POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 6 m old boy9 months agoA. It's understandable to be concerned if your 2-year-old son is not talking yet. Every child develops at their own pace, but by the age of 2, most children typically have a vocabulary of about 50 words and can form simple two-word phrases like "want toy" or "go park." If your son isn't reaching these milestones, here are steps to consider:
1. Assess Hearing
Ensure his hearing is normal. Children with hearing issues may struggle to develop speech.
Look for signs of responsiveness, such as turning to sounds or recognizing familiar voices.
If you suspect a hearing problem, consult a pediatric audiologist.
2. Encourage Communication
Talk Often: Describe your daily activities, surroundings, and objects to help him associate words with meaning.
Read Books: Choose picture books and point to objects while naming them.
Ask Questions: Use simple questions like “What’s this?” or “Do you want milk?”
Limit Screen Time: Engage him in interactive activities instead of passive watching.
3. Promote Speech through Play
Use toys, songs, and games to encourage speech.
Encourage imitation of sounds and words, e.g., animal sounds or simple words like "ball" or "car."
4. Avoid Pressure
Avoid pressuring or forcing him to talk. Use positive reinforcement when he attempts to communicate.
5. Check for Other Developmental Delays
If he has difficulty understanding language, following simple instructions, or exhibits other delays (e.g., motor skills, social interaction), consult a specialist.
6. Consult a Speech Therapist
A pediatric speech-language therapist can assess his speech and language development. They may recommend exercises or therapy tailored to his needs.
When to Worry
Seek professional help if:
He doesn’t respond to his name or sounds.
He doesn’t use gestures like pointing or waving.
He has difficulty interacting socially (avoids eye contact, doesn’t engage in pretend play).
He has no words at all by age 2.
Early intervention can make a big difference. Let me know if you'd like ideas for specific activities or help finding a therapist. You're doing great by addressing this early!
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