21 mth old not talking?

Claire - posted on 10/12/2011

thanks for all the comments ladies , they've been really helpful, i went ahead and took my son to the CHN and she couldnt find any problems apart for his speach delay, so he is now on the waiting list of 6-12 mths for speech therapy, which is quite a while away but im hoping by then he would have improved alot on his own :)

Sonia - posted on 10/11/2011

its so nice to know im not alone i was starting to worry with oscar hardly speaking i read to him daily but just shows no intrest in talking yet

Shelley - posted on 10/09/2011

my 22 month old says lots,but my son didnt say hardly anything at 22 months my health visitor advised me that as long as he understood what some words were the speach would follow,

Jasmine - posted on 10/07/2011

I'm sorry, I can't agree with everyone suggesting to wait. If you feel that your child should be talking more or doing more seek a proffessionals advice or opinion. Early intervention does not require needles or surgery and does not label your child, there is no harm. If other children the same age or younger are talking more words then your child should have the ABILITY to talk more as well. Maybe he just needs another teacher to step in, which id where speech therapy comes in handy. I just had my son evaluated and while he is an impressivly smart kid, he does ha ve a developmental delay in his receptive speech and child development is going to work on correcting it, EARLY. It is important that your child is ABLE to learn. There are different delays, there is not just one category of delay there are several, some more severe than others. Once that early window closes it may be to late to retain new skills to overcome a developmental delay.

Maggie - posted on 10/03/2011

ive been told not to worry about it until they are 3, kids will pick things up in their own time. My son is also 21 months and seem to be far behind other kids his age until recently he has started understanding commands as well as saying many more words. As for a sentence not yet, he does say, who it is and where is it, and one two three, but the rest of his vocab is single words and not anywhere near the "average" whatever that is these days

Melissa - posted on 10/03/2011

My son is currently 28 months (born in May 2009). He just started talking within the last few months of turning 2. Before then, all he would say was momma, dadda, juice, and bye-bye. Out of no where he started counting, saying colors, asking things (what's that? where it go?), etc. I would just give your son some time. I was really worried about my son for the longest time, but now I think that he's an observer, meaning that he retains things I teach him but only shows it when he feels like it or is ready. Like the other moms have mentioned, you can look into early intervention services or have your child's hearing checked. As long as he understands things you say (ex. get me your shoes, or throw in garbage, etc) then I'm sure he's fine. I know it can be hard not to worry, especially if you see other kids his age talking a lot (my niece knew how to count to 20 and say her ABC's at 18-months), but every child is different and he'll be talking your ears off in no time! :)

Nicole - posted on 10/02/2011

Not sure where you live, but if it's free to get your son evaluated (as it is in NY state), do it. Peace of mind is free. We just ran into this with both of my twins. One of my sons (who I was most concerned about) had only 5 words (and still does). He's now going to be 22 months old. I ran it by our regular ped at the 18 month visit and he told me to wait until 2. I was seeing no improvement. The one twin who was most concerning me showed no interest in speaking. I would say words to him and try to get him to repeat them and he wouldn't even try, not a sound. I felt like no progress was being made and my instinct told me something was wrong. We had to go for a visit for him when he was sick and we saw another ped in the office. I ran the same question by her and she said 5 words was too few by 20 months (which is how old he was when we saw her) and to get him evaluated. It was free. I did and I was SO GLAD I did. He qualified for Early Intervention Services not only for speech therapy but also for a special ed teacher to come in and work on his social skills (which were apparently also lacking). Since he's been seeing these teachers (about 3 weeks now), they have observed he may have some sensory issues. We just got him evaluated for that and now he is going to get an occupational therapist for the sensory integration disorder he apparently has. I don't tell you this to scare you. I tell you this because we moms have to trust our gut. If it's free to get him evaluated, you have nothing to lose. I know how scary it is. I know much it hurts to think that your child is less than perfect (because our kids are perfect to us) but it is best to get help if it is needed. A little help early on could save you all a world of hurt later. Best of luck and keep us posted. (P.S. I had gotten my son's twin evaluated as well because his speech was lacking as well and he also qualified for speech therapy and a special ed teacher. They aren't identical and have different strength areas. I had no idea he'd qualify but he sure did. I was thankful his brother gave us enough cause for concern to get them both looked at.)

ERICA - posted on 09/30/2011

yes i have but when my son wants sumthing i have him to repeat wat it is n he doesnt talk to ppl he doesnt see on a regular

Joanie - posted on 09/29/2011

Get his hearing tested and if you are still worried when he is two, see some one - follow your mum gut instinct - it will be right. Also remember early intervention is the key if there is anything.

