The milestones that matter for Indian parents
Indian children grow up in multilingual environments, which can create some normal variation in when specific languages develop. Bilingualism does not cause speech delay. A bilingual child may say fewer words in each language but should have a total word count across both languages that is similar to a monolingual peer. If your child isn't reaching milestones in any language — or shows no meaningful communication at all — that's worth assessing.
Common reassurances that turn out to be wrong
Three reassurances that Indian parents frequently hear: 'Boys talk late' (there is a small statistical difference between boys and girls, but it doesn't account for significant delay), 'Wait till 4' (the 12–36 month window is the critical period — waiting until 4 means missing the peak intervention window), 'He understands everything, so he's fine' (good comprehension reduces the likelihood of some diagnoses but doesn't rule out speech or language disorder).
Signs that warrant an assessment now
Get an assessment — don't wait — if: your child has no words at 15 months; your child has fewer than 10 words at 18 months; your child is not using two-word combinations by 24 months; strangers cannot understand most of what your child says at 36 months; your child has lost language they previously had; you notice your child isn't responding to their name consistently or isn't making eye contact.
What the assessment will tell you
A speech-language assessment will give you a clear picture of where your child is relative to expected development, what the likely cause is (if any), whether therapy is recommended and at what frequency, and what you can do at home immediately. It won't give you a diagnosis of autism (that requires a multi-disciplinary assessment) but it will flag if that pathway should be explored.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a free triage call about Speech delay
Understand what the concern is and what good care looks like — before you commit to anything.
WhatsApp us — free triageCommon questions
My child is 2 years old and doesn't speak at all. What should I do?+
Get an assessment as soon as possible. No speech at 24 months is a clear indication for referral — this is significantly below expected development and warrants evaluation, not waiting.
My child speaks at home but not at school. Is that a speech delay?+
This is often selective mutism — an anxiety-related condition — rather than speech delay. It's still worth assessing, but the treatment pathway is different.
Can I get a speech assessment done online?+
Yes. For children 18 months and above, online assessment is feasible and effective. For very young infants, some components are best done in-person, but a triage call can tell you what's needed.
Available across India
And online to every PIN code in India.
