What To Do When Your 15 Month Old Doesn't Talk

Introduction

As a parent, it can be concerning when your 15-month-old isn’t speaking yet. While every child develops at their own pace, it’s important to understand what is typical and what may be a cause for concern. In this article, we’ll explore what you can do if your child isn’t talking at 15 months old.

What is Typical Language Development at 15 Months?

At 15 months old, many children can say a few simple words such as “mama” or “dada.” They may also be able to understand simple commands and point to objects when asked. However, it’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, and some children may not yet be speaking at 15 months.

When to Be Concerned

While every child develops differently, there are some red flags to look out for when it comes to language development. If your 15-month-old isn’t making any sounds or gestures to communicate, doesn’t respond to their name, or isn’t following simple commands, it may be a cause for concern. It’s important to talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child’s language development.

What You Can Do to Help

There are several things you can do to encourage your 15-month-old’s language development. Here are some tips:

Talk to Your Child

One of the best things you can do to help your child’s language development is to talk to them frequently. Narrate your day as you go about your activities, point out objects and name them, and ask your child simple questions. This will help your child learn new words and understand how language works.

Read to Your Child

Reading to your child is another great way to encourage language development. Choose books with simple, repetitive language and point to the pictures as you read. This will help your child make connections between words and objects.

Encourage Communication

Encourage your child to communicate with you through gestures, sounds, or words. When your child makes a sound or gesture, respond to them and repeat the sound or gesture back to them. This will help your child learn that communication is a two-way street.

Play with Your Child

Playing with your child is another great way to encourage language development. Choose toys that encourage communication such as balls, blocks, or stuffed animals. Talk to your child as you play and encourage them to respond to you.

When to Seek Help

If your child isn’t making progress with their language development, it’s important to seek help. Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns and ask for a referral to a speech-language pathologist. A speech-language pathologist can evaluate your child’s language skills and provide therapy if necessary.

Conclusion

While it can be concerning when your 15-month-old isn’t talking yet, it’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. By talking to your child frequently, reading to them, encouraging communication, and playing with them, you can help encourage their language development. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician and consider seeking help from a speech-language pathologist.