Please help me with advice on my baby boy who doesn't talk yet?

Kara - posted on 12/29/2010

My son is 20 months old, and is not forming sentences yet, and I was expecting that he would be speaking in more phrases by now. He has over 300 words in his vocabulary, and can put two words together like "more please". Rebecca, your post was very helpful, thank you!

Stacey - posted on 12/27/2010

All of my children started talkin at different ages. He does say some words so it isn't like he doesn't know how to talk, some words are harder to say depending on the letters in it. Try to encourage him everytime by tellin him what it is each time or try encouraging him to talk. My 2nd son really didn't want to talk and I was worried, very worried, but now I cannot get him to stop talking and he is just fine.

Shiamala - posted on 12/27/2010

My gals are 20 mths now.. it's normal. some kiss jus take a longer time.. He saying a few words already so doo't worry..

Kayla - posted on 12/25/2010

My daughter started talking very early a little before she was two she could talk in complete sentences (not always though). However with my son I'm having the same problem he doesn't want to talk. I've been telling him what things are more frequently and it seems to work, but if I don't keep it up he stops saying it. I'm hoping that in a couple of months he'll decide that he'd rather talk like his sister. That's just wishing though. Not quite sure how helpful this will be, sorry I can't be more of a help.

Rebecca - posted on 12/25/2010

Everyone is trying to be so supportive and reassuring - which is wonderful. But as a professional it is really frustrating to hear "don't worry until he's 2" and "talk to your Dr" and "Dr's aren't worried until after 2". Dr's are not communication experts and will only flag a problem at that young age if it is severe. Assessment of communication development is very complex - there are a huge number of variables to consider, and only a professional can do that properly. Early intervention is critical to achieving best outcomes. And as for all these children who only began speaking outside the norms, very late - I am confident most would fall into one of 2 groups - 1 the group where the child was actually progressing normally but the parent didn't class them as "talking" until they were doing it properly, and the second group - those who have ongoing language and learning issues and difficulties in the classroom. I am often amazed at the number of kids I see who are referred later in the piece with reading difficulties who had risk factors early in their communication development but nothing was done because "kids develop differently". They do - but that doesn't mean you sit and wait when all the literature points otherwise. Please - always have something investigated properly by the appropriate professional if you are concerned - they will happily tell you if you have nothing to worry about, and then you'll know for sure!

Sacha - posted on 12/24/2010

myn strtd talkin at lyk 11mths but only cz i jus kept sayin wrds wen hey wer doin it....but i dnt think uv got a problem all babies talk wen there ready tu..no point pushing him and i wouldnt start worrying till his 3....

Shonna M - posted on 12/24/2010

my daughter has lots of words but isnt putting any together for the most part yet either. she's 20 months old as well. however she babbles alot and im thinking thats her attempt at sentences. i would'nt worry to much my daughter was above average at her 18 months check up in reguards to those developments. We all learn at different rates. it would be a differnt story if he didnt speak at all. My advice is when he points to something he wants like the juice. say "you want you're juice? ok here's you're juice" just to let him know what it is specifically he's asking for :)

Michelle - posted on 12/24/2010

My daughter is 20 mos. and has a moderate hearing loss. She attends an Early Intervention Program so we have learned a lot about speech and language from this experience. From what you describe, your son sounds typical and completely normal. If he is using a word appropriately (even if it not perfectly pronounced) than it's a word. I.e. if he sees a bottle of "milk" he says "milk" or something that sounds similar everytime. They won't start forming two word phrases until they have enough single word vocabulary (her speech therapist says 50+ words). His receptive (what he understands) langauge should surpass his expressive language (what he says). You need the input before you get the output. I hope this is not too confusing. If it is a concern though I would mention it to your pediatrician. You should also be able to self refer to Early Intervention and they could give you an assessment as well. Good Luck!

Michele - posted on 12/23/2010

my girls still babble alot and they r 19 months old they say boys usually talk by 2 BUT if you feel like there may be a problem why dont you ask your Pediatrician about early intervention speech therapy it could help and it is usually free I have a friend who receives that therapy and it is helping her son give it a try I hope this helps you and try and make him use his words when he points to things

Lizelle - posted on 12/23/2010

Sounds like your son is right on track. You do get 20 month olds that talk more, but most don't. Most children can only use 50 words by 23 months (and you'll be surprise how quick they start picking up new words around now. Plus write down every "word" his ever used. You might be surprised at the amount once it is on paper).

