Why Isn’t My Toddler Talking Yet? The Truth About Speech Delays from India's leading Speech Language Pathologist!

You're told,

“Don’t worry, he’s just a late talker.”

“Boys talk late.”

“Once she starts, she won’t stop!”

But what if waiting is the worst thing you can do?

In this must-listen episode of the Modern Indian Parent Podcast, pediatric sleep consultant Rinie Gupta sits down with Bisma Shaikh, a highly respected RCI-certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist, better known as @thespeakingmummy on Instagram. With 10+ years of experience working with late talkers, toddlers with developmental delays, and overwhelmed parents, Bisma shares everything you need to know about speech delays in the first five years of life.

🎯 You’ll learn:

What’s normal vs what’s a red flag in toddler speech

The 3 common myths that delay diagnosis (and why they’re dangerous)

How bilingual homes and screens actually impact speech

Simple strategies you can use at home to boost your child’s communication

What speech therapy really looks like — and when to seek help

Whether your child is 18 months or 3 years old, don’t miss the signs. This episode empowers you with clarity, confidence, and actionable tools — without shame or panic.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to the Topic & Guest: Bisma Shaikh

04:09 – How to Know If Your Child Has a Speech Delay

09:10 – Myth #1: “Boys Talk Late”

10:11 – Myth #2: “They’ll Talk When They’re Ready”

14:16 – Myth #3: “Speaking Multiple Languages Causes Delays”

16:22 – What Parents Might Be Doing Wrong

21:30 – Teaching Academic vs Functional Words

27:48 – Why and How To Teach Baby Sign Language & Gestures To Aid Talking

31:35 – What Is Speech Therapy and How Does It Work?

36:00 – Easy Speech Strategy: Self-Talk + Pause + Repeat

38:22 - Is It Okay To Do Baby Talk?

40:36 – How to Contact Bisma To Get Help

Stay Connected With Us!

🎙️ Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates!

📲 Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/ 

👩‍ Connect With The Hosts

Rinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant):   https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/

Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist):   https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/

Connect with the guest:

Bisma Shaikh: https://www.instagram.com/thespeakingmummy/