Non talking child

Traci - posted on 03/15/2011

I haven't read through everything but I will tell you my story. My daughter was in the same situation. I teach and talked to the speech/language pathologist at my school and she said Katie should be at about 250 words by that age. She referred me to Early Steps. They suggested I take her to an audiologist but that it wasn't necessary. Never thinking Katie had issues with hearing I almost didn't take her. However, my gut said to take her. (My gut also told me to ignore all the "all children talk at different rates" too and I'm glad I did.) My unemployed husband took her for the hearing test. I was shocked when she failed and he suggested we take her to an ENT because she might have fluid in her ears. She had NEVER had an ear infection and had just been to the dr. for a slight cold. (Technically he said she passed the 'silent room' test but that her eardrums weren't vibrating like they should.) We made the appointment and discovered she hadn't even passed the 'silent room' test. The ENT said she had fluid in both ears and had significant hearing loss. She had tubes placed in her ears about a week ago. (By the way she did qualify for speech therapy through Early Steps.)



If I've learned anything through this process it's to listen to your gut and ignore all the people who say children learn at their own pace. Had I done that my child would have been more delayed had I not caught it this early. The ironic thing is that she is a much more loving, happy child. My husband and I think she was probably in pain but never showed any symptoms (tugging at the ear, etc...). No dr. ever picked up on it. Please get your child checked out if you haven't. Children that are our little ones' age are covered by federal laws for special education services such as speech therapy.

Stephanie - posted on 03/13/2011

My daughter was the same way but her problem was her older sister talks so much that she was talking for her. I finally decided that when my oldest said "what about sissy?" i would talk directly to her and ask questions like " would you like some thing to drink too?" then ask if she wants milk or juice and show her options to her. At first she only pointed and now she says "juice please!" and "thanks mommy!" all within the last month or so.

Alicia - posted on 02/13/2011

I wondering about this too!!! Nick will be two (020411) and he is my third child! He seems very much like your child bright and picking up what ur asking him to do- but seldom talks back!!! I have been thinking about a speech therapist/pediatrician/(any suggestions). Thank you for posting you concerns cause I felt like i was just over reacting!!!

Rebecca - posted on 02/02/2011

dont worry about it my son turned two in Jan he still only says one word at a time but if I sneek in on him in his room he is saying stuff like ready set go and come here max these are words he will not use in front of me. Sometimes I think they like to practice before they let you know they can talk. A friend of mine had the same experince she said she worked and worked with him and he would say new words but not put them together then a little over two and a half he went from mama ball to mommy I want a ball! Suprised the yeck out of her and from then on out he talked like a big boy

Tara - posted on 01/31/2011

my son is 20 months old and it is the same way at home and daycare with my as it is with ur son my son doctors siad dont worry about it yet he will learn at his own pace and when he is ready to talk some more he will

Elizabeth - posted on 01/24/2011

He will come around and will start saying more words. If he's not around normal conversations all the time, he'll delay his speech. A few tricks is to show him flash cards or pictures and ask him to say the word. It will take a few weeks for him to get into that rountine but he will come into it. It has nothing to do with being smart. He will come around. Some children are like this it's normal. But if he doesnt start speaking by 2 then he might have a prblem and might need speech classes. By this age he should at least be saying 12-24 words. But I wouldn't worry yet until theres a reason to worry.

Tina - posted on 01/21/2011

If it is any comfort, he is saying more than our 21 month old daughter. Same thing, she knows the words and responds but won't talk. No other delays in development and after being checked out the experts (doctors and teachers) say I gave her what she needed with out her having to ask so she never had a need to talk. Now, she has to communicate in some way before we give her a toy or more food/drink. Slowly (and with lots of almost two tantrums) she is beginning to try to say more. Hope this was helpful ;)

Zoe - posted on 01/20/2011

hi yeah my daughter's the same tho she babbles a lot and says a few words within the babble and tho i'm a little worried i know she will start when she's ready and probally catch up quickly, my son was similar and tho i tried to get him talking more he just started when he was ready and now i cant get him to shut up lolall can really do is read a lot and encourage him to talk but he will prob start when he is ready, otherwise can talk to your health visitor about your concerns if really worried

