My Child Is Not Speaking: When Should Parents Worry?

Many parents search this in panic:“My child is not speaking.”

First — take a breath.Speech develops at different speeds, but there are clear milestones. When these milestones are missed, it doesn’t mean something is “wrong” — it means your child needs support.

Early identification makes a real difference.

What is normal speech development?

Children usually follow a predictable pattern of speech and language development.

By 12 months

• Babbling (ba-ba, ma-ma)

• Responds to name

• Uses gestures like pointing or waving

By 18 months

• Says 10–20 meaningful words

• Points to show interest

• Understands simple instructions

By 2 years

• Combines two words (“mama come”)

• Vocabulary of around 50 words

• Tries to imitate words

By 3 years

• Speaks in short sentences

• Speech understandable to familiar adults

If your child is not meeting these milestones, it is important to seek professional guidance.

When should parents worry about speech delay?

You should not “wait and watch” if your child:

• Is not saying single words by 16 months

• Is not combining two words by 2 years

• Has lost words they were previously using

• Does not respond consistently to their name

• Rarely makes eye contact

• Does not point, wave, or use gestures

These are developmental red flags and should be evaluated early.

Common reasons a child may not be speaking

Speech and language delay

The most common cause. With early speech therapy, many children show significant improvement.

Hearing problems

Even mild hearing loss can affect speech development.A hearing assessment is essential for all children with speech delay.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Speech delay along with:

• Poor eye contact

• Limited social interaction

• Repetitive behaviours

• Sensory sensitivities

Speech delay alone does not mean autism.Speech delay with social difficulties needs evaluation.

Global developmental delay

Delays in multiple areas such as speech, motor skills, and learning.

“But everyone says boys talk late”

This is a common myth.

Yes, boys may speak slightly later than girls —but missing speech milestones is never considered normal.

Waiting too long can delay treatment and affect long-term outcomes.

What should parents do if their child is not speaking?

1. Get a developmental assessment

By a child psychiatrist or developmental psychologist.

2. Get a hearing test

This is mandatory before labeling any speech delay.

3. Start early intervention

Speech therapy and parent guidance can significantly improve communication skills.

Early intervention works best when started early.

What parents can do at home

These steps support development but do not replace therapy:

• Talk to your child throughout the day

• Name objects during daily activities

• Read picture books together

• Encourage gestures and turn-taking

• Reduce passive screen time

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Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for a 2-year-old not to talk?

No. By 2 years, most children use at least 50 words and combine two words. If not, evaluation is recommended.

Can speech delay correct itself?

Some mild delays improve, but there is no way to predict which child will catch up without support.

Does speech delay always mean autism?

No. Autism includes social and behavioural differences in addition to speech delay.

When to seek help immediately

• No words by 18 months

• Loss of speech

• Poor social engagement

• No response to name

If you are worried, trust your instincts.

Need professional guidance?

If your child is not speaking or you are concerned about their development, early assessment can make a significant difference.

👉 Book a child development consultation at Vriddhi

https://www.vriddhi.org.in/consult-online or contact us at 9310431590

This article is written and reviewed by Ms. Swaranjali, Clinical Psychologist, New Delhi.