POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy1 Year agoA. It's understandable to be concerned if your 20-month-old child is not talking as much as expected. While there can be variations in speech development, here are a few considerations and steps you can take:
### Possible Causes:
1. **Normal Variation:** Some children naturally develop speech and language skills at their own pace.
2. **Hearing Issues:** Problems with hearing can affect speech development.
3. **Developmental Delays:** Some children may have delays in speech or other developmental areas.
4. **Environmental Factors:** Limited exposure to language or less interaction may slow language development.
5. **Medical or Neurological Conditions:** Conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other neurological issues could impact speech development.
### What You Can Do:
1. **Consult a Pediatrician:** Discuss your concerns with your child's pediatrician. They can evaluate your child's overall development and refer you to a specialist if needed.
2. **Hearing Test:** Ensure your child has a hearing test to rule out any hearing issues.
3. **Speech and Language Therapy:** A speech-language pathologist can assess your child's speech development and provide targeted therapy if necessary.
4. **Engage and Interact:** Spend plenty of time talking, reading, and singing to your child. Engage in conversations even if your child does not respond verbally.
5. **Limit Screen Time:** Reduce exposure to screens and encourage interactive play and communication.
### When to Seek Professional Help:
- If your child is not using at least 6-10 words by 18 months.
- If there is a regression in speech or loss of previously acquired words.
- If your child does not respond to their name or show interest in social interactions.
Early intervention can be very effective in addressing speech and language delays, so seeking professional advice promptly is beneficial.
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