Is your child’s development on track? Paediatrician Dr Nisa Khalil explains common developmental delays in toddlers, and why early intervention matters more than ever.
“Doctor, my daughter isn’t talking yet. Her cousin was speaking in full sentences at this age. Should I be worried?”
This is one of the most common questions I get from parents. And if you’re reading this because you’ve had that same thought, first of all, you’re not alone. Secondly, thank you for caring enough to ask.
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As a paediatrician with a deep interest in child development, I can tell you this: every child grows at their own pace. Some are fast walkers but late talkers. Some say “Mama” early but take a bit longer to engage with other children.
But how do you know if it’s truly okay… or something worth looking into?
Let’s break it down together.
What Are Developmental Milestones, Really?
Developmental milestones are basically the big (and small) things children are expected to do by a certain age — crawling, babbling, waving goodbye, playing peekaboo.
Doctors like me use them as a guide, not a strict checklist. Milestones fall into four main categories:
- Gross motor – big movements like rolling over or walking
- Fine motor – little movements like grabbing a toy or drawing a line
- Speech and language – from babbling to making simple sentences
- Social and emotional – things like eye contact, smiling, pretend play
Every child reaches these at a slightly different time — but there are general timelines that help us spot when something might be off.
🔎 Think of it like this: if your flight is a little delayed, that’s fine. But if you’re still stuck at the gate two hours later with no updates… it’s time to ask questions.
When Should We Be Concerned About a Delay?
Here’s a simple table that many parents find helpful. It’s not to alarm you — just to give you a rough guide:
| Age | Check if your child… |
| 6 months | Doesn’t smile or respond to people |
| 12 months | Doesn’t babble or point to things |
| 18 months | Doesn’t say any clear words |
| 2 years | Can’t follow simple instructions or string two words |
| 3 years | Isn’t understood by family, avoids playing with others |
A delay in one area might be okay — kids do surprise us. But delays across two or more areas, or if your gut is telling you something isn’t right, it’s worth getting a professional opinion.
What Actually Causes Developmental Delays?
It’s rarely one single thing. Here are some common factors:
- Premature birth – babies born early may hit milestones later
- Hearing issues – if they can’t hear well, they may not speak well
- Autism or neurodivergence – some kids just process the world differently
- Environmental factors – limited interaction, high screen time, lack of stimulation
And sometimes, we don’t find a reason. But the important part isn’t blame — it’s support.
⚠️ Here’s something I always tell parents: asking for help early isn’t labelling your child. It’s supporting them where they’re at.
So, When Do You See a Paediatrician?
Here’s a simple rule of thumb: If you’re worried, just ask.
You don’t need to wait for your paeds appointment or for another parent to say something. You don’t need to justify it. Your child deserves a check-in — and you deserve peace of mind.
In a developmental check-up, we’ll observe how your child moves, plays, talks, and interacts. Sometimes we recommend monitoring. Other times, we might refer you to a speech therapist, occupational therapist, or early intervention program.
It’s not a big dramatic moment — just a step forward.
Why Early Intervention Can Make a Huge Difference
The first few years of a child’s life are when their brain is most flexible — we call this neuroplasticity. It basically means: this is the best time to help them catch up, build skills, and grow confidence.
And often, the earlier we step in, the less support they end up needing long-term.
Support can look like:
- Speech therapy to help with language
- Play-based physio for movement
- Sensory strategies at home
- Simple parenting tweaks (less screen, more face-to-face time, structured play)
You’re not doing anything “wrong.” You’re doing everything right by showing up for your child.
A Note from Me — Especially If You’re in KL or PJ
I’ve been blessed to work with hundreds of children and families through my practice at Dr Nisa Khalil – Child Specialist Clinic, based in ParkCity Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
And what I’ve learned is this:
Parents are often the first to notice something.
And the best outcomes come when they act early — not perfectly, just early.
So if you’ve been wondering whether your child’s development is on track, let this article be your gentle nudge. Come in for a conversation. No pressure. Just a check-in.
FAQs I Hear All the Time (and My Honest Answers)
Q: “Is it normal for my 2-year-old to not talk yet?”
A: It happens, yes. But if there are no single words by 18 months, I’d recommend an evaluation.
Q: “Can screen time really delay development?”
A: Yes — especially if it replaces face-to-face interaction. Aim for less than 1 hour/day for ages 2–5.
Q: “What if I wait it out and they catch up later?”
A: That can happen. But if they don’t, you’ve lost time when intervention is most effective. A check won’t hurt — waiting might.
Final Words: You’re Not Overreacting
If you’re here because you were Googling “Is my toddler developing normally?” – then I already know you’re doing your best.
And that’s all your child needs.
So take the next step. Not because you should panic. But because you care enough to check. And because we’re here to help you walk this journey with more clarity, confidence, and compassion.
You’re not alone in this. 💜
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