to language and communication, deaf and hard of hearing children can learn and grow.

If you have concerns, talk to your early intervention team or your child’s doctor about an assessment. If your child has a significant delay in a certain area, it is important for families and professionals to work together to find the best support and strategies. Below, see a few sample developmental checklists and resources.

Checkbox Icon Developmental Checklist Samples and Tools