Is My Child Talking Late? Early Signs of Speech Delay Every Parent Should Know
Worried your toddler isn’t hitting language milestones? Here’s what to watch for — and when to seek professional help.
Every parent looks forward to hearing their child say “mama” or “dada” for the first time. But what if those first words don’t come on schedule? Speech delay is more common than most people realise — and catching it early makes an enormous difference.
What Are Normal Speech Milestones?
- By 12 months: Babbling, pointing, saying 1–2 words like “mama”
- By 18 months: Vocabulary of at least 10–20 words
- By 24 months: Combining two words (“more juice,” “daddy go”)
- By 3 years: Short sentences understandable to strangers
Red Flags to Watch For
Consult a speech therapist if your child shows any of the following: no babbling by 12 months, no single words by 16 months, loss of language skills they previously had, or difficulty understanding simple instructions.
Causes of Speech Delay
Speech delays can stem from hearing loss, oral-motor difficulties, developmental conditions like autism, or simply being a “late talker.” A professional assessment can identify the root cause and guide the right therapy approach.
How Happy Speech Centre Can Help
Our RCI-approved therapist, Ruchika Sharma, conducts thorough assessments for children as young as 18 months. Early intervention therapy — even just a few months — can result in dramatic leaps in communication ability.
Don’t wait and watch. Early action gives your child the best possible start.