Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Is my 2 year old on track? It is one of the most common questions parents ask us. Some differences are completely normal at this age, and a few are worth checking early. Below are 8 real situations. For each one, decide: is it normal, or worth a check? Then read the answer. Prefer to watch? The full episode is above. 1. About 10 words, but no 2-word pairs yet Answer: worth a check. By 2 years, most children put two

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS You call your child's name from across the room, then again, a little louder. Nothing. They keep playing as if they did not hear you, yet a moment later they come running at the sound of a favourite song or the fridge opening. It is one of the most common worries parents bring to us, and it is a fair one to notice. Here is what not responding to a name can mean, what to check, and how to help. When Do Children Usua

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS In many Singapore homes, children hear two, three or even four languages: English with parents, Mandarin, Malay or Tamil with grandparents, and perhaps another language with the helper. So when a child is slow to talk, a common piece of advice follows: "Stick to English only. Too many languages are confusing him." It sounds logical, but it isn't what the research shows. Here's what you need to know. Bilingualism Do

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Your child has turned two, and the words you were expecting haven't arrived. Maybe friends' children are already chatting in short sentences. Maybe relatives keep saying "boys talk late" or "he'll talk when he's ready." You want to believe them, but something keeps nagging at you. Here's how to tell the difference between a child who is simply taking their time and one who would benefit from support now. What Most

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS When we want to teach a child something, the instinct is to direct, to set the task, lead the activity, and steer things where we think they should go. But some of the most effective early learning happens the other way around: by following the child's lead. It sounds counterintuitive, especially when a child's interests seem narrow or repetitive, but meeting a child where they are is often the fastest route to con

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS One of the most powerful skills you can give a child is the ability to ask for what they want. It sounds simple, but for a child who can't yet request effectively, the inability to communicate a need is a constant source of frustration, and often the root of challenging behaviour. Teaching a child to ask, in whatever form works for them, can transform daily life. Here's how to think about it. Why Requesting Matters

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS “He'll talk when he's ready.” It's one of the most common things parents hear when they raise a worry about their child's speech, from relatives, from friends, sometimes even from professionals. And often it's true: children develop language at different rates, and plenty of late talkers catch up beautifully. But sometimes a language delay is the visible tip of something broader, and the “wait and see” advice quiet

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Many parents worry that they are not doing “enough” to support their child’s language development. They may feel pressure to practise flashcards, drills, or structured activities throughout the day. In reality, some of the most powerful opportunities to build language already exist in your child’s daily routines. Language grows best when it is used naturally, repeatedly, and meaningfully, not only during structured

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Many parents notice that challenging behaviour often appears during moments of frustration, when a child wants something, needs help, or feels overwhelmed but cannot express it clearly. In many cases, these behaviours are not the main issue. The real challenge is communication breakdown. When children are supported in communicating more effectively, frustration often decreases naturally. Why Frustration Is Common

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS When parents notice delays in speech or language, one of the first questions they ask is whether their child “understands but can’t talk,” or “can talk but doesn’t seem to listen.” These differences relate to two important areas of language development: expressive language and receptive language. Understanding the difference between the two can help parents better interpret their child’s communication skills and ma

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS When parents think about communication, speech is often the first thing that comes to mind. Words, sentences, and pronunciation tend to be the main focus when concerns arise. However, communication is much broader than spoken words. Many children communicate effectively long before they speak, and some children who struggle with speech still have strong communication skills in other areas. Understanding communicati

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Learn Practical Ways to Encourage Speech Development in Toddlers How to Encourage Speech Development in Toddlers Many parents wonder how they can help their child develop stronger communication skills. This concern is especially common when their child is not speaking as much as expected. A common question parents ask is: “How can I encourage my toddler to start talking?” Speech and language development happens gra

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Learn when toddlers typically begin talking and what language milestones parents may expect. Understand when speech delays may need further guidance. When Should Toddlers Start Talking? Language Milestones Explained One of the most common questions parents ask during early childhood is: “When should my toddler start talking?” Language development is an important part of a child’s growth, helping them communicate n

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Worried that your 3 year old is not talking yet? Learn possible reasons for delayed speech, signs to watch for, and when parents may consider early intervention. My 3 Year Old Is Not Talking, Should I Be Concerned? It can be worrying for parents when a child reaches the age of three and is still not speaking as expected. Many parents begin comparing their child’s development with other children and may start askin

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Introduction It is common for parents to feel concerned when their child is not talking as expected. You may notice that your child is not using words, has limited vocabulary, or is not combining words like other children of the same age. While some children develop speech later than others, understanding the possible reasons behind delayed speech can help parents take appropriate action. What is Considered a Spe

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Introduction Many parents become concerned when their child is not speaking as expected. One of the most common questions is whether the delay is simply a speech delay or a sign of something more, such as autism. While both speech delay and autism can affect a child’s communication, they are not the same. Understanding the differences can help parents make informed decisions about when to seek support. Early identi