Child Not Talking — When Should You See a Doctor?

Hearing Loss (Most Important to Rule Out)

Undetected hearing loss is the single most treatable cause of speech delay. If a child cannot hear language clearly, they cannot learn to produce it. Audiological assessment is always the first step.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Speech delay in autism is accompanied by reduced social communication — limited eye contact, not responding to name, no pointing, reduced interest in social interaction, repetitive behaviours.

Late Talker (Language Developmental Variation)

Some children develop language somewhat later without underlying pathology — 'late bloomers'. Typically have good comprehension, gesture use, and social engagement. Often catch up spontaneously or with brief speech therapy.

Intellectual Disability

Global developmental delay affecting all domains — motor, cognitive, social — of which speech delay is one component. Investigation for cause includes chromosomal and metabolic testing.

Expressive Language Disorder

Child understands language normally but has significant difficulty expressing themselves verbally. Responds to name, follows commands, good comprehension — but limited or unclear speech.