Q: My 2 years old daughter hasn't started speaking yet. She is active and plays with all kinds of toys and eats well. She speaks small words like papa, mama, baba, etc. but does not say so on recognition. She is not attentive even while learning new words. Though she is active and plays with all kinds of toys, watches TV, listens to nursery rhymes, see pictures in books but is afraid of big toys and high chairs, etc. Also, when we call her she rarely turns up. Is she autistic?

A:Your little girl sounds to be bright and normal. Instead of trying to teach her specific words, just talk about the food she eats and her play. Language is best learnt in the context of everyday speech. Encourage her to use words to ask for things she wants. Bring in stories and children's music and small playthings, which interest her.