Running head: OBSERVATION OF BABY JACK

Observation of Baby Jack

Sarah Simons
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
Loyola University Maryland
SP 207 Speech and Language Development
Professor Caesar
Fall, 2014

OBSERVATION OF BABY JACK

From conception to birth humans are constantly developing. Some of the fastest
development occurs within the first year of life as babies undergo cognitive, motor, social, and
communicative growth. With each month comes certain sets of milestones that typically happen
(Owens 2012). Unfortunately, not all babies reach the milestones for their age. After observing
nine month old Jack McGinley it has become clear that he is developing typically in some areas
and atypically in other areas. Luckily those who work with infants, such as speech language
pathologists, are able to offer suggestions to caregivers. Then caregivers can learn to help their
little human get back on the path of normal development and continue to grow.
There are few major cognitive milestones expected around nine months of age. The first
of these is the ability to witness an object being hidden and then uncover the object. Another skill
includes the infant anticipating the outcome of certain events as well as the return of people
(Owens 2012). While Jack was not observed doing either of these activities there was no
indication that he could not do them. While it is not completely clear that Jack will continue to
develop the cognition skills many nine months have he is so far on track for cognitive skills
learned during previous months. For example, at eight months onwards babies will explore
things such as shape, texture, function, and properties (such as the concept of in and out) (Owens
2012). For example, Jack was feeling the fuzzy tail of a dinosaur in a book and playing with
shapes. It is a good idea to continue observing if new skills develop over the rest of his ninth
month.
At nine months of age there are a few different motor skill milestones. A major one is the
ability to sit unsupported as well as to move into and out of a sitting position without any
assistance (Owens 2012). While it was observed that baby Jack could easily sit up by himself he

OBSERVATION OF BABY JACK

seemed to have trouble moving himself out of a seated position. For example, at one point he
was attempting to poke bubbles and tried to push himself up out of sitting with his arms and
knees but was unable to do so. One way to help facilitate Jack putting himself in and out of a
sitting position is to help him build the muscles of his upper and lower back and his core
(Heyrman & Wilson 2014). Leaning him against something soft is a good way to help him
attempt to use his muscles to move upright (Heyrman & Wilson 2014). A second motor
milestone is the ability to get down alone and cruise (Owens 2012). Jack is definitely able to
move himself all over the place. He kicks his legs and pulls himself forward while he supports
his upper body with his arms and shoulders.
A third main category of development is in social skills. He was very social with mom in
terms of what appeared to be eye contact and laughing with her. Typical social skills for nine
month olds include imitating play and performing for family members (Owens 2012). Jack was
seen examining, grabbing, and shaking toys. There were no observations of him performing for
family. The only time he may have been imitating play was when mom told him to try and catch
the bubbles. It is unclear as to whether or not she pointed at them and mimicked her. Also, he
was doing more watching of the bubbles rather than trying to play with them. Playing games
such as peek-a-boo can help to reinforce the idea of imitative play (Owens 2012).
The fourth and final category for developmental milestones is communication. This is the area
Jack seemed to have the most difficulty with. Producing distinct intonational patterns is one
characteristic many nine months exhibit (Owens 2012). An intonational pattern is the pitch used
by humans. People tend to use different pitches, volumes, and rates in certain ways when they
speak. Nine months is also when many babies use jargon, or strings of unintelligible speech

OBSERVATION OF BABY JACK

sounds with the intonational pattern of adult speech (Owens 2012). However, Jack made few
sounds. He did show laughter and at one point he made a sucking sound from the back of his
throat. Also, a couple of times he seemed to babble for just a couple of seconds.
One thing to help increase Jacks speech would be to use repetitive phrases. Also, pointing
and labeling objects all day would help (Condon 1974). When he is playing with a ball, point and
say something such as, Do you have the ball? He will also begin to pick up on how speech
varies in pitch, rhythm, and rate (Condon 1974). Using as much language as possible throughout
the day with Jack is important for him to begin to try and repeat sounds as well as start producing
a distinct intonational pattern.
Jack appeared to be excellent at making eye contact and listening to moms voice. He
would look in her direction when she spoke and responded to his name (another milestone). He
also communicated via smiles, giggles, and gestures. The use of social gestures are a mark that
Jack is on track for communicative development. For example, Jack would reach for toys that he
wanted and point at things. Continuing to point at and label objects and using typical hand signs
when saying certain words are important. For example, when saying hello and goodbye, wave.
After observing Jack it has become clear that he is right on target with some milestones
and needs work reaching other ones, especially in communication. With a lot of patience, help,
and love hopefully baby Jack will be able to improve his verbal communication skills. It is
important to keep in mind that all babies are different and will grow at their own pace. However,
if Jack continues having difficulty with some of the previously mentioned milestones there are
plenty of speech-language pathologists out there ready and willing to work with him.

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5
References

Condon, William S. (1974). Neonate movement is synchronized with adult speech: Interactional
participation and language acquisition. Science, 183, 99-101.
Heyrman, Kurt, & Wilson, Stacy. (2014). The stages of sitting. Retrieved from
http://www.parents.com/baby/development/physical/stages-of-sitting/#page=7
Owens, Robert E. (2012). Language development: An introduction. (8). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson Education, Inc.