Stephanie - posted on 09/28/2011

I just wanted to add to my post above. In our area, there is a nursery school program at the local daycare. It costs $7.50 (Canadian) for him to go from 9-11:30. I send my little guy twice a week, so he's around other kids (without me there), and has "kid" models to follow. There are a few kids that are just a bit older than him, so he really tries to mimic what they're doing (and luckily it's good behaviours).

Are there any other signs that your child is lagging? I'm a teacher, and I think Autism is my biggest fear, but my little guy is doing all the normal things like making eye contact, etc. If there are other delayed areas, or your instincts tell you something is off, I would have someone do an assessment. A lot of problems can be corrected/greatly improved if caught early. Chances are it's nothing, but I'd always rather look into things as early as possible.

Sandra - posted on 09/27/2011

Mine's 21 months and not speaking. At all. No mama, no dada, nothing that even remotely resembles a word. Being an early childhood educator myself, I know that children develop at different paces, but there is certain things that ALL normal, healthy kids should be doing by certain ages. And not having a single word or even a word-like sound is his vocab at this point isn't normal. We've already seen an audiologist and behavior interventionalist, and drafted our IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) already. We'll be starting speech therapy in 2 weeks. While speech delays aren't too bad, early detection is key is preventing future problems and delays. If an undetected (or untreated) speech delay goes for too long without resolving itself, it can lead to literacy delays also. I'm not taking that chance.

Lindsey - posted on 09/27/2011

my son is 21 months and he doesnt talk atal, all he will say is "na" for no. he wont say any word, not even mum, dad, nan, bred, biscuit etc!

Reham - posted on 09/27/2011

MY son is also 21..he says nothing at all...i sometimes hear mama,but not sure he means it...he says 'no' for every answer to a question !! but i'm not worried bc my other 2 kids spoke also late( 2yrs or even more)....but when they come to speak..they speak straight forward..nothing stop them:)))

Stephanie - posted on 09/26/2011

My son is 21 months old, and babbles a lot, but not many words (mama, NO!, gog (for dog)). He was born 8 weeks premature, so delayed speech is something he is at risk for. He is followed by an infant development worker, that says he's doing great in every other area. Still though, we put him on a waiting list for speech therapy (it's a long wait, and we can cancel if his speech suddenly comes). She said she would be more concerned if his comprehension was low, but he definitely understands what I say to him. She's hoping it'll just click one day. His pediatrician said sometimes boys just aren't interested in talking until later on. Also, he walked very early. He does seem to be more of a physical doer. Hopefully some of this helps!

Andrea - posted on 09/25/2011

I had this problem with my third son, who is almost 5 now. He has an expressive speech delay (which means there is nothing 'wrong' except for he is behind in his speaking) and has seen a speech therapist for he past (almost) three years. Talk to his doctor, he will tell you if this is something you should be concerned about. If it is, the early you address it the better. My son has improved so much! I'm so glad we caught it early. Good luck!

Tammie - posted on 09/24/2011

my 21 month is not talk much at all either she says the mum dad bub etc etc and then she will go on and on in here mumbojumbo and thats about it

Rebecca - posted on 09/24/2011

My son only says about 17 words, just the other day I told him "stop that" and he has been on a roll saying stop that and giggling furiously ever since! lol He does understand everything I say even long sentences when I'm asking him to go somewhere and get a particular thing, or do something so I'm not worried. I've been told not to worry and that as long as he understands what I'm saying the rest will follow when he's ready :O)

Malory - posted on 09/24/2011

My son babbles a lot but you can't understand anything he's saying. He started talking late because he needed tubes. His daycare sent a referral for speech therapy so we're waiting for that to go through, he doesn't seem to be having any issues since he got his tubes, but it doesn't hurt to get it evaluated.

Emily - posted on 09/24/2011

If you are worried, the government has a free program where kids can get a speech evaluation and can recieve free speech therapy if they need it.I have several nieces and nephews getting this therapy and it seems to be helping them! The program usually works through your local school district.

Miranda - posted on 09/23/2011

my son is 21 months and he says a few things but not as much as i ffigured he would at his age

Nikeya - posted on 09/23/2011

Yes....I have the same problem with my son. He is 21mths also. I just had him evaluated 2 days ago and was told he is fine. He does have a mild speech delay but boys progress at a slower pace than girls. The speech therapist also stated she wouldve been concerned if he was having cognitive issues but he fully understands he just doesn't verbalize. I was told to give him until he turns 2yrs and 2mths and if things haven't changed to revisit the agency for another evaluation. As of now he is normal as every child develops at their own pace.

