When does speech develop, and which language delays need assessment?
Communication begins before words through responses to sound, babbling and gestures. By two years, most children combine at least two words, such as “more water.” Assessment considers understanding, hearing and interaction, not word count alone. Loss of words or other skills needs early review.
Details
Observe understanding and interaction
Notice responses to names and sounds, pointing and shared attention as well as speech. Language develops at different rates, but absent responses or progress should not simply be dismissed as late talking.
What does assessment include?
A clinician may arrange hearing, speech-language and broader developmental assessment. A normal newborn hearing screen does not rule out later hearing problems. Tell the assessor about every language the child hears rather than relying on a word list in just one language.
Everyday support and follow-up
Talk, read and play together, responding to communication attempts without pressuring the child to repeat words. Do not postpone a needed referral while trying home activities; early support can begin alongside assessment.
Related reading: When should a baby sit without support, and when is assessment needed?.