Understanding Speech Delay in Children

Early awareness, early action.

It’s natural for parents to feel concerned when their child isn’t speaking as expected. Questions like “Why isn’t my child talking yet?” or “Is this normal at their age?” are common. At FIT IN Child Development Centre, we’re here to help you understand what speech delay in children means and guide you on what steps to take.

What is Speech Delay in Children?

Speech delay happens when a child’s speech development is slower than typical for their age. While every child grows at their own pace, there are general milestones that help us understand when speech might be delayed.

Your child might be facing speech delay if he or she:

Says very few or no words by 18 months,
Doesn’t combine two or more words by age 2–3,
Struggles to form sounds clearly,
Has difficulty following simple instructions,
Or seems frustrated when trying to communicate

Possible Causes

Speech delays can occur for many reasons. Some of the more common causes include:

Hearing issues – such as frequent ear infections
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Developmental delays or global developmental delay
Neurological conditions
Limited exposure to spoken language at home

Identifying the cause early can help your child get the right kind of support.

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Delay?

The most important thing to remember is: don’t wait and see. While some children do catch up on their own, others may need structured support.

Start by observing your child’s communication at home. Are they babbling, pointing, or trying to imitate sounds? If you’re unsure, it’s always better to consult professionals. A developmental assessment by qualified therapists can determine if your child needs speech therapy or if there are signs of other developmental concerns.

FIT IN is ready to help

At FIT IN, we offer support that goes beyond just speech. Our team takes a holistic approach, assessing every child individually and creating a tailored intervention plan that may include:

Developmental assessments
Speech and language therapy
One-to-one ABA therapy (if behavioural support is also needed)
Parent consultation and training

We’ve helped many children overcome communication challenges and build confidence in expressing themselves.

Book a Developmental Assessment Today

If you’re concerned about speech delay in your child, we’re here to help. The earlier we identify the issue, the sooner we can help your child develop the skills they need to communicate confidently.

📍 Available in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Terengganu
📞 WhatsApp us to schedule an appointment today (use the button below!)