What should be done if a child starts speaking very late?

Apr 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My friend's children have already learned to speak, but my child is about to start school and still cannot talk. What should I do if a child starts speaking very late?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Possible causes for a child's delayed speech may include genetic factors, insufficient language environment, hearing problems, etc. First, it is recommended to take the child to the hospital for a hearing test to ensure normal hearing. If the hearing is normal, parents should reflect on whether they are providing the child with adequate language stimulation and opportunities for communication. Increasing interaction with the child through activities such as reading books, singing songs, and telling stories can effectively promote language development. If the child's language ability shows no significant improvement after a period of intervention, it is advisable to seek help from a professional speech therapist to develop an individualized language training plan. Please remain patient and continuously provide love and support, as each child develops at his or her own pace.