I do notice that most of the words my kids used around this age was those in the books we read. Try to read to him at least one book a day. It's easier to learn words when they have pictures to associate with it.

Beverly - posted on 12/23/2010

my niece was the same way, and having an older sister didn't help her any. the older sibling would just translate into words what the younger one's actions were trying to get across. eventually my sister asked her pediatrician and they decided to put my niece into speech therapy. she is now 8 and talks tons! my best advice would be to talk to your own pediatrician and see what he/she recommends, but from what her dr said, it's not unusual, especially if there is an older sibling. hope this helps

Donell - posted on 12/23/2010

your son might not be a big talker, just a good listener. try starfall.com and don't push, most children resit and it could take longer then. he will talk when ready.

Karen - posted on 12/23/2010

My son is 21 months on the 1st of Jan. And he doesn't say much. Just basic mommy, daddy, dog, star. I can't get him to say "up" "drink, milk, juice" He just tugs me when he wants me to go with him - very similar to what you are going through. I was worried about it for a bit, but my Dr. isn't concerned - he is attentive, responds to his name and seems to be happy and healthy. He just isn't a talker. He will talk when he's ready :)

Donell - posted on 12/23/2010

I started doing starfall.com with my son when he was 4 months old now he is almost 21 months and says things like little Einsteins, and aerial ladder truck, he is starting to say 4 word sentences with out being coached. by coached I mean:
Me: are you done
Son: (nothing)
Me: if your done, say all done mama
Son: all done mama
now he is just starting to tell me.
we also started using ASL with just key words like drink, and as he got older we stopped using the ASL to encourage the talking. but most of all starfall.com and stay calm, talk slow, and have him look at your mouth while you talk

Jes - posted on 12/23/2010

My daughter started to talk just after her 3rd birthday, we still enrolled her in speech. Dont be afraid to ask for help if you feel you need it, you are not crazy!

Jodi - posted on 12/23/2010

I'm at 20 months and my son is the same. Says only small words. Don't stress. All kids are different.

Rebecca - posted on 12/23/2010

My advice is just to keep repeating words to him. If he pulls your arm to take you some where, say "You want mommy to come with you?". Don't just go or he will assume that his actions are enough to get what he wants. If he points to a cup, say "Drink?" etc. I would not make him say the word to get what he wants though, that may just frustrate him. Just talk to him and articulate as much as possible. Read books and look at flash card with one word per picture. Maybe even make his own word book by taking pictures of his favorite things (or the words you'd like him to master)- cup, mommy, up, down, cat etc.
It sounds like he is hearing alright and understands what you're saying. However, if you try this and notice he still isn't picking up more words in a couple months OR you just have that nagging feeling like something's wrong take him to a professional.
Sometimes kids just focus on one milestone and let others sit. He may be excelling at other tasks and since his needs are otherwise being met, he's satisfied with the few words and gestures he is using.
Best of luck. Imagine, there will come a time when you want him to be quiet :o)

Kristina - posted on 12/23/2010

Well I'll tell you from what I went though with both my boys, who are now 6 years and 4 years, My oldest did the same thing your son is doing, it's because he has no reason to talk he gets everything he wants, my oldest didn't start talking til he was almost three, my other son was about 23 months when he started, My daughter has started talking yet she does the same as your son, she 19 months, every kid is different, but I found if the child doesn't have a reason to use there words they wont, so give him a reason to want to talk. See if that works

Amanda - posted on 12/22/2010

My little girl (now 4) started talking at 8 months. VERY early. And she hasn't stopped since!!! I'm NOT joking! My little guy is almost 20 months now and he barely says anything. His sister had full sentences by this age, manners and all, and he only has a few words. He goes to the fridge and shrieks until we go and get him milk, lol, and he still signs for please. He verablizes thank you, but not please. Every child learns at different times, and boys are notoriously slower at everything. You don't have to worry at all....my niece didn't really talk much until she was almost 3! One day, he will start saying everything you say, and you'll never have a moment of peace again, lol. Enjoy it while it lasts;)

Kelli - posted on 12/22/2010

Our son will be 20 months old next week and doesn't say very many "understandable" words. Our pediatrician told us that more active kids/boys tend to talk or verbalize a little later and not to be concerned at all. Also - my husbands uncle didn't talk until he was nearly 2 1/2 and now he is an engineer. Every child does things at different paces. I've learned not to compare your kids to your friends kids or even your first or second child, you'll drive yourself crazy!

