MilestoneSocial· 7mo–12mo

Name Recognition and Response

Responds to own name by looking toward speaker, demonstrating self-awareness and social responsiveness

Medium (60%)
Specialized0 related · 2 prereq

What the research says

Referenced across 1 developmental framework: cdc_milestones

Full quotes, source languages, and document links coming soon as we finish the source-evidence indexing pass.

Before this (2)

Required

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Helpful (1)

How it's taught

cdc_milestones

Use child's name frequently in positive contexts; make eye contact when saying name; respond enthusiastically when child looks; avoid using name primarily for corrections

Materials: Songs with child's name, books personalized with name, consistent use of name by all caregivers

What mastery looks like

Not yet

Does not respond to own name

  • No response when name is called
  • Does not look toward speaker
  • Shows no differentiation between own name and other words
Emerging

Occasionally responds to name in quiet, focused contexts

  • Sometimes looks when name called
  • Response more likely when not engaged in activity
  • May need name repeated multiple times
  • Response inconsistent
Developing

Consistently looks when name is called in most contexts

  • Looks when you call her name
  • Responds in various environments
  • May pause activity briefly when name called
  • Shows recognition that name refers to self
Secure

Reliably responds to name even when engaged in activities or in distracting environments

  • Consistently looks toward speaker when name called
  • Responds even when engaged in play
  • May respond with vocalization or gesture in addition to looking
  • Responds to name from different speakers
Reflexive

Shows sophisticated understanding of name as self-reference, responding appropriately in complex social contexts

  • Responds to name in group settings
  • Distinguishes own name from similar-sounding names
  • May begin to say own name or approximation
  • Uses name recognition to engage in social interaction

Activities for this (1)

Social7mo–12mo

Name Game Hide-and-Seek

A playful peek-a-boo style game where you call your child's name from different positions to encourage them to turn toward your voice.

Formal assessments

No matching assessment items indexed yet.

Standardised assessment view

2 instruments measure this construct. The construct page shows how each one approaches it and at what age range.

View as assessment construct →