If your child isn’t talking as much as other children their age, it’s natural to feel concerned. You’re not alone. Speech delay is one of the most common concerns parents raise with paediatricians.

Speech delay means a child is not reaching expected talking milestones for their age but it doesn't automatically mean something is seriously wrong.

So, What Counts as a Speech Delay?

Speech delay means a child’s spoken language is behind what's typical for their age. For example:

• No words by 12 months

• Fewer than 50 words by age 2

• Not combining two words by age 2.5

Speech Delay vs Language Delay

These two terms are often confused. Speech is about how clearly your child says sounds and words. Language is about understanding and using words to communicate. A child can have one, or both.

What Causes It?

There can be several reasons for a speech delay:

• Hearing loss (a very common and treatable cause)

• Developmental differences like autism or apraxia

• Limited language exposure at home

• Being multilingual (temporary slower start, catches up)

The most important thing to know: early help works. Don't wait and see for too long.

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech, talk to your doctor about a hearing test and a referral to a speech-language therapist. A formal assessment is the best first step to understand what your child needs.