The importance of parallel talk in speech development

“An anxious mind will not move towards speech.” This thought‑provoking idea by Ms. Deepa Bhat Nair reminds us of the importance of parallel talk in helping children find their voice.

In our eagerness to encourage speech, we often bombard children with questions, hoping they will answer. But too many questions can create anxiety, especially for children still learning to express themselves. Instead of prompting rote replies, it may leave them silent under pressure.

Speech and communication grow best in a happy, supportive environment. Patience and attention to different areas of development like occupational therapy , speech and language therapy  help children progress.

What can we do instead?

• Comment on what the child hears or sees. 
• Express what they might be feeling in your own words.
• Model responses in everyday situations.

For example:
At mealtimes: “You cooked my favourite meal, that looks so yummy!”
When a child seeks attention: “Mama, why are you so busy, when will you play with me?”

This kind of parallel talk helps children become aware of their surroundings, understand situations, and think about suitable responses. By modeling language rather than demanding answers, we give them space to connect feelings with words and initiate communication naturally.

We all want to hear our children speak and this can happen not only through techniques, but within a patient environment that gives them room to grow. An example is the story of a parent from Mumbai who shared how she saw a huge change in her child once she stopped asking too many questions.

This video and guidance were created by Communiverse, led by Deepa Bhat Nair, an organisation dedicated to providing innovative, family-focused solutions for neurodivergent children and their caregivers. Communiverse offers both online and in-person support, providing highly nuanced interventions for very young children — with remarkable outcomes. The team is also pioneering path-breaking programs for middle schoolers and young adults with social cognition challenges, helping them navigate school, college, and daily interactions with greater confidence.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.