When speech, language, hearing, or developmental problems do exist, early intervention can provide the help a child needs. And when you have a better understanding of why your child isn't talking, you
can learn ways to encourage speech development.

Here are a few general tips you can employ at home:

> Spend a lot of time communicating with your child, even during    infancy — talk, sing, and encourage imitation of sounds and    gestures.

> Read to your child, starting as early as 6 months. You don't have    to finish a whole book, but look for age-appropriate soft or board    books or picture books that encourage kids to look while you    name the pictures. Try starting with books with textures that kids    can touch. Later, let your child point to recognizable pictures    and try to name them.

Then move on to nursery rhymes, which have rhythmic appeal. Progress to predictable books, such as Eric Carle's Brown Bear, Brown Bear, in which your child can anticipate what happens. Your little one may even start to memorise favourite stories.

> Use everyday situations to reinforce your child's speech and language. In other words, talk your way through the day. For example, name foods at the grocery store,
explain what you're doing as you cook
a meal or clean a room, point out
objects around the house, and
as you drive, point out sounds
you hear. Ask questions and
acknowledge your child's
responses (even when
they're hard to understand).
Keep things simple, but
never use "baby talk."

Whatever your child's age,
recognising and treating
problems early on is the
best approach to help with
speech and language delays.
With proper therapy and time,
your child will likely be better
able to communicate
with you and the
rest of the world.