Carmina - posted on 12/21/2010

I have kids and they all were in the walking stages, and talking stages. my 17 month old could only say a few words and she was walking a few months before she pasted. my son could talk he would do the same thing as your pull me and point to things. then when I put him in daycare they got him a speech therapist who come in twice away week,then you have my 7 year old daughter who learned to talk by one and she was very advanced for her age and my four was the same age when she started to talk. your not being silly, your being concern and we worry about our children and if something wrong. keep doing what you are doing. you are a great mom.

Kate - posted on 12/20/2010

Hi Rucinda, My son dylan is 20 months on satruday 25th, and He does the same thing.. I tell him wat it is and he still points n says yeah yeah.. I have noticed boys are alot slower then girls.. My oldest son Sean who is 4 has a speech problem and his picked up quickly now that Dylan is speaking trying to.. He understands everything but i always think if u jsut repeat ur self over and over is he learning in matter of time he will.. Its hard and fustrating, Always he dosent like the word ta.. if he wants something.. he has to say ta.. it takes at least 4 times to say ta n he does it.

Kimberly - posted on 12/20/2010

My daughter is 20 months old and I was very worried about her verbal ability too. I asked my doctor back at her 18 month visit because at that time she was only saying about 7 words consistently. My doctor told me not to worry till after she turns 2. My daughter has started to say more words since then and is now saying about 25 words consistently. I think part of my daughter not talking as much is that we gave her things without making her saying them. I do talk a lot with her and read a lot to her as much as possible. She understands everything we say and responds to directions so I am less worried. My doctor said that if she is understanding verbal commands then no need to worry. Good luck, I think our children will start to talk when they are ready and then we won't be able to keep them quiet :)

Brenda - posted on 12/20/2010

A friend of mines son didn't say much at all till he was 3! He understood everything, turned out he was tongue tied. Once the problem was sorted there was no stopping him!! My daughter is 20 months and says names of family members ect... and babbles away. sometimes she'll have a lazy fit and just point and grunt but then i'll name everything in sight and when its the item she wants i'll keep saying it and get her to repeat after me. She soon realises its a lot easier and quicker to attempt to say what she wants! Good Luck :-)

Jessica - posted on 12/20/2010

My son is 20 months and says several words, but I didn't say any words till I was two, only pointing and grunting up till then. So while it's inconvenient, I wouldn't worry about it. I now love reading and writing and all things language, so my late start didn't hinder me.

Sandy - posted on 12/20/2010

yes my kids are learning from their sister, I have three ages 1,2,3 my youngest is learning from them. My middle child is the same way, I hear him talking only when he thinks no one is around or listening to him. Then a few weeks goes by and he says a new words around me and his daddy.

Marianne - posted on 12/20/2010

Don't worry!! My son is now 10 and never shuts up but as a baby he wouldn't talk apart from in his own language. He was the same untill about 2. Then he would say what he saw like dog, cat bird ect.......... When he was 2 1/2 I got a picture book that had alot going on in it and would point to the things in it and say, " Look can you see the man pushing the bike" Or look at the girl licking the ice cream" after a week or so I said, where is the man puching the bike and he showed me! His talking got better and better from there!! Some kids keep quiet untill they think they are ready to say the words properly and don't like to try in front of their mum's and dads....... Bet when she is in her cot she gives talking ago!!! Don't worry soon enough you won't shut her up!! lol. My 2 girls are good talkers but they learned from their brother. =) xxxxxxx

Kathrine - posted on 12/19/2010

while I am slowly trying to get my daughter to talk too but what I do is let her watch sesame street,dora the explorer and diego. And I also read to her, read her some rhymes and also say the alphabet too her..

Amber - posted on 12/19/2010

Hi. My daughter, also 20 mnths, sounds exactly like your little one and I was also worried. I talked to her pediatrician and he said he didn't think anything was seriously wrong but that if I was worried to attack the problem and that's what I did....yes, Marki is probably just taking her sweet time learning to talk but just in case there is an issue I am taking action. I called early intervention and they now come see her monthly. I also contacted the childrens charity league and enrolled her in weekly speech sessions there. Now I feel so much better! And I don't have to worry about feeling like I haven't done enough or I waited too late to do something.
Hope this helps!

