My child does not copy words, even when I name things they like. How can I support language without pressuring them to repeat?

A child may be listening and understanding even when they do not repeat a word. They may also respond with a look, gesture, or sound. Follow what your child is already noticing and add a short phrase such as, “Car,” or, “It’s here,” then pause without requiring an answer. Treat a point, look, or sound as one turn in the conversation. Do not make saying the word a condition for receiving a wanted item. Repeating useful words during enjoyable interactions is the foundation.