Worried because your child does not (yet) talk? What you can do today, when to seek help, and how a communication app can help while you wait.
“My child does not talk” is one of the most searched phrases among parents worried about language. Sometimes there is little babbling. Sometimes words appeared and then faded. Sometimes your child understands a lot but produces little speech. You are not alone — and you do not have to wait until “it comes naturally” before you act.
First: every child develops differently. Still, it is wise to raise the alarm if around 18–24 months there are hardly any words, if making contact is hard, or if your intuition says something is going on. Start with your child health clinic, GP, or a speech therapist. Early support is not an overreaction — it gives you a plan sooner.
What can you do at home without a diagnosis? Speak in short, clear sentences about what is happening. Wait after a question. Use gestures or photos at fixed moments (drink, put on a coat, bedtime). Celebrate every attempt to communicate — pointing, sound, gaze — not only “real words”. Pressure to speak aloud often backfires.
If speech is not (yet) coming, aided communication can help: pictograms, photos, a communication board, or an app that speaks words aloud. That is not “giving up”. It is a bridge. Many speech therapists recommend starting a channel early so frustration drops and your child notices: my message lands.
Many families land in a middle phase: the speech therapist recommends an aid, but a funded speech device can take months. Meanwhile you want something that works at home and school. An app on a tablet you already own, with your own photos of familiar situations, is often a practical first step — temporary or as a complement.
TWIYO was born from that situation. We wanted to practice communication quickly for our son, without months of waiting or thousands of euros. Free: letters, counting, the word-image game, and up to 10 custom words with photos. Premium (free 14-day trial, no credit card): digital communication board (AAC), speller, and unlimited custom content. Works offline; photos stay on the device.
TWIYO is not a medically certified device and does not replace speech therapy or a professional speech device. Always discuss with your speech therapist what fits. Read more: non-verbal child communication at twiyo.app/en/non-verbal-child-communication, communication aid at twiyo.app/en/blog/communication-aid, or alternative to a speech device at twiyo.app/en/alternative-speech-device.
Want to try something today? Open TWIYO in your browser, add the app to your home screen, and start with a few photos of drinking, eating, and favourite people — or start 14 days of Premium to calmly test the communication board.
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