Nicole - posted on 01/20/2011

first off..hes adorable! and second all children learn different things @ different times..thats a fact! giv him time, be very patient...and when ever in doubt,read a book! (to him ) of course! books with bright colors n pictures,be sure to repeat the words of the book clearly n slowly! then again he may jus be an observer! observers r known to hav been very intellegent.dont worry he'll be fine,soon you will be askin for advice on how to get him to stop talking so much! lol..



your fellow mom



nicole

Jane - posted on 01/19/2011

our little girl dont say much either.

Christina - posted on 01/19/2011

Call early intervention in your state and have him evaluated.

Jody - posted on 01/18/2011

My little girl is almost 21mnths as well and she doesn't talk either. Each child is different. Our son spoke 100miles an hour at 1 and we have done the same things with both kids.

Danielle - posted on 01/17/2011

candice actually i was thinking the same thing when my son was in speech so i asekd the teacher why isnt she doing more..she sadi i want him to figure it out on his own..show him the sings and say the words over and over and exagerate on the consonates!...like kakaka crash! and then with that he can also try to say car.... i was told to ignore points and fusses and tell him i need you to tell me what you want...get the stuff in the nearby area and tell him what they are and try to get him to say what he wants...dont just give in to the cries and points..i was famous for that cuz i also had a newborn so i didnt have much time! lol...but now he is saying more words than i can think of..and new ones everyday! hope this also helps!!

Danielle - posted on 01/16/2011

ok i know exactly how you are feeling.....when my son was 18 months old.. i had asked the pedi about him not saying anything other than momma dadda baoon (ballon) so she recommended speech therapy..i was kinda sketchy about it at first, but i gave in a i am very happy i did!!!! he was singed up for once a week for 26 weeks...he wsa diagnosed with moderate expressive language deficit... and last consonate receptive....we went for only a month and he went from saying those three words to saying 21 words and still now going!!!!!!! i highly recommend sitting down and playing with only a couple of toys..actually just one! and asking him to sign want and sayign it again and again... then open close and animals and normal things you see everyday just point them out and teach him the sing and words for them...... it helped out alot!! and my 7 month old is also getting help from this also...good luck and i hope everythign works out,...just remember everybody goes at their own pace! and your doctor knows best!! keep us updated on how everything is going!!!!

Stacy - posted on 01/16/2011

My child is in speech now too!
We went to early intervention and they set up his services. Becca, I feel like his speech teacher is doing so little. What should a session look like? For others, What happens during your speech sessions?

Amanda - posted on 01/16/2011

My son was the same exact way until about a month ago now he is non stop learning new words...I was worried cause my Niece is just exactly a month older than my son & she was saying a lot more words than my son & Everyone kept telling me I can't compare my son to other children but now he is saying more words than my Niece even big words and my son is also 21 Months...

Bernadette - posted on 01/15/2011

All children progress at different rates, and I don't think it's unusual for kids to not be talking much at this age. Some kids just sit back and take it all in, and if your son understands what you are saying and responds to your verbal requests then it doesn't sound like he is developmentally slow. Some kids hold off on talking, and then suddenly start talking in sentences.

Meena - posted on 01/15/2011

Yea, they do the same for my niece but she refuses to say it..she does try but only once...I bet she'll be speaking in sentences in no time though.

Samantha - posted on 01/15/2011

my daughter is 21 mos and is the same way I too am a first time mom if I keep repeating the same word over and over she catches on I also make it a game like if I ask her to shut the door I show her how it done and say mama is shutting the door like today she said shut door and she was shuting the door

Meena - posted on 01/15/2011

@Katie yes your right because my niece walked faster than my daughter...