Jessica - posted on 12/19/2010

My son is 20 months old and has less speech than yours. His only word he uses independently without repeating is Dada, he repeats a couple of other words like pop and beep, but nothing meaningful. We are already in therapy and he will be going for a full autism diagnostic testing clinic when he turns two. I would definately talk to the doctor about your concerns but also be thankful that he has the speech that he does. And enjoy your baby! We have been worried since 11 months and it helps to just stop comparing and enjoy your child the way he is! Once again, doesn't hurt to talk to the doctor though. We have no diagnosis, but we are already receiving speech therapy, developmental therapy, and occupational therapy and the earlier they get help the better if there is a problem.

Joycelyn - posted on 12/19/2010

sorry cant help cause my girl also dont know how to talk yet and your baby boy is better than my girl =>

Laura - posted on 12/18/2010

Please don't worry. All kids develop at their own rate. Just try to encourage speech by waiting for your child to find the word rather than pointing or grunting. Also I think reading and singing with your baby really helps. I've always used proper words when talking to my daughter rather than baby talk and her language skills are coming along nicely.

Anne - posted on 12/18/2010

My daughter is the sae age and has similar issues. She has been seeing a speech pathologist for a couple of months now. She said some words, but then regressed due to her not hearing properly (ear infections all the time). She is doing much better now that she has a speech pathologist helping out. Plus, it is free for us through Early Intervention. Might want to check that out. Early Intervention will come out to your house, do the assessment for free, and then determine if he has at least a 20% delay to receive services.

Maggie - posted on 12/18/2010

I am having the same issues with my 20 mo old and have been soooo concerned about it. His hearing has been evaluated and I have had a screening for his speech done...all come back normal. He was a preemie, so I attribute that to part of it. I worry about it constantly, but try to reassure myself that he is just a late bloomer. The few words he does say I'm not even sure if a stranger would understand him. I have worked with children with speech delays and do all the helpful things that are suggested...I think it's partially just his personality...he'll get to it when he's ready. Just don't stop trying to get him to say things, one day he will just blurt something out and you'll feel like the proudest mama in the whole world! And to ease your worries, speak to your pediatrician...they'll let you know whetehr or not to see a specialist! Good luck to you and your little man!

Judy - posted on 12/18/2010

My 17-yrs-old was talking in 3-4 word sentences at 20-months. My 5-yr-old was talking 2-3 word sentences by 20-months. My 20-month-old says 3 words (naanaa for no, dah-ee for daddy, and dah for everything else.) He is, however, very advanced in other areas. Long story short...our pediatrician is not worried, but just to be on the safe side sent us for a hearing test. His hearing is perfect. I spoke to a woman recently who said her son didn't speak until he was 3, and when he did he spoke very clearly, in sentences. I'm not worried. He'll talk when he's ready. :)

Brenna - posted on 12/18/2010

My son didn't start seriously talking until 2 years, and then it was full sentences That blew us away - but he didn't start talking much out of our home until he was almost 3! He just soaked everything in. My daughter was similar, but she started talking earlier - she's 19 months and is talking in similarly surprising sentences, though she's real quiet if we're not home.

Your son might be the same, just soaking everything in. I don't think you should be worried. How is his comprehension? That's what I think you should be focused on right now. Unless He doesn't seem to understand much, there isn't anything to worry about right now.

Rebecca - posted on 12/18/2010

Hi there. I am a Speech Pathologist and my advice to you would be to see a Speech Pathologist. There may not be a problem with your little one's language development, but what you describe puts him at risk and the fact you, as a mum, are concerned says that it is worth looking into properly. Don't worry about seeing a Dr - they are not experts in communication. See a Speech Pathologist - they may just assess and monitor your son, and give you helpful suggestions and support for how to help him, Using single words at his age is still fine, but by 24 months we expect kids to be starting to use phrases and have at least 200 single words in their vocabulary. I know people say "they all develop differently" but this is a recognised norm of development. So for your own peace of mind, see a Speech Pathologist - good luck!

