Speech delay
Help for late talkers and children who find communication difficult.
Speech and language delay means a child's talking or understanding is developing more slowly than expected for their age. Some children are “late talkers” who catch up; for others, difficulty with communication is part of a wider developmental picture.
Communication is more than words — it includes understanding, gestures, play and social interaction. Assessing all of these gives the fullest picture of how to help.
What parents often notice
- •Few or no words by an age when peers are talking
- •Hard to understand, or not putting words together
- •Seems not to understand simple instructions
- •Limited pointing, gesturing or eye contact when communicating
- •Frustration or behaviour that comes from not being understood
Every child is different, and noticing one or two of these doesn't mean your child has speech delay. If you're unsure, an assessment brings clarity.
How Geniuslane helps
A speech, language and communication assessment that looks at both understanding and talking.
A check for anything else that can affect speech — hearing, and broader development.
Personalised speech and language therapy and practical strategies you can use at home.
Guidance and progress reviews, with app-based support between sessions.
Worried about your child?
Our specialists assess and support children in person across India and the UK, or online. A real person calls you back within 24 hours.
Common questions
My child understands everything but doesn't talk — is that a delay?
Understanding well is a good sign, but limited talking is still worth assessing. We look at both, and at why talking may be slower to develop.
Should I just wait and see?
If you're worried, an assessment brings clarity. Waiting can be right for some children, but that's best decided with a specialist rather than on your own.
Could a speech delay mean autism?
Speech delay has many causes; it can occur on its own or alongside autism or other conditions. A full assessment helps understand which applies to your child.
Related care
This page is general information to help parents, not a medical diagnosis or a substitute for professional advice. Every child is different. For a diagnosis or personalised guidance, book an assessment with our team. In an emergency, contact your local emergency services.