During the age of 1–2 years, children often start calling “mom,” “dad,” or pointing to things they want, which is a period eagerly awaited by parents. However, there are quite a few children who still do not speak or try to make sounds, causing concern about whether this is normal or a sign of delay.
Language is not just about speaking. What do parents often overlook?
Language development is divided into 2 parts
- Receptive language is the ability to understand words, commands, and meanings, such as when an adult says “bring it to mom” and the child follows the instruction.
- Expressive language is the ability to produce words, sentences, or convey meaning through sounds.
How much should a child be able to speak according to their age?
- At 1 year old, the child can understand simple words like “no” or “come,” use gestures to help communicate such as pointing or handing objects, and begin to have 1–2 meaningful words.
- At 1 and a half years old, the child has a vocabulary of about 10 words or more, understands one-step commands such as “bring it to mom,” and can call familiar people or objects.
- At 2 years old, the child has a vocabulary of more than 50 words, starts speaking in 2-word sentences such as “drink water” or “go outside,” and can answer simple questions.
These developments are not criteria for abnormality but help parents observe overall language development more clearly.
Why do some children speak later than others?
- Hearing problems Children with a history of ear infections or fluid in the ear may not hear clearly, causing them not to imitate sounds or speak.
- Speech/Language delay This is common in children of this age and can respond well to stimulation when given appropriate care according to their age.
- Lack of language stimulation If adults always guess the child’s needs, the child may not feel the need to speak.
- Social and communication factors such as signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder, especially if accompanied by behaviors like avoiding eye contact or not engaging in play.
- Excessive screen time under 2 years old Research consistently shows it reduces opportunities for interaction, which is a key mechanism for language learning.
If the child still does not speak, how should parents start?
If parents feel their child is speaking later than peers, the first step may be to observe communication behaviors in daily life, such as whether the child uses gestures to express needs, including pointing, handing objects, or leading adults to desired items, as well as responding to calls or simple words. These are signs that the child understands language and is ready for the next stage of speaking.
Increasing opportunities for interaction between the child and parents, such as role-playing, reading picture books, or talking during household activities, helps promote natural vocabulary learning and communication. Additionally, limiting screen time in children under 2 years old allows more interaction with people, which is a crucial factor in language development that cannot be replaced by electronic devices. Parents should also observe social skills such as eye contact, cooperative play, or understanding others’ intentions, since communication is not only about speaking but also includes the ability to interact and engage with those around them, which is an essential component of long-term language development.
For parents who want their children to have age-appropriate language development
The age of 1–2 years is a period when the brain’s language and communication areas grow rapidly. Assessing development during this time helps understand the child’s learning pace more clearly. If delays are found, early stimulation will significantly benefit speaking skills, interaction, and social communication in the long term.
To ensure children receive appropriate communication support and development according to their age, if parents have concerns about their child’s speaking or interaction skills, they can consult and get an assessment at Phyathai Nawamin Hospital. Pediatric specialists provide developmental assessments, supported by a multidisciplinary team including occupational therapists and speech therapists, as well as developmental training rooms and speech training rooms to design suitable stimulation programs according to age, with continuous follow-up. Early assessment and care help children receive appropriate language and communication support and have the opportunity to develop to their full potential according to their age.
