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2.5 years old is not talking
Hello Doctors, My 2.5 old son is not talking, speaks only few limited words like Mumma, pappa, and few... He is always very agressive, angry and beating. Very stubborn if what he ask is not given then he will cry a lot, sometimes hit his head on the floor. He was born normal and other physical milestones are achieved. Please suggest, is this a matter of concern? Please reply in detail. Thanks
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Hi
Provide verbal stimulation , talk before him, Allow him to communicate in any of his chosen way, Give him time, emotionally understand him ,
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Allow time
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have patience
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Hi,
It is understandable to be worried when a child shows limited speech, aggressive behavior, and stubbornness at this age. While some children develop speech and social skills at different rates, delayed speech, frequent aggression, and self-injurious behaviors like hitting his head can sometimes be signs of developmental or behavioral issues, such as speech delays, behavioral disorders, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Since your son was born normally and has achieved other physical milestones, it is important to have a thorough evaluation by a pediatrician or a developmental specialist. They can assess his overall development, speech and language skills, and behavior patterns. Early intervention is crucial, so I recommend scheduling a comprehensive developmental assessment as soon as possible. Based on their findings, they might suggest speech therapy, behavioral therapy, or other supportive measures to help your son develop better communication skills and manage his emotions more effectively. Please do not delay seeking professional advice, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
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consult
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seek help
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He might be showing the symptoms of ODD and other psychological issues.
Need to rule out with an expert psychologist.
It needs to be addressed asap otherwise it may get complicated.
It can be well treated in a holistic approach for better results.
It can be well treated with homeopathic medicine effectively and without any side effects.
Homeopathic medicine and occupational therapy would be the best solution for your kid.
You need an expert Psychologist who is a good homeopathic physician.
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I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist and Counseling psychologist for the last 17 years. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance
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Hi, Consult a pediatrician
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It would help if you talk to your pediatrician. Some children take time. The doctor may help you to understand the issues. Your son is very young .
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visit a pediatrician
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Please meet a clinical psychologist as early as possible
.
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Ms. Neha Sachdev
Psychologist
11 yrs exp
Delhi
Hi
Is he the first child??
First child does take time to talk. Since we are new parents too, we too can’t be perfect with the child. As a parent, we feel anxious when the child has late speech.
Keep talking/ singing rhymes for him. He would listen more and will initiate to build his new vocabulary. You can put TV for him so that he watches and understands the words and how to put words in sentences. The more you talk the better and comfortable he would be in speaking. You can talk any random things, it doesn’t need to have legible words. Talking nonsense will also help stimulate his speech.
Since he is 2.5 years, you can also enrol him in a day time activities centers/ play school, to make him more interactive and to understand social interaction and communication well.
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I am a parenting coach.
There is nothing wrong with your child!!
For further assistance, connect with me.
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Sanjana Purdhani
Psychologist
2 yrs exp
Delhi
At 2.5 years, children typically begin using more words and phrases to express themselves, and they slowly start learning to manage their emotions. From what youâve shared â limited vocabulary (like "mumma", "pappa"), frequent anger, stubbornness, and behaviors like crying a lot or hitting his head when frustrated â these are signs that he might be finding it difficult to express or regulate his feelings.
Children often use behaviors to communicate what they cannot say in words. Head-banging, aggression, or intense crying could be signs that heâs overwhelmed or struggling to get his needs met in ways he understands.
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Limited speech at this age can make it hard for children to express even basic needs, which can lead to frustration and emotional outbursts. Tantrums or head-banging may occur when children feel unheard, overstimulated, or lack coping tools. Stubbornness is common at this stage as toddlers begin asserting their independence, but when it becomes extreme, it might be worth exploring how heâs coping emotionally. Even though physical milestones are met, emotional and communication development happen on separate timelines and deserve attention too.
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Consult a Child Development Specialist or Pediatric Psychologist To better understand whatâs typical and what might need support, a professional assessment is helpful. Itâs not about labeling, but understanding how heâs doing emotionally, socially, and in communication. Introduce Speech and Play-Based Support A speech therapist can work on improving vocabulary, word use, and understanding. Play-based approaches are fun and effective at this age. Create a Supportive Environment at Home Use short, clear words and repeat them often: E.g., "Water", "Ball", "Come". Name his feelings: âYouâre angry,â âYou wanted the toy.â Minimize screen time and focus on real-world interaction. Use visuals to support routines (pictures of food, toilet, toys). Stay calm during meltdowns; your energy can help him regulate. Observe Patterns Keep a small journal of his behaviors â when he gets upset, what triggers it, how long it lasts. This can be helpful to share with a professional later.
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Ms. Rupali Mohbe
Clinical Psychologist
25 yrs exp
Ahmedabad
Hi, I appreciate that you reached out with your concern.
From what you have described, your 2.5-year-old son is using only a few limited words and tends to get aggressive, angry, and stubborn when his needs are unmet. Most children are typically able to use short phrases, follow simple instructions.
Since physical milestones have been achieved but communication and emotional regulation seem to be challenging, I would strongly recommend consult Child psychologist. This will help evaluate any underlying concerns, including speech delays, emotional difficulties, or possible neurodevelopmental conditions.
Additionally, beginning early interventions such as speech therapy and occupational therapy can be very beneficial. These therapies can support both language development and behavioral regulation.
At home, engaging your child in face-to-face conversations, reducing screen time, reading together, and maintaining a calm, structured routine may also help.
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For child therapist, you can book an appointment with Rupali Mohbe/BIRDY ME at Practo
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Ms. Neha Ravichandran
Counselling Psychologist
9 yrs exp
Bangalore
Hi you should connect with a toddler specialist psychologist.
They will evaluate the child for cognitive milestones.
Milestones only doesn’t mean physical growth . It also means cognitive , behavior and mental growth .
Right diagnosis at an early age with the right treatment will help the child work on his anger and stubbornness.
It will also empower the parents to manage the child better without losing patience.
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Speak to a professional for his evaluation.
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Right diagnosis and right therapy for parents and child
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