Question

A 14-month-old child has not yet begun to speak, and has not even uttered basic greetings like ‘Dad’ or ‘Mom’, but can understand and execute adult instructions and occasionally talk to himself. How should parents handle this situation?

Answer

By the age of 18 months, a child should typically be able to consciously call parents, recognize people or objects needed by adults, have eye contact with others, and walk independently. It is recommended to compare these developmental standards to assess whether the child has reached the corresponding abilities. If the child has not yet been able to call ‘Dad’ or ‘Mom’, it is necessary to visit the local maternal and child health care institution for screening to rule out autism or intellectual issues. It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive examination for the child, including hearing screening, intelligence assessment, language assessment, and oral examination. After a comprehensive examination, find the cause and carry out targeted training based on the results. In addition, parents should communicate more with their child at home, actively express themselves, and encourage the child to talk more.