Tasha - posted on 01/15/2011

My Daughter is 21 months and her speach is also limited to the basics. I found that with my other 2 daughters they spoke very early on, though Lexi understands almost everything like you say you son will get his shoes etc she does the same. I have seen 1st hand that children develope at different rates so right now i wouldnt worry to much. Alot of Lexis problem is myself and my other children "talk for her" therefore she has actually no need to actually talk? I have started prompting her to tell me what she wants before I give it, or pick her up. Hope this helps,

Katie - posted on 01/14/2011

@ Meena.... if your child is speaking like a grown up in english and in spanish at twenty one months you have got a VERY intelligent child on your hands OR... you just work with her ALOT... children grow at their own paces. so your neice might be better at something else than your child...

Meena - posted on 01/14/2011

My niece is 21 months in her 4th week so 22 months and sounds like a 10 month old talking, she just babbles and says nothing. My daughter is 21 months also in week 2 and talks like a grown person in English Spanish. I don't want to say that my sister in law should take her daughter "my niece" to see a specialist because I don't want her to think I'm trying to be smart or compare. She always says my daughter is sooo smart but my daughter is one time with everything the same as her child should be give or take some delay but for her to not say a sentence or 3 words atleast isn't good at all.

Eleanor - posted on 01/14/2011

My son is the same, nothing to worry about. If you have concerns about his hearing, try clicking behind his head to see if he looks around. Responding to requests is a good sign. If you're still not sure, hunt around for free medical advice, in New Zealand doctors are free, not sure where you are! Its hard being a first time mum, I work in childcare so I get to see children at a similar stage, but I still go to the doctors and Plunket (our parent help service) all the time!

Katie - posted on 01/14/2011

Kids are just different don't compare your child to everyone else's ... he'll start talking when he is ready. My little girl says a few things but not full sentances and she knows where her eyes ears mouth nose chin knees feet toes hands hair head and belly button are... so just because he's not talking doesn't mean anything. maybe he just doesn't want to yet. I'm just letting kiera take her time. I work with her but when she starts getting frusterated we stop. Its just kind of an "on their terms" thing. Just roll with it.

Joanna - posted on 01/13/2011

Hi, I didn't read the other posts, but I just wanted to give you my 2 cents. My son is almost 21 months old as well. He sounds very similar to your son in terms of communication. I've been told and read that 1. Boys have a tendency to talk late since they tend to be more "active than girls." my son's motor skills are excellent (even the fine ones). and 2. it's perfectly normal to not talk until 2 years old. From 18 months on through 2 yrs is when their language skills really start to develop. THe "experts" and some experienced mothers I've spoken with say when they start, it's amazing how many words theyll start using in a very short time. I guess what they are saying is that they may take a while to get the skill down, but once they do it's a whirlwind of words coming out!
If after your son turns 2 and he still hasn't progressed very much, then talk to your ped. at his wellness checkup. They should be able to tell you if he's behind enough to do somehting (aka speech therapist). Until, just keep talking and reading to him as much as possible and work with him yourself on pronouncing letters. That's what I"m doing, I figured if I can get him to pronounce "b" then ball or big may come soon after!
Good luck and sorry if this is a repeat of info!

Michelle - posted on 01/13/2011

my son doesn't have many words at all either but he is developmentally delayed because he has mitochondrial disease. I have him in speech therapy special ed teacher and physical therapy. You might consider having hm evaluated by your county and they can add speech therapy or talk to you prediatrician they are a great help

Kimberley - posted on 01/13/2011

my son is the same age, he says mamma, mumma, mummy and uh oh and very rarely daddad but other than that he doesnt say anything and just jabbers along not making any sense, he said more words when he was about 9 months but hes lost it, but same as everyone else he knows what im saying like if i ask him to put something in the bin he does or tell him to get down off of something he will, not attempted potty training yet because i dont know if he will be able to tell when he needs to use it or tell me in some way that he needs it.