Rucinda - posted on 12/18/2010

Thx to all your replies, wonderful advice. lt means a lot to me.:)

Sandy - posted on 12/18/2010

Kids learn at their own speed

Christine - posted on 12/17/2010

My daughter is 20 months and she isnt putting full sentences together but she speaks fluently. I started with flash cards when she was about 7 months and I always lable everything ie) cup, table, lid, milk, water, bowl ect ect. It is proven that boys take longer in verbalising their needs/wants then girls but they tend to get their motor skills sooner aswell. I have one boy I day home and he is further behind then my daughter in verbal skills, but then again my daughter seems to be pretty advanced for her age. As long as you keep working and lable EVERYTHING it will be fine. Most important thing to remember is that every child is different and will move at their own speed. My brothers little girl is 4 and is lagging in verbal skills still. As long as he can comprehend what you are saying and follows orders like, "Bring your cup to mommy. or Where is this" Then I wouldnt worry much. Once he starts talking then it will be unbelieveable how fast he will catch on to the whole thing.

Sandy - posted on 12/17/2010

Don't worry he is right on cue, I know you want him to talk I was the same way with my first. I have three kids now. Just enjoy it right now because very soon your ear will be talked off.

Becky - posted on 12/17/2010

My son is 19 months old and is saying "dadadada" and "truck" and "duck"....and he points and says things that sound like words....my doctor wants him to go and talk to a specialist in February. I don't really know why, since it sounds like he's doing what so many other children are doing at this stage - but anyway, my doctor suggested reading to him, picking out two or three songs that you can stand to sing and keep singing them...So that's what we're doing,and we'll see how it works.

Tiffany Amber - posted on 12/17/2010

I wouldn't worry too much. My daughter is almost 21 months, and she's about the same. Her comprehension is astounding, and she knows what she wants. She signs a whole lot to me, but her talking is more babbles and her versions of words. I repeat words all the time to her, and doctor says she's doing great. Some children don't do the 1-2 new words every week on the way to learning. And boys are more common for this than girls. Instead, they store up everything and then one day...WHAM! They're talking up a storm. A friend of mine has a 2-1/2 year old who just started a month ago speaking in a way that was understandable. Usually, specialists and doctors won't be concerned until the child reaches 2-1/2 or 3. You're doing great, and your son sounds like he's right on target. Just keep repeating words and being consistent. He'll get there...then he won't stop. :)

Leagavaa - posted on 12/17/2010

My grandson is 20 mos. I'm taking care of him until his parents move back home...he doesn't say much, just the usual momma, papa, oh-oh, nty...he can actually repeat a lot of words we ask him to say...and then he has his own lingo it's the cutest thing and he is serious when he's trying to tell us something...he comprehends very well and a lot when asked to do things...children do things at different stages...sometimes they don't want to do anything at all. I've learned that if you speak to a child in a normal fashion, instead of baby talk, the child will pick up on words faster. So just keep talking to your baby and ask him/her to repeat things they want, if they don't say it, don't give up...they're trying to form it in their mind to actually say it...HAPPY TALKS ♥

Laura Zoey - posted on 12/16/2010

Eric was saying like 60+ words, then all of a sudden he regresed into more babbling, so even kids who are talking well can regress and stuff, Eric is trying to say sentences now which is why he is babbling a lot, he can think of what he wants to say, just can't get it out yet.
Don't worry!

Dana - posted on 12/16/2010

Boys don't talk as fast as girls do. My son is 20 months and and says very little. But I am not worried because he gets his point across by using what few words he does say and points. I read several books a day to him and his older sister prompts him to say more. At this age, my daughter was talking in full sentences.

India - posted on 12/15/2010

My daughter is almost 20 months and she is not talking much yet either. She says "mama" "dada" "dog" "nana" etc.. Little words like that, but when I saw a specialist, she said not to worry about it. She said they should be able to say around 7 words at the most at this age, but that they will start talking when they are ready and that I shouldn't worry about it yet.

Tina - posted on 12/15/2010

Our little girl is 19 months and not doing even that much. She makes sounds and points. We had he checked out and she is fine. They said at this stage if she understands and responds (you say "get the cup" and they do get it) then it is ok for verbal to lag behind "normal".
As long as everything else is on track for your little one, I would not worry. Hope this helps ;)

Stayce - posted on 12/15/2010

My little boy is 1 and 8 months also. So far he says mama, dada, papa and eeewwww. That is it. My nephew who is just a month older is speaking in sentences. Mine will point at things and talk jibberish, but he really isn't speaking yet. He understands a lot. I can tell him to go clean up his toys, and he will do it. whenever i tell him to say a word, he just smiles at me. I'm in the same boat with you. My child isn't speaking either :(

Nadine - posted on 12/15/2010

My daughter is 20 months and says about 50 words but my friends son that is the same age says very little like your son.dont worry about it they all develop different and girls usually faster then boys at this age.