#asktheexpert
hello
my baby is 20 months old
he's not uttering a single word yet
is this a issue with baby ?

Question

#asktheexpert 
hello
my baby is 20 months old 
he's not uttering a single word yet
is this a issue with baby ?

Accepted Answer

It’s common for some toddlers to take longer to start talking, but by 20 months, most children are typically saying a few simple words. Here are a few possible reasons why your baby may not be talking yet, along with steps you can take to encourage language development:

Possible Reasons for Speech Delay

1. Normal Variation: Some children develop speech a bit later than others and may start talking closer to age 2.

2. Hearing Issues: If a child has difficulty hearing, this can impact their ability to pick up sounds and words. Frequent ear infections can also affect hearing temporarily.

3. Lack of Exposure to Language: Babies benefit from hearing people talk to them and around them. Limited exposure to conversations or interactive language activities may delay speech.

4. Other Developmental Issues: Sometimes, a speech delay can be linked to broader developmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other language disorders.

What You Can Do

1. Talk and Read to Him: Spend plenty of time talking to him, naming objects around him, and describing actions you’re doing. Reading simple picture books together can also expose him to new words and sounds.

2. Encourage Imitation: Use simple words and encourage him to try saying them back. Use repetitive words like "mama," "dada," or simple objects ("ball," "car") and repeat them frequently.

3. Interactive Play: Engage in activities that encourage vocalization, such as singing songs with actions, making animal sounds, or playing games like peek-a-boo. This can help make speaking more enjoyable.

4. Limit Screen Time: If he spends time on devices or watching TV, consider reducing this time. Face-to-face interaction is far more beneficial for language development than passive screen time.

5. Consider a Hearing Check: If you haven’t already, it might be useful to check his hearing to rule out any issues.

6. Early Intervention: If you’re concerned about his speech, consult a pediatrician or a speech therapist. Early intervention programs can provide guidance and exercises tailored to encourage speech development.

When to Seek Help

If he’s still not using any words by age 2, or if he seems to avoid social interaction, has trouble understanding simple instructions, or shows other developmental concerns, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist.

Early support can make a big difference, and most children respond very well with the right guidance and interactive support.

#asktheexpert hello my baby is 20 months old he's not uttering a single word yet is this a issue with baby ?