🗣️ “When Will My Child Start Speaking?” — A Speech Therapist’s Perspective

One of the most common—and emotionally charged—questions we hear from parents is: “When will my child start speaking?”   It’s not just a query. It’s a hope, a worry, and often, a silent plea for reassurance.

As speech therapists, we understand that every child’s journey with language is unique. But we also know that early signs matter, and timely support can make all the difference.

📊 What’s Typical? Speech Milestones to Watch

While every child develops at their own pace, here are general benchmarks:

Age	Typical Speech & Language Milestones
6–12 months	Babbling (“ba-ba,” “da-da”), responding to name
12–18 months	Saying simple words like “mama,” “ball,” using gestures
18–24 months	Vocabulary of 50+ words, combining two words (“more juice”)
2–3 years	Using short sentences, asking questions, naming objects
3–4 years	Clearer speech, storytelling, understanding instructions

If your child isn’t meeting these milestones, it doesn’t mean something is “wrong”—but it may be time to explore speech therapy.

🧠 Why Might Speech Be Delayed?

Speech delays can stem from a variety of factors:

• Hearing loss or ear infections

• Oral-motor challenges (e.g., tongue or jaw coordination)

• Developmental conditions (e.g., autism, global delay)

• Environmental factors (limited interaction, screen overuse)

• Multilingual exposure (which may temporarily slow expressive speech)

💬 Real-Life Scenario: Meet Meera

Meera was 2.5 years old and still not saying more than a few words. Her parents were worried, especially since her cousin was already speaking in full sentences. After a speech-language evaluation, Meera began therapy focused on play-based interaction, imitation, and sound stimulation. Within months, her vocabulary blossomed—and so did her confidence.

🧩 What Can Parents Do?

You are your child’s first and most powerful communication partner. Here’s how you can help:

• Talk often: Narrate daily routines, describe objects, ask questions.

• Read together: Picture books build vocabulary and listening skills.

• Respond warmly: Celebrate every attempt to communicate—words, gestures, sounds.

• Limit passive screen time: Prioritize face-to-face interaction.

• Seek professional guidance: If you’re unsure, a speech-language evaluation can offer clarity.

🕰️ So… When Will My Child Speak?

There’s no single answer—but there is a path forward. With early intervention, consistent support, and a nurturing environment, most children make significant progress. Speech therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s about connecting, expressing, and thriving.

🏥 Support at Unicare Speech & Hearing Clinic

At Unicare Speech & Hearing Clinic, our expert speech therapists are deeply committed to your child’s communication journey. We understand the nuances of speech development and offer personalized, compassionate care. If you have any concerns—big or small—please don’t hesitate to consult our team. We're here to listen, guide, and support every step of the way.

❤️ Final Thoughts

If you’re asking “When will my child speak?”, know this: you’re not alone, and your concern is valid. Speech therapists are here not just to assess and treat, but to walk alongside you—with empathy, expertise, and encouragement.