#asktheexpert hii sir my baby boy is about to turn 3 years but still is not able to have a conversation with anyone. He does speak words and recognise things correctly but not able to talk. should I be worried?? please guide

A. At around 3 years of age, children typically start to use more complex sentences and engage in simple conversations. However, the pace at which they develop language skills can vary widely. Here’s a general guide and some steps to consider: ### **Normal Language Development:** - **At 2 Years Old:** Children usually start combining 2-3 words into simple sentences and have a vocabulary of 50-100 words. - **At 3 Years Old:** Most children can form more complex sentences, understand basic instructions, and engage in simple conversations. ### **What to Do:** 1. **Observe Communication Skills:** - **Vocabulary:** Check if your child has a growing vocabulary and can name common objects or people. - **Sentence Structure:** Note if they are starting to use 2-3 word phrases or sentences. 2. **Encourage Language Development:** - **Read Together:** Regularly read books with your child and discuss the pictures and story. - **Talk and Listen:** Engage in conversations with your child about their interests, asking open-ended questions to encourage them to respond. - **Play Together:** Interactive play, such as role-playing and using toys to create scenarios, can promote language use. 3. **Social Interaction:** - **Playdates:** Arrange playdates or group activities where your child can interact with peers and practice language skills. - **Group Settings:** Expose them to settings with other children where they can learn through social interaction. 4. **Limit Screen Time:** - **Active Interaction:** Ensure that screen time is limited and interactive activities are prioritized. 5. **Professional Evaluation:** - **Consult a Specialist:** If your child’s language skills seem significantly delayed, or if you have concerns about their overall development, consult a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist. They can assess your child’s language development and provide guidance or therapy if needed. ### **When to Seek Help:** - **Limited Vocabulary:** If your child has a very limited vocabulary or does not use any words by age 2. - **Difficulty Understanding:** If they have difficulty understanding simple instructions or following conversations. - **No Sentence Use:** If they are not using 2-3 word phrases by age 3. ### **Summary:** - **Encourage and Support:** Engage in activities that support language development, such as reading and interactive play. - **Monitor and Assess:** Keep track of your child’s language progress and seek professional advice if there are significant concerns. Early intervention can be beneficial if there are any developmental delays, so consulting with a professional can provide valuable insights and support.