Any advice on how to get started with the potty training would be greatly appreciated, it was so easy with my eldest daughter whos 5 now but it just seems really daunting with my son

Leslie - posted on 01/13/2011

I'm in the same boat, we are meeting with a specialist just to confirm what my dr. thinks, that he's taking his time talking. My son will repeat words when I say them to him, but he doesn't take the initiave to say them on his own. My aunt inlaw, had the same issue with her son, and he's in 9th grade now, straigh A student and perfectly fine, just a late talker! =)

Rachael - posted on 01/13/2011

First of all, as everyone here has said each child is different. That being said there are certain "warning signs" that Doctors look for. As far as speech goes 18 months is the key age. If the child is not saying at least 3 discernible words by 18 months (including mama and dada) then they typically recommend a speech therapy evaluation as well as a hearing evaluation. There are many things that you as a parent can do to help your little one possibly speak more words more clearly. Make EVERYTHING you do a "game" when getting dressed in the morning for example say everything you are doing. "now we are going to put on our pants.. puh puh puh panTs" can I have you leg? la la leg" the repeating consonants helps to strengthen the bucal muscles used to form words as well as emphasizes for little ears the way the letters are supposed to sound. Good luck, and try not to worry too much or compare. Your daycare provider may be able to tell you if he seems behind in general (compared to all the children over years not just the group his age now) message me if you want some more ideas.

Linda - posted on 01/12/2011

My son is 20 months, and is still only saying basic words like "Mum, dad & bub". We encourage him to speak, and he is very expressive, and while in the back of our minds we are a little worried, we thought we would give him a little longer before we intervene. My husband didn't talk till he was three (now I can't shut him up), and it was because he is ambidextrus (can use both his left and right hand) - it takes the brain a little longer to determine which side is more dominant. This is not a bad thing, most people who are ambidextrus are highly intelligent! So the delay in talking makes them a little more special. Give your little one a little more time .... I am sure he will start nattering away in his own time. Best of luck!

Rebecca - posted on 01/12/2011

Candice,
Hi! I am a mom of a 20 month old and a speech-language pathologist. It is true that each child develops speech at their own speed sometimes and boys are typically later talkers than girls. It is very good that he understands what you are saying to him enough to follow directions! As he gets closer to 2 though, he should have enough words he uses consistently to be able to start combining words. For example "momma go" or "nanna bye-bye". It sounds like he has some words, but is taking his own time at saying others. I'm sure you do this anyway, but modeling words for him like "go", "bye-bye', "more" when he needs or is doing these things is great. Say them repeatedly for him in short phrases yourself like "go bye-bye" or "want more". If you are really concerned, I would recommend asking your pediatrician for a referral for speech therapy. It really is best to start working on speech early rather than to wait. Many kids just need that extra boost when they are toddlers and then will not need therapy when they start school. Hope this helps!

Becca

Amy - posted on 01/12/2011

See if there is a First 5 in your area. They will be able to refer services and also give you services as well.

Kelly Anne - posted on 01/12/2011

i am goin through the same thing my son only says a few word mam dad dog grandad nana etc also he not walking yet he walks round the furniture crawls and climbs all over but just wont walk can someone give me some advice am a first time mum and so scared .xx

Amy - posted on 01/11/2011

I have an apt on Thursday for early start. We are on the same boat. I figure, it's free, so it can't hurt. My pediatritian suggested us looking into it. We are in First 5, and we easily found services through them. My family thinks I should just wait...because he is getting more words.

Randa - posted on 01/11/2011

i have a baby girl, 20 months old, she never said any sentence, she keeps saying single words only such as : mama, baba, tata,juice, cat, mum(food) ,tesh tesh( shower) these last 2 words i used to name them that way since she was born, although she has a 2 years older brother and when he was in her age he said sentences,but she does everything i ask her for, she can get me anything i want like ( cup, my blancket, her brother's toy, phone) and she can show me everything i ask her about like : where is you nose ? your eye ? your hair? your hand ? your leg ? your mouth ? your teeth ? your ear ? your tumy ? your finger ? she points at each one of them, she knows exactly what i'm talking about even if i was talking to her brother, she understands everything anybody says....i ask her doctor about that she doesn't say sentences although she understands very well, he told me that there is no need to be worried as long as she says almost all the letters and there is one day will come and we will hear her saying a sentence :) wish you and your kid all the best... lets hope our kids will start speaking soon before we get crazy worring about them, :) thanx for sharing this with us.

