My child is not talking yet. What should I do?
Do not just wait and see. Talk to a child doctor. Ask for a hearing test, and a check of how your child talks and grows.
What do most children say at each age?
| 1 year | Says “mama”, “dada” or another special name. Waves bye-bye. |
|---|---|
| 1½ years | Tries to say 3 or more words besides “mama” and “dada”. |
| 2 years | Puts two words together, like “more milk”. |
| 3 years | Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time. |
| 4 years | Says sentences with 4 or more words. |
Most children, 3 in 4 or more, can do these things by that age. If your child cannot, ask a doctor. Do not worry alone.
When should I see a doctor?
- Your child cannot do what most children do at their age.
- Your child stops saying words, or stops doing things they did before. Go soon, at any age.
- Your child is 9 months or older and does not look up when you call their name.
- You are worried. That is reason enough to ask.
Why a hearing test first?
A child who cannot hear well finds it hard to learn to talk. Hearing problems can happen at any age. The doctor can send your child for a hearing test.
Who can help?
- Child doctor (paediatrician): checks how your child is growing, and sends you to the right person.
- Audiologist: tests your child’s hearing.
- Speech therapist: helps your child understand and talk.
In India, speech therapists and audiologists must be registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India. You can ask for their registration number.
What can I do at home now?
- Talk to your child all through the day. Name what you see and do.
- Look at picture books together. Point to the pictures and name them.
- Play together every day.
- Write down how your child asks for things. Show it to the doctor.
How did we know something was different?
Our daughter Anwesha did not say a single word at 4. Her twin sister was talking. That is how we knew something was different. We looked for help in many places. Today, at 9, she is a talkative, smart kid.
Questions parents ask
Will my child start talking on their own?
Nobody can say without a check-up. Doctors advise acting early, not waiting.
Does late talking mean autism?
No, not on its own. Late talking has many causes, like a hearing problem. Only a doctor can tell.
Do I need a report to see a doctor?
No. Just tell the doctor what you see at home. Take your notes with you.
Is there free help?
Yes. The government checks children for free under its RBSK programme. Ask at your district hospital for its early intervention centre (DEIC).
Where this comes from
- CDC: Milestones by age (2022)
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Language delays in toddlers
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Hearing loss in children
- NICE: Autism in under 19s, recognition and referral
- Rehabilitation Council of India: Registered professions
- National Health Mission: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
- RBSK Operational Guidelines
Checked on: 21 October 2026
This page is general information, not medical advice. Every child is different.
You are not alone
You do not need any reports. Just tell Prabir Sir about your child.
Every child is different. We cannot promise the same result for your child.