Children usually start actively saying “dad” and “mom” around the age of 1, but some babies still don’t speak even after 1 and a half years. Is this normal? Is it the so-called “late language phenomenon”? What are the reasons behind a child’s delayed speech?
When a child is over 1 and a half years old and still does not actively call their parents, it is considered a delay in language development in medical terms. This situation is caused by various factors, and parents need to carefully distinguish and should not blindly believe in the “late language phenomenon” to avoid delaying the child’s growth.
The first thing to check is whether the child has hearing problems. Language learning depends on auditory input, and poor hearing directly impacts language development. Parents can test their child’s auditory response in a quiet environment, and if there is no response or a delayed response, hearing impairment should be considered, and a professional check-up should be done promptly.
Secondly, observing the child’s intellectual development is also essential. Language is a reflection of intelligence, and intelligence is like the roots while language is like the branches. A child at the age of 1 and a half should be able to pick up things with their thumb and index finger, imitate actions like wearing a hat or putting on shoes. If there is delayed progress in these aspects, it is advisable to undergo a professional intellectual assessment.
Furthermore, the child’s social interaction skills are also worth paying attention to. Language is a tool for communication, and social obstacles may hinder language development. Some children may act alone, not easily attract attention, be unusually fixated on toys, ignore others, lack eye contact. These behaviors may indicate autism spectrum disorder, and timely medical evaluation is recommended.
In addition, the fostering environment and methods may also be influencing factors. Allowing a child to be alone for a long time, lack of social interaction, or parents excessively understanding the child’s needs so that the child can be satisfied without words, are all unfavorable for language development. In the face of these issues, parents should adjust the fostering methods, and strengthen the child’s language training under the guidance of professionals.
If a child still does not speak after the appropriate age, it may be due to one or more factors. Parents should take this seriously, take the child to a professional institution for assessment, receive professional training and guidance, to ensure the healthy growth of the child.
