Question
A 16-month-old boy has not yet uttered the words ‘Dad’ or ‘Mom’, and it seems he can only understand simple commands. Although he has learned to walk, his parents are concerned about his language development.
Answer
For a child of 16 months, not starting to talk does not necessarily indicate a problem. First, it is recommended to confirm that the child’s hearing is normal and to observe his overall physical and intellectual development. If development in other areas is normal, parents can promote the child’s language skills by increasing interaction and communication with him. If parents still feel worried, it is advisable to take the child to the hospital for a systematic examination.