Different specialists may have different answers for exactly when a child should start talking. However, research shows that children typically begin producing babbling sounds in infancy. These sounds may be things like "baba" "gaga" "ooh", etc. Then words begin to emerge, many times with things like "mama", "dada", "papa" or "ba-ba" at first.

1. What Age Should My
Son/Daughter Start to
Talk?
www.AutismParentingMagazine.com

2. What Age Should My Son/Daughter Start
to Talk?
This Article was featured in Issue 23 - Preparing For Tomorrow
Question and Answer
Syed asks, “My son is 2 1/2 and does not talk yet. He has no words, only
babbling. He has also signs of autism like hand- apping, walking on his tip-
toes, and other forms of stimming. He is registered at our local special
needs o ce where we live. We are very worried about him and my
question is: at what age should he start to talk?”
Hi Syed! I’m so glad you’re seeking help since you have concerns about
your son’s development. I encourage you, and all parents, to follow your
instincts when you feel something isn’t quite right with your child’s
development.
Di erent specialists may have di erent answers for exactly when a child
should start talking. However, research shows that children typically begin
producing babbling sounds in infancy. These sounds may be things like
“baba” “gaga” “ooh”, etc. Then words begin to emerge, many times with
things like “mama”, “dada”, “papa” or “ba-ba” at rst.
When examining childhood development we look to standardized tests
which are widely used to assess children with autism or other
These assessments measure developmental
milestones. Here’s a breakdown of what some of the most reputable
assessments say in regards to language:
developmental delays.
Developmental Assessment of Young Children-Second Edition (DAYC-2)
Children between the ages of 2 and 3 years old should use at least 50
words spontaneously. By this age children also have some 2-word phrases,
as well as emerging 3-word sentences.

3. What Age Should My Son/Daughter Start
to Talk?
This Article was featured in Issue 23 - Preparing For Tomorrow
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Second Edition ( Vineland-II )
Children should have 50 recognizable words at age 2. They may begin
asking questions, and using short, simple sentences.
Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-
MAPP)
By 30 months a child should be able to label 200 items and/or actions.
Most children, by this age, can also ask for at least 20 items.
As you can see by these various assessments, children your son’s age
typically have a variety of words and even some short sentences, for
example “More juice” or “go bye-bye.” Since your son does not have any
words yet here are some things you can do to help evoke language.
Before children learn to echo the sounds of others
they learn to imitate body movements. Have your son imitate basic actions
like: clapping hands, knocking, patting head, patting tummy, blowing
kisses, etc. You will say “Do this” or “Copy me” then perform an action.
Ideally your son should copy you and perform the action as well. However,
if he doesn’t respond you can prompt him. Make sure to provide lots of
praise when he copies you, even if you have to prompt it. You can also use
objects to promote imitate such as: rolling a ball, pushing a car, stacking a
block, etc. Keep providing lots of imitation opportunities because this is a
prerequisite for language.
1. Work on imitation.

4. What Age Should My Son/Daughter Start
to Talk?
This Article was featured in Issue 23 - Preparing For Tomorrow
Sing songs with your son and provide opportunities for him to ll-
in-the-blank. That may be something like “Twinkle Twinkle Little…” Pause
for a second or two and give him a chance to ll in the word “Star.” Even if
he just makes a sound, that’s okay! Or if he says nothing at all, that’s okay
too. Keep singing and give him another chance. Some great song ideas are:
ABCs, Wheels on the Bus, Row Your Boat, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Twinkle
Twinkle, Clean Up, Slippery Fish, and Happy and You Know It.
2. Sing!
Maybe it’s Elmo, or cookies, or his favorite blanket.
Use these items to try to get him to ask for them. When he reaches for the
preferred item, or shows interest in it, you may ask him “What did you
want?” Then you can prompt the answer “Elmo.” If your son makes a
sound, give it to him. He may make a sound that’s completely unrelated to
“Elmo,” but that’s okay. Even if he says “bah,” give him the Elmo. Once that’s
consistent you can push him a little more to say something closer to the
word. Maybe he can say “Oh” for “Elmo,” for example. Then, only give him
Elmo if he says “Oh,” and not when he says “bah.” Continue working on this
until he gets the work “Elmo.” By gradually changing the expectation
(accepting any sound at rst, then eventually expecting the full word), you
are helping your son to understand that language is required to get
something he wants. At the same time, you’re making it easy enough for
him that he won’t become too frustrated and give up.
3. Use what he loves.
We want to teach him that making
sounds is GOOD! Any time you hear a sound, acknowledge it. Talk to him,
praise him, and give him a ection. Send the message that he is doing a
great job any time he tries to communicate by making a sound.
4. Reward him for making sounds.

5. What Age Should My Son/Daughter Start
to Talk?
This Article was featured in Issue 23 - Preparing For Tomorrow
The more you and other family members talk to him
and engage with him, the better. Limit technology time (television, iPad,
iPhone, video-games, etc). Those things don’t allow for true interaction and
they are one-sided forms of entertainment. Nothing is expected of him
while he’s watching videos or playing games on electronics; he just gets to
sit back and passively observe what happens. Whereas, when he’s playing
with you or other, he’s an active participant who is expected to engage and
respond.
5. Interact with him.
Remember to focus on what skills and strengths your son has, and to set
realistic goals for him and yourself. Many times parents are so concerned
with what their children can’t do, that they miss out on what their child can
do. Appreciate his successes and allow yourself to celebrate those victories
no matter how small they may be. Lastly, I encourage all the families I work
with to keep in mind that communication is not always verbal. Some
children never speak using their mouths, but they can learn to
communicate using sign language, picture icons, or electronic devices.
Those methods of communication are just as valid as verbal language, and
can help non-verbal people to function in their world. While I know most
parents wish for their children to be able to talk, it’s vital to not discredit
other forms of communication. Keep an open mind and remember to take
notice of the progress your son makes along his journey.
We wish you the best as you continue on this roller-coaster of special
needs parenting!

6. What Age Should My Son/Daughter Start
to Talk?
This Article was featured in Issue 23 - Preparing For Tomorrow
Angelina works as a Board Certi ed Behavior Analyst, specializing in
treating children and adolescents with autism, down-syndrome, and other
developmental delays. She began her career in Applied Behavior Analysis
in 2006, following her youngest brother’s autism diagnosis, and has since
worked with dozens of children and families. She also writes a blog about
her experiences as both a professional and a big sister. Her brother, Dylan,
remains her most powerful inspiration for helping others facing similar
challenges. Learn more about Angelina and her blog, The Autism Onion,
and www.theautismonion.com or www.facebook.com/theautismonion
This article was featured in Issue 23 – Preparing for Tomorrow