When should I see a speech therapist if my child isn't talking?

It's worth seeking help if a 2-year-old says no words, makes no eye contact, doesn't respond to their name, or has lost words they used to have. Early support yields the best results.

Do apps help a child start talking?

Yes. Alternative communication (AAC) tools with pictures and voice help a child express wants and reduce frustration, which often encourages speech too.

My child isn't talking: what to do

Q: When should a child start talking?

Most children say their first words around 12 months and 50 or more words by age 2, and begin joining two words together. The ranges are wide and every child's pace differs.

If your child isn't talking, or talks less than other children their age, the worry is understandable. The good news: there is a lot you can do at home starting today, and early support often changes everything.

When a speech delay is normal

Children's speech develops at very different rates. Rough guidelines look like this:

12 months: first words (mama, dada), responds to their name.
18 months: around 10-20 words, points at things they want.
2 years: 50 or more words, starts joining two together (want juice).
3 years: short sentences, understood even by people outside the family.

If your child is a little behind but keeps making progress, they often simply need time and encouragement. What matters is not the exact number of words, but whether the child is trying to communicate: pointing, making eye contact, using gestures.

When it's worth seeing a specialist

Talk to your paediatrician or a speech therapist if you notice even one of these signs:

a 2-year-old is still not saying any words;
doesn't respond to their name or to simple requests;
avoids eye contact, doesn't share attention;
has lost words or skills they used to have;
doesn't point, wave or use gestures.

Asking for help doesn't mean something is wrong. Early intervention is the most effective, so it's better to check early than to wait.

5 ways to encourage speech at home

Name what your child sees. Talk about what is happening here and now, using short, clear sentences.
Wait for a response. Ask a question and count to five. The pause gives your child time to react.
Follow your child's interest. Talk about what they are looking at, not about what you want them to see.
Use pictures and choices. When a child can point to what they want, frustration drops and the urge to communicate grows.
Praise every attempt. A sound, a gesture or a glance is communication too. Reinforce it.

Timo helps a child communicate even before the words are there. Picture cards with a real voice let your child say what they want, and conversation practice gradually builds the courage to talk.

Try Timo free for 30 days

Frequently asked questions

When should a child start talking?

First words usually come around 12 months, and a 2-year-old says 50 or more words. The ranges are wide, so it's the overall progress that matters most.

Do boys start talking later?

On average, boys may start a little later, but a large delay shouldn't be written off as just a gender difference. When in doubt, get it checked.

Do screens harm speech?

Passive watching doesn't build speech. What works best is live interaction or interactive tools where children choose and express a thought themselves.