Why Isn't My Child Talking Yet? A Parent’s Guide to Speech Delay and Language Development

One of the most common concerns parents share is: “Why isn’t my child talking yet?” If you’re asking this question, you’re not alone. Speech delay in toddlers and young children is more common than you might think. Understanding normal speech milestones, potential reasons for delay, and when to seek professional help can make a big difference in your child’s communication journey.

Speech and Language Development Milestones

Knowing what’s typical can help parents identify whether their child is on track or may need extra support:

• By 12 months: many babies say their first words (like “mama” or “dada”), respond to their name, and use gestures

• By 18 months: a child might use 10–20 words, point to familiar objects, and follow simple instructions

• By 2 years: vocabulary often grows to 50+ words, and two-word combinations (like “more milk”) start to appear

• By 3 years: Children usually form short sentences, ask simple questions, and can be understood most of the time by family members.

These are general guidelines—some children may hit these speech milestones earlier or later than others.

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Common Causes of Speech Delay

If your toddler isn’t talking yet, here are some possible explanations:

• Individual variation: Some kids are late-talkers but develop normally in all other areas.

• Hearing issues: Even mild hearing loss resulting from recurrent ear infections can affect speech and language development.

• Oral-motor challenges: Difficulties with tongue, lips, or jaw coordination can impact speech sounds.

• Developmental or medical conditions: Autism spectrum disorder, developmental language disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, or other medical concerns can play a role.

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When to Seek Help for a Speech Delay

You may want to seek help if you've already tried the following frequently recommended strategies with little success:

• Talk often: Narrate daily routines, describe actions, and label objects.

• Read daily: Books introduce new words, strengthen listening skills, and spark conversations.

• Encourage interaction: Respond to babbling, gestures, and sounds as communication.

• Be patient: Allow extra time for your child to respond, even if it’s just with a sound or look.

A speech-language pathologist can perform a comprehensive evaluation and give you strategies tailored to your child. Early intervention for speech delay can make a significant difference in long-term communication skills.

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The Bottom Line

If you’ve been wondering, “Why isn't my child talking yet?” a great place to start is by checking in with your pediatrician. They can connect you with a speech-language pathologist for an evaluation. Early support often has a powerful impact, and with the right guidance, many children make wonderful progress. At Radiant Moments, our team is here to provide evaluations and support whenever you’re ready. Fill out our contact form to get in touch!

For more information on communication milestones and potential speech delays, visit ASHA's website.