How do I know if my child needs evaluation?

If you notice delays in speech, social skills, behaviour, learning, motor skills, or if your child is not meeting age-appropriate milestones, an evaluation is recommended. Early assessment helps identify developmental needs and ensures timely intervention.

Do you provide therapy services to very young children?

Yes. Pranaah Child Development Centre provides early intervention and therapy services for infants and toddlers. Early support can significantly improve developmental outcomes.

What should I do if I do not know which therapy is most appropriate for my child?

A comprehensive assessment is the best way to determine which therapy your child needs. At Pranaah, specialists evaluate your child's strengths and developmental challenges and recommend the right intervention plan.

Assessment is a structured evaluation conducted by qualified professionals to understand a child's developmental, cognitive, behavioural, speech, and motor abilities. It helps identify concerns and guides the therapy plan.

How long does an assessment take?

Most assessments take 45–90 minutes depending on the child's age, cooperation, and the type of testing required. In some cases, multiple sessions may be needed.

What do I need to bring for the evaluation of my child?

Parents are advised to bring the child's medical history, previous reports, school feedback, birth details, and any relevant documents. This helps specialists make an accurate developmental profile.

Can I bring other children to the assessment session?

For best results, it is recommended to attend the session with only the child being assessed. A quiet, distraction-free environment helps the therapist conduct accurate evaluations.

Should both parents attend the assessment session?

Yes, if possible. Both parents attending helps provide complete background information and ensures that everyone clearly understands the findings and recommendations.

Do I get a report after assessment, and can I submit it to my child’s school?

Yes. After the assessment, a detailed report is provided. This report can be submitted to your child’s school, paediatrician, or other professionals for support and academic planning.

How long is the assessment report valid?

Reports are generally valid for 6–12 months depending on how quickly your child progresses. However, if there are major concerns or rapid developmental changes, an updated evaluation may be needed sooner.

Will the therapist discuss findings with parents after the assessment?

Yes. After the assessment, the therapist will explain the findings, discuss your child's strengths and needs, and recommend the best intervention or therapy plan.

My Child Points Instead of Speaking: 5 Home Exercises to Encourage Words

Team Pranaah
Nov 28, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Dec 20, 2025

My Child Points Instead of Speaking: 5 Home Exercises to Encourage Words

By Team Pranaah CDC

It is a scenario every parent knows well: Your toddler stands in front of the fridge, pointing frantically at a shelf and making a grunting sound. You start the guessing game: "Do you want the milk? The apple? The biscuit?"

My Child Points Instead of Speaking: 5 Home Exercises to Encourage Words

While it can be frustrating, here is the good news: Pointing is communication. It shows your child wants to talk to you but just hasn't found their voice yet.

At Pranaah Child Development Centre, with centers in Kollam and Kottarakkara, we work with hundreds of "late talkers." The transition from pointing to speaking doesn't happen by magic—it happens through practice.

Here are 5 simple speech therapy exercises you can do at home today to turn those fingers into words.

1. The "Communication Temptation" (Sabotage)

Children often point because it works. If they point at a toy and you immediately give it to them, they have no reason to speak. You need to create a "communication temptation."

How to do it: Put their favorite toys or snacks in a transparent jar that is tightly closed. Place it where they can see it but cannot open it.
The Goal: They will bring the jar to you for help. Do not open it immediately. Wait for a sound, a look, or an attempt to say "Open."
Why it works: It turns a passive moment into an active interaction.

2. The "Forced Choice" Technique

Instead of asking "Yes or No" questions (which are easy to answer with a nod or head shake), force them to use words.

How to do it: During snack time, hold up a banana in one hand and an apple in the other.
Don't ask: "Do you want the apple?"
Ask this: "Do you want the Apple or the Banana?"
The Goal: Even if they point, hold the items back gently and repeat the names. "Apple? Or Banana?" Encourage them to attempt the sound.

3. The "Power of the Pause" (The 10-Second Rule)

As parents, we are often too quick to fill the silence. We anticipate our child's needs before they even ask.

How to do it: If your child points at their water bottle, acknowledge it, but wait 10 seconds before handing it over.
Look at them expectantly. Lean in. Smile.
The Goal: This awkward silence creates pressure (in a good way) for the child to fill the gap with a sound or word.

4. Verbal Routines (Ready, Set... Go!)

Children love predictability. "Verbal Routines" are phrases that are always said the same way.

How to do it: When pushing them on a swing or racing cars, say "Ready... Set... Go!"
The Twist: After doing this 5 times, say "Ready... Set..." and STOP.
The Goal: The child, eager for the fun to continue, is highly likely to shout "GO!" to finish the pattern.

5. Parallel Talk (The Sports Commentator)

Stop questioning your child ("What is this? Say cat!") and start narrating. Questions can feel like a test, which causes anxiety.

How to do it: Act like a sports commentator for their life. Narrate what they are doing.
Say: "Oh, you are pushing the car. Vroom vroom. The car is fast. Uh oh! The car crashed."
The Goal: You are flooding their brain with the correct vocabulary for the actions they are currently interested in.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

While these home exercises are effective, they are not a replacement for professional assessment if a developmental delay exists.

You should book a Developmental Screening at Pranaah CDC if:

Your child is 18 months old and prefers gestures over vocalizations.
They have difficulty understanding simple instructions (e.g., "Bring me your shoes").
They do not mimic sounds or social smiles.

Early Intervention is key. The brain develops most rapidly before age 3. Catching a delay now makes fixing it much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is pointing instead of speaking a sign of Autism? A: Not necessarily. Pointing shows "Joint Attention," which is actually a positive social skill. However, if the pointing is not accompanied by eye contact, or if the child shows other sensory issues, an evaluation at Pranaah CDC is recommended to rule out Autism.

Q: How many words should a 2-year-old say? A: By age 2, most children have a vocabulary of about 50 words and are starting to put two words together (e.g., "Mommy up").

Q: Where can I get a speech assessment in Kollam? A: Pranaah Child Development Centre offers standardized speech and language assessments at our Thevally (Kollam) and Pulamon (Kottarakkara) centers. You do not need a doctor's referral to book.