#asktheexpert Dr. my daughter is 2yr and 7month. but her all kind of development is slow.... she has not started talking properly too...she repeats words etc..but can not say things in a way of communicating.what doi do

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It’s understandable to be concerned if your child’s development seems slower than expected. Here are some steps and considerations for addressing delayed language and other developmental milestones:

### **1. Early Intervention:**
   - **Consult a Pediatrician:** Discuss your concerns with your child’s pediatrician. They can help assess your child’s development and determine if any underlying issues need to be addressed.
   - **Speech-Language Pathologist:** A specialist can evaluate your child's speech and language development and provide targeted therapy if needed.

### **2. Encouraging Communication:**
   - **Read Together:** Spend time reading books with your child. Ask questions about the pictures and encourage them to point or name objects.
   - **Talk Frequently:** Engage in conversations with your child throughout the day, even if they don’t respond in full sentences. Describe what you’re doing and ask simple questions.
   - **Expand on Speech:** If your child says a word, expand on it. For example, if they say “dog,” you could say, “Yes, that’s a big, brown dog.”

### **3. Activities to Support Development:**
   - **Play-Based Learning:** Use toys and games that encourage language development, such as dolls, action figures, and puzzles.
   - **Interactive Games:** Play games that involve taking turns and following simple instructions. This can help with both social and language skills.
   - **Songs and Rhymes:** Sing songs and do finger plays or rhymes. This can help with language rhythm and memory.

### **4. Social Interaction:**
   - **Playdates:** Arrange playdates with other children to help your child practice communication skills in a social setting.
   - **Group Activities:** Enroll your child in activities such as music classes or story time at the library.

### **5. Monitor Development:**
   - **Track Milestones:** Keep a record of developmental milestones and changes. Share this information with healthcare providers to get a clearer picture of your child’s progress.
   - **Patience and Encouragement:** Be patient and offer positive reinforcement for all attempts at communication.

### **6. Addressing Underlying Issues:**
   - **Hearing Check:** Ensure your child’s hearing is tested to rule out any issues that might affect speech development.
   - **Medical Evaluation:** If there are concerns beyond speech, such as motor skills or social interactions, further evaluation might be needed.

Early intervention and consistent support are key. Each child develops at their own pace, but professional guidance can help ensure they receive the appropriate support for their needs.