When the first words are slow to arrive: keys to knowing when to see a specialist

Child development varies greatly, even within the same family, and numerous factors influence it. More or less, all children tend to reach the same milestones, as they are called, in the same age range. But if you notice that your child isn't doing things and it worries you because you see that others are, you shouldn't hesitate to consult an expert—in this case, always, a pediatrician.

Language delays are one of the most common developmental issues in children and a topic of considerable concern for families. "We must not forget that each child develops at their own pace, and some begin to speak earlier than others," warns Dr. María Velázquez de Cuéllar, head of the Pediatrics Department at Quirónsalud Valle del Henares Hospital (Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid), on the new website "School for Families ."

Some children say their first words at 12 months, while others don't speak until 18 months or two years, according to this expert, who points out that sometimes these delays are temporary, and that it is the pediatrician who must assess each case, as well as the context.

"Many factors influence speech, for example, whether the family interacts more or less with the child, whether they speak to them, whether they have siblings, whether there is bilingualism in the family, and whether the baby attends daycare, an important stimulus for them," this specialist acknowledges.

However, Dr. Velázquez de Cuellar does point out that hearing impairments may also occur in children, making it more difficult for them to speak because they don't hear properly; or oral impairments may also affect their ability to make sounds.

Thus, some of the signs that warrant consulting a professional, in this case a pediatrician, as indicated by this specialist from the Quirónsalud Valle del Henares Hospital, are if the child does not make any sounds at 12 months, or if at 18 months they are unable to say any words and do not point to ask for something, or in the case of two-year-olds who are unable to understand simple commands.

In these cases, the pediatrician is the first professional to assess the child's language development, while also objectifying and investigating not only whether the child speaks, makes sounds, or points, but also whether the child is able to understand, for example, what is being said to them or the commands given to them.

"During this consultation, the family will be provided with guidance. They will be given simple guidelines for stimulating language at home, such as playing with stories or songs , giving them commands, or, for example, emphasizing the importance of talking to the children more, addressing them more," this expert emphasizes.

He says that, in the event of a delay in language development, and as a way to stimulate the child in this regard, he or she can also be assigned to activities that allow him or her to interact with other children.

" If the pace is slower than expected , the pediatrician will monitor the child more closely and, in some cases, only if the pediatrician deems it necessary, will refer the child to a speech therapist, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, or a pediatric neurologist," notes Dr. María Velázquez de Cuéllar.

Ultimately, this expert maintains, the goal is for the child to enjoy communicating, with stories and songs, and not just for him to utter words. "With the right support, language comes, and every achievement is celebrated. If your child doesn't speak, it's no reason to panic. You should consult with your pediatrician, who can help you better understand his pace," this specialist concludes.