#asktheexpert my daughter is 2years 5 months now....but she is not talking properly..plz suggest me on this mam

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At 2 years and 5 months, most children begin to develop their speech skills, but there is a wide range of normal when it comes to language development. However, if your daughter is not talking properly, there could be several reasons for the delay. Here's a guide to help you understand her situation better and how to support her:

Typical Speech Milestones at 2-3 Years:

Vocabulary: At 2 years, many children have a vocabulary of around 50 words and begin to combine two to three words into simple sentences (e.g., "want cookie," "go park").

Understanding: They understand more than they can say, following simple instructions like "give me the toy" or "come here."

Clarity: Their speech may not be completely clear, but they should be understandable to familiar people.

Expressing Needs: At this age, they should be able to express their basic needs through words or gestures.

Possible Reasons for Delayed Speech:

1. Hearing Issues: Difficulty in hearing can lead to speech delays. Make sure there is no ear infection or hearing loss.

2. Environmental Factors: If your child is not exposed to enough speech and language opportunities (e.g., not interacting much with adults or other children), it may delay speech development.

3. Speech Delay: Some children develop speech skills at their own pace, and it’s possible that your child is a late talker but will catch up later.

4. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Speech delays can sometimes be a sign of autism, particularly if there are other signs like limited eye contact, repetitive behaviors, or difficulty with social interactions.

5. Developmental Delay: A general developmental delay might affect speech along with other areas, such as motor skills and social interaction.

What You Can Do to Encourage Speech Development:

1. Talk to Her Often: Engage in regular conversations with her, even if she doesn't respond much. Narrate what you're doing, ask her questions, and encourage her to repeat after you.

2. Read Together: Read books to her daily. Point to pictures and name them. This helps her build her vocabulary.

3. Listen Actively: Encourage her to express herself and pay attention to her attempts, even if they are not clear. Respond to her words to show that you're engaged.

4. Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time (TV, tablets, etc.) can reduce opportunities for real social interaction, which is essential for speech development.

5. Encourage Play with Others: Play with other children her age can help her develop communication skills.

6. Use Simple Language: Use simple sentences and repeat words often so she can learn them.

When to Seek Professional Help:

If you are concerned about your child’s speech delay, especially if she:

Has difficulty understanding language.

Does not use gestures (e.g., pointing, waving).

Has a very limited vocabulary or no words by age 2.

Shows signs of autism or other developmental delays.

Does not respond to sounds or voices.

In such cases, consulting a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist is a good idea. They can assess her development and provide guidance or therapy if needed.

Every child develops at their own pace, but getting early intervention when necessary can be very helpful in supporting your daughter’s language growth.