Jessica - posted on 01/11/2011

My daughter is almost 20 months old and does not say much at all. Then about a week ago, she surprised us all by coming out with the phrase 'excuse me'! She says it after anyone, including herself, makes any type of bodily function noise! It's amazing how quickly they learn. And she finally says Momma. I waited 20 months to hear that!

Tara - posted on 01/11/2011

I have the same problem Candice. My son is 20 months and is pretty much limited to mama and dadda. Occasionally another word will slip out but not often. We did have an evaluation from Early Intervention and they found his receptive and expressive skills to be below average. He's taking speech therapy and its free. They come to the house once a week to work with him. We also go to the CHOP (childrens hospital of philadelphia) for speech therapy. My son is seeing an audiologist (for hearing) and nutritonist. They feel his body doesnt absorb nutrients which is slowing down the learning process. It can never hurt to ask your pediatrician. Your his mommy and you know best! Good Luck and remember you're not alone !

Emily - posted on 01/10/2011

My son is the same age and says very few words as well. He understands all we say, fully potty trained, we ask him to bring this or that and he does. The Doctor says to be patient with him as children grow at different individual rates and thus no cause for alarm.

Misty - posted on 01/10/2011

My son will be 21 months in 3 days. I have also been worried because my son says maybe 7 words. My pediatrician told me not to worry until he was 2. Which i know is easier said than done. I just talk to my son all the time and ask him to repeat me when i say things. Sometimes he will try but other times he's just not interested. I know he will talk in his own time and so will your son, Hope this helps. Everything i've read says that girls talk before boys and i just think we girls have more words to use than the boys do. lol.

Sara - posted on 01/09/2011

My son is 21 months ans barely speeks. He is going through speech therapy because he had a tongue tie as the doctors called it. But its when the connective tissue under the tongue is to short. He has sugery to have it cut and he has been saying alot more words. He is still going through speech therapy and hes therapist told me to sit down in front of him and just start practicing words and animal sounds with him. If he has some toy animals use those. Get picture book and say like wheres the dog or something else and make him point it to u. If he get it right make happy sounds if he get it wrong just keep asking him where the something. If u have an hour or a few hours out of ur day... try it. If he goes to daycare or another realative watches ur child get them to do it while u r at work.. u will see a big improvement with ur childs talking.... i know this because my son is my first and only child and it scared me to... but dont be scared.. its nothing to worry about

Brittany - posted on 01/08/2011

Im going through the same thing. My oldest son was talking in full sentences by now, so this is new for me too. From what Im told it is completly normal...they all develop at their own pace. I wouldn't be to worried about it. Just when he wants something tell him what it is as you are giving it to him or he is pointing it out...thats what Im doing and my son seems to be picking more words up.

Jules - posted on 01/08/2011

My son is 20 months and He says about 10-15 words, mind you when he feels like it. He does use a little sign language which has really helped a lot. I wouldn't worry too much if he still conveys what he needs through showing. My son before he learned "mo" (more) and the sign for hungry use to take me by the hand to the fridge or pantry and point and nod or say "no" when he wanted or didn't want what I was grabbing for. They all learn at their own pace don't worry too much. Oh and this is with my son having been in daycare since he was about 9 months old.
Best wishes!!!
-Jules and Baby Jaden

Kathryn - posted on 01/07/2011

My son is 20 months and doesn't say one word. We had him evaluated through Early Intervention for free and they were quick to see his receptive skills were excellent but his expressive skills were of a 12 mo old. He had sounds and words like mama and dada at 10 mo, but lost them, possible indications of Apraxia. They won't diagnose him b/c as such yet b/c he's so young but we're seeing signs that that may be the diagnosis. Speech therapy was suggested and hey - it can't hurt - especially since it's state funded so we're taking advantage of it. Also, sign language is making a big difference in his tantrums so we're glad started the therapy. good luck.

Katherine - posted on 01/07/2011

Candice I am having the same problem with my son. I was thinking that is was because he was the only child at his sitters house and that daycare would solve that problem. I am hoping it does b/c I cant handle the screaming and yelling he does.

