When to Worry About Speech Delay in Children: Dr. Sonam Kothari Explains Language Development

In this insightful video, Dr. Sonam Kothari dives deep into the important topic of language development and speech delay in children. She explains how every child is different-some may start speaking early, while others may take a little more time. But when should parents actually worry? Dr. Kothari breaks down the typical milestones in language development and shares key signs parents should watch for to determine if there’s a genuine delay that needs intervention.
In the first 6 months of life, most babies don't speak, but they do respond through smiles and eye contact. Around 4 to 6 months, babies start "cooing," which includes sounds like "oo" and "ee." This is an essential part of early language development. By the time a child reaches one year of age, they typically start babbling words like "mama," "dada," or "papa." These words might not always be meaningful at first, but by around 1 year, many children start attaching meaning to their words and understanding simple instructions like "wave bye-bye" or "give me the ball."
Dr. Kothari emphasizes that language comprehension begins before speech. Around 8 to 9 months of age, children usually start understanding and responding to basic instructions. For example, when asked to show their nose, point to the fan, or wave bye-bye, they can often follow these simple commands. However, this might happen non-verbally at first, as they may point or gesture instead of using words.
By 1.5 years of age, most children can follow multiple instructions, and some start speaking 2 to 3 meaningful words. However, Dr. Kothari reassures parents that if a child is late in speaking but can still understand language, they may just need more time. The real concern arises when a child, by 1.5 years of age, shows no signs of understanding or following language-this could indicate a significant delay.
One of the key indicators of potential speech delay is the absence of eye contact. If a child does not maintain eye contact before the age of one, or if they aren’t responding to language by 1.5 years of age, it's crucial to consult a doctor. Eye contact is essential for learning language, and a lack of it can signal underlying issues.
By the age of 2, if a child still isn't saying any meaningful words, it’s time to seek medical advice. Early intervention is important because it ensures the child gets the necessary therapies to prevent further delays in speech development.
Watch the full video to understand the normal stages of language development, when to seek help, and how early intervention can make a big difference.
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