My Child Isn't Talking

You're Not Alone in Worrying About This

Noticing that your child is not talking as much as other children their age can be one of the most unsettling feelings as a parent. You might find yourself comparing your child with siblings, friends' children, or developmental milestones you have read about online. It is completely natural to feel concerned, and it is a sign that you are paying attention to your child's needs.

Every child develops at their own pace, and there is a wide range of what is considered typical when it comes to speech and language. Some children are naturally quieter and take longer to start speaking, while for others a delay in talking may be an early sign that they could benefit from some additional support. Whatever the reason, reaching out for guidance is always a positive step.

ChildWize is here to help you make sense of what you are seeing and to connect you with qualified specialists who can offer clarity and reassurance. We do not diagnose — instead, we help you find the right professional to understand your child's unique communication profile.

What Could This Mean?

When a child is not yet talking or is using fewer words than expected, there can be many different reasons. For some children, it may simply be that they are a "late bloomer" who will catch up in their own time. For others, the delay in speech may be connected to an underlying difference in how they process or produce language.

This pattern of behaviour is sometimes associated with conditions such as developmental language disorder (DLD), where a child has persistent difficulty understanding or using spoken language. In some cases, a child who is not talking may be experiencing selective mutism, where they are able to speak but find it very difficult in certain settings like nursery or school. Social communication differences, which can be linked to autism, may also play a role.

It is important to remember that only a qualified professional can carry out a proper assessment. ChildWize does not diagnose conditions — we connect you with experienced speech and language therapists and developmental specialists who can help you understand what is going on and what support might be helpful.

What Is Typical and When Might You Seek Support?

Children reach speech and language milestones at different ages, and there is a broad range of what is considered typical. As a general guide, most children begin babbling by around 6 to 9 months, use their first words between 12 and 18 months, and start combining two words together by around age two. By the time they are three, most children can be understood by familiar adults most of the time.

If your child is not babbling by 12 months, has no words by 18 months, or is not putting words together by age two, it may be worth seeking advice from a speech and language therapist. For older children, signs that may suggest additional support could be helpful include difficulty following simple instructions, limited vocabulary compared to peers, frustration when trying to communicate, or reluctance to speak in social situations.

The NHS and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) recommend that parents seek advice early if they have concerns. Early intervention is widely supported by research as one of the most effective ways to help children with speech and language difficulties. You do not need to wait for a formal diagnosis before seeking support.

How ChildWize Can Help

ChildWize connects you with qualified speech and language therapists and developmental assessment specialists who work with children across a range of ages and needs. All our specialists are registered with the appropriate professional bodies, including the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

When you create a free account, you can browse specialist profiles, read about their areas of expertise, and book an initial consultation at a time that works for your family. Sessions take place online, so there is no need to travel or take time off work. Many families find that children are more relaxed and engaged when working from home.

Your specialist will work with you to understand your child's communication strengths and areas where they may need support. They can carry out assessments, recommend therapy approaches, and provide you with practical strategies to use at home. If your child needs ongoing sessions, your therapist will create a personalised plan tailored to their needs.

What You Can Do Next

If you are concerned about your child's speech, taking the first step can feel daunting, but it does not need to be complicated. You might want to start by keeping a note of what your child can say and understand, as this can be useful information for a specialist.

Some families find it helpful to create opportunities for communication at home — narrating everyday activities, reading together, singing songs, and giving your child time to respond without rushing them. These are not replacements for professional support, but they can complement the work a therapist does.

You do not need a GP referral to book through ChildWize, and there are no lengthy waiting lists. Simply create a free account, browse our speech and language therapists or developmental assessment specialists, and book your first session. If you are unsure where to start, our team is happy to help you find the right specialist for your child.

ChildWize does not replace NHS services or medical advice. If you have urgent concerns about your child's health or development, please contact your GP or health visitor.