If your two-year-old is not talking, contact their pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist to discuss your concerns. An internet article cannot tell you whether your child will catch up or what support they need. You can make that first conversation more useful by bringing specific examples.
Describe “not talking” in your own words
Does your child use no spoken words, a few familiar words, or words that other people find difficult to understand? Do they say something during play but rarely use it to request help? Write down what you mean without comparing your child with another child in the family.
A small note is enough: “He says ‘car’ while playing, pulls my hand toward the door, and brings his shoes when he wants to go outside.” Include what your child understands and how they communicate without speech. The CHSA guidance for late talkers highlights understanding, gestures, and the development of new words as relevant areas to discuss.
Make a one-page appointment note
- My main concern: one sentence about what brought you here.
- Everyday examples: a request, a greeting, a refusal, or a play interaction.
- Languages: which languages your child hears and uses, and with whom.
- Questions: what you want to understand before leaving.
You might ask, “What should happen next?” or “Who can show us a helpful way to practice?” Ask about hearing as well. The NIDCD describes hearing assessment as a common part of investigating speech and language concerns.
A play example for today
Try a toy animal that your child already likes. Make one sound, such as “moo,” and move the animal. Pause briefly. If your child looks, reaches, smiles, or makes a sound, respond and continue the play. You can offer the same sound again without asking “What does the cow say?” over and over.
For another example, use a large toy car. Say “go,” roll it, and invite another turn. If the child loses interest, change activities. These examples create an opportunity to interact; they are not a home test or a replacement for an evaluation.
Should we wait until the third birthday?
You can raise a concern now. A professional can help decide whether evaluation, support, or monitoring is appropriate. Do not use an app’s completion badge to decide that a concern has resolved.
Read the speech-delay overview for appointment questions. For optional play between real-world conversations, TalkDelay’s Speech path offers short prompts to try together. It does not predict development or verify spoken-word accuracy.