How can I help my 2-year-old son who isn't speaking in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?

Ans: Hi!!
This is actually quite common in adolescence, and there isn’t just one reason.

A teen who used to talk a lot may become quieter over time because of changes in their emotional, social, and cognitive development:

* They become more self-aware. As teens grow, they often start thinking more about how others perceive them. This can make them more cautious about what they say.
* They’re processing more internally. Younger children often think out loud. Older teens may spend more time reflecting internally instead of verbalizing everything.
* Social experiences affect confidence. Criticism, embarrassment, bullying, rejection, or feeling misunderstood can lead someone to speak less.
* Friendships and family dynamics change. Teens may withdraw from parents while becoming more selective about who they talk to.
* Stress and responsibilities increase. School pressure, exams, future planning, and personal challenges can leave less mental energy for casual conversation.
* Their personality may be settling. Sometimes a talkative child wasn’t necessarily an extrovert; they were simply comfortable. As they mature, their natural communication style may become quieter.

Just check that the reason for this behaviour is not because of-
Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or chronic stress!

It’s also important to distinguish between:

* A normal developmental shift: talking less, but still engaging with people and enjoying activities.
* A concerning change: becoming withdrawn, isolating themselves, losing interest in things they used to enjoy, or showing signs of distress.