Jessica - posted on 01/07/2011

I dont think theres much to worry about all kids talk at different times... My oldest son who is going to be three talked pretty early but not clearly cause he needed ear tubes for all the ear infections he was getting so it was as if he was hearing under water.. He talks really good now. and my youngest son who is going to be two in 3 months doesnt talk at all he went from saying mommy dada bye bye at 10 months to not talking and now he says tickle tickle thats it I hope when he turns 2 he will just start talking up a storm... he is very smart tho both of my kids they know every body part can do things when asked etc. so I wouldnt be alarmed just yet

Samantha - posted on 01/07/2011

i know how you feel! some kids his age are already putting words together and mine just seems to be grasping a couple. however he's very smart, when you ask him to do something he knows what your saying like putting toys where they go and bed time or throwing trash in the garbage and knows a little sign language for some things like feeding and i love you. he's just learning at his own pace. recently he's discovered 'choo choo' and 'kitty' but other than that has been mama dada. just hang in there every child is different and learns at there own pace just encourage them positively and eventually you'll be asking how to get them to stop talking
:)

Stacy - posted on 01/06/2011

My son is also 20 months and I have the same exact concerns. My son isn't talking as much as I thought he should be. He says a lot of words without annunciating (it sounds like it comes from his throat and therefore a lot of words sound the same). He says Mama, Dada, Doggie, Fishy, Goofy, Cracker, Balloon, Bubbles, Apple, and Truck but that's about it. He makes sounds too...quack quack, mmmmmmmuah, and monkey sounds. I figured he'd be saying yes, no, Tyler, and other words, but nothing. Tyler will do the same as your son and respond to things I say like "close the door", "give mommy/daddy kisses", "go get this or that", "where's your cup, nose, or belly button" Since this sounds fairly similar I feel a little better now. It sounds like some babies (actually I feel like he's a little man) just progress at different rates and this is normal. I've always been a little worried because his frenulum linguae (the connective tissue under the tongue) is connected really close to the front of the tongue and this has been know to cause speech problems. I have the same thing although I never had any speech problems. It just looks funny to stick out my tongue. My pediatrician told me it's a pretty controversial topic as doctors don't want to cut it if it is not affecting their speech. I hope this puts you at ease a little knowing there are others out there who are not speaking as much. I'm glad to hear your story as it made me feel a little more at ease. Thanks and Good Luck!

Amber - posted on 01/06/2011

My Dear Candice,

I know that when our children seem a little different, we suddenly feel immeasurable fear! My little boy is almost 21 months old as well, and he says some things, but he doesn't say a ton. He says 'don't', 'mom', byebye', 'no no' 'shut the door', 'Max', and other things but, not a lot. My son has very mild cerebral palsy so I was sort of worried that he was going to talk late, or not at all. I was told when he was six months old that he may never sit up. But... he runs up the stairs, can lift his older brother, understands every word I say, does what he is asked, shows affection, is learning how to play socially, and can be very stubborn. So, I don't think my son's talking is late, even if he were a child without issues. I have six children, and I have watched my kids begin speaking at such wide ranges. My oldest was speaking in clear, concise sentences at 18 months. My second, didn't say a word until he was two. My third and fourth talked right at about one, My fifth, he will be three in two months and is just barely talking in short sentences such as "I got the car behind my bed', or 'give me that hot dog'. Kids are all SO different! Don't worry. If you are really concerned, ask your doc. They have guidelines, and you can have your baby tested. I really would not worry, though. My oldest was the kid that everyone used for reference. "Well, Mason is speaking so clearly, and can say anything'... but I will tell you, while all of my children are very bright, the very brightest one, who is so smart that it's scary, didn't talk til he was two. I mean, at all. Try to not over think it. When it comes to my baby who has CP, my daughter just hugs him and says 'He is who he is and we love him no matter what'. So, don't ignore it if you really feel it's a problem, but don't work yourself into a frenzy either. You are the mom and you know best. Trust yourself If you are worried, ask your doc. I don't know if this will help, but I hope it does.

Take care, and let us know!
Amber