Q: My son is 2 years 3 months old, healthy and active. My question is regarding delayed speaking. He started speaking at the age of 18 months. He speaks only few words like Amma, Papa, tata, Aunty, kukka, aaku (telugu words). Since we live in Germany for the last 8 months, he started speaking 1 or 2 German words. He can hear the smallest sound as well. He understands all that we say. Why is he so late in speaking? Is this due to a multi-language exposure? Do we need to consult any specialist doctor on this issue?

A:There are large individual differences in language development. Your child seems to be quite normal considering the fact that he is a male child and is exposed to a multilingual environment. There is no need to panic. Just wait and watch. Encourage use of new words, correct pronunciation and grammar by verbal and non-verbal rewards, and serve as good role models yourselves.