16/04/2026
“Lelaki memang lambat sikit cakap.”
“Tunggu je la, nanti cakap tu.”
Raise your hand kalau pernah dengar. 🙋♀️
Here’s the truth:
Yes, boys MAY talk slightly later — by WEEKS.
But “lambat sikit” has become excuse to ignore real delays.
MILESTONES TO KNOW:
📍 12 MONTHS:
→ 1-2 words (mama, papa)
→ Babbling with expression
→ Responds to name
📍 18 MONTHS:
→ 10-20 words
→ Follows simple instructions
→ Points to show things
📍 24 MONTHS:
→ 50+ words
→ 2-word phrases (“nak susu”)
→ Strangers understand ~50%
“TAPI RUMAH CAKAP 2 BAHASA...”
Bilingual does NOT cause speech delay. Myth. 🙅♀️
🚩 RED FLAGS — get checked:
→ No babbling by 12 months
→ No words by 16 months
→ No 2-word phrases by 24 months
→ Losing words they used to say
→ Not responding to name
→ No pointing or waving
WHILE WAITING FOR REFERRAL:
✅ Talk MORE — narrate everything
✅ Read together
✅ Less screen time
✅ Model, don’t correct
If family says “Lelaki memang macam tu” — smile, nod.
Then trust YOUR gut.
Better to check and find nothing, than wait and miss the window.
April = Autism Awareness Month 💙