Amanda 'Kuisle' - posted on 09/23/2011

Children do not need to be putting words together until 24 months and at that time should have around 50 words. My oldest spoke early and my 21 month old is just starting to put 2 words together, and has about 15-20 words for his age. His is developmentally on track. Sometime between 18 months and 24 months kids will have a language burst. Milestones are a guideline but look online at sites like asha or the nibcd for guidelines....I would not worry yet, little ones develop at their own pace :)

Shauna - posted on 09/23/2011

Thank god Im not on my own! my son will be 2 in December and doesnt talk. He babbles away to himself but nothing makes any sense, and not really in connection with a conversation as such more just on his own. My health visitor said not to worry about it and to wait till his 2 yr assessment. He can only say a wee handful of words like shoes, up, juice, nanna, and not much else? No sentences r anything like that and if he wants something to eat or drink he takes me physically to the cupboard and hands me what he wants. He does understand everything am saying (i think :) ), and can follow simple instructions when he is in the mood lol so am gonna hold off till his assessment and see what she says. Hope this helps!!

Elizabeth - posted on 09/22/2011

My daughter is now going through Early Childhood Development because she was not speaking yet at 18 months. We started three months ago and she has improved. It's not a huge improvement but it is noticeable. She now says Mom, Up, Yum, Daddy, Doggy and a few more. The other day she said "my nose" so I would recommend doing this also.

Stephanie - posted on 09/22/2011

Are your children around several other children? I think that helps. My 21 mth old is around family constantly and she has a 3yr old brother and a 6 yr old brother that she keeps up with. She talks as good if not better than the 3 yr old!

Jennifer - posted on 09/22/2011

My son has a few words that he'll mimic back, like socks, shoes, thank you, but he doesn't say them without being provoked, except for the occassional thank you as he's giving you something to unwrap for him. I'm a little concerned about him being slower at speaking than the neighbor boys, but he's more high energy and is going to much to sit and just chatter on. I figure until 2 I'm not going to worry too much.

Kimberly - posted on 09/22/2011

Oh heavens.. i am glad that I am not alone... my daughter isnt saying much... she now says pat *thanks little Einsteins* she makes alot of vocal sounds but no words.. even though i swear she says some stuff but idk.. we are working with early on and they have been great.. I rather get the extra help now and find out later it wasnt needed then the other way around...

Joy - posted on 09/21/2011

My son is saying words, but no sentences, and most of his words are only rhythmic in sound. I know what he's saying most of the time but I don't think most anyone else does. His brother did the same thing at the same age. I was the same way, they put me in speech therapy in kindergarten, but I guess I had a lot of my own words for things. My nephews also were pretty slow on the talking thing, but all of my nieces were talking quickly and clearly. None of the little boys I know talk very clearly this young. I am not worried.

Vicki - posted on 09/21/2011

I have twin 22 month old boys. One of them can say a handful of words but the other one doesn't talk at all. He has been getting speech therapy for 6 months and still can't talk. They might bump his therapy up to 2 times a week and also might add Ocupational and Developmental therapy. He is still a work in progress so we will have to see how the next 6 months go.

Kathleen - posted on 09/21/2011

My son is 21 weeks aswell and does not talk at all... Just points to stuff and says "uh". He does make animal sounds and knows what stuff is. Were putting him in daycare this week so hopefully being around other kids will help... We looked into speech theropy and they told me not to worry too much untill after he turns 2. So untill Dec. I'm going to just keep trying myself.

Jasmine - posted on 09/21/2011

Same thing with my son as well, he only says 10 words when he should be saying 25-50 or more words. No matter how much I try to teach him a new word, he just can't or wont say it. The pediatrician recommended early intervention so I looked into it and he is going to be evaluated next week. From there they will decide what therapy he needs. It's good to have a second opinion from a professional if you are concerned about your child. The worst thing to do is to wait too long to find out there is something wrong when someone else can step in and help you teach your child words and teach you how to help your child learn more words. Personally, I wouldn't let my child go pass 2 at the stage of vocab he is at now. The best protection is early detection...

Claire - posted on 09/20/2011

thx ladies . I When i took my son for his 18mth checkup with the CHN she said he should be saying 4-5 word sentences and know atleast 25 words. She wants to put him in speech therapy already but i just dont think hes old enough and ready as he wont sit there and listen and learn as it doesnt interest him.

Heather - posted on 09/20/2011

I wouldn't worry about it. My twins are 21 months and they don't put sentences together, well sentences that are understandable. I will hear a word or two here and there and the rest is just babble. They do go to daycare and get evaluated to make sure they are on track and they are. So no worries.

Victoria - posted on 09/20/2011

my daughters is 21 months also and isnt putting words together. she can say baby bye hi go bubba(our dogs name) ma pa tia. she tries saying king but sounds like key. she just started with most of these words. A few months ago the doctor recommended speach therapy but i wanted to see if she could do it alone, plus my mother said she'd learn in time. the doctor gave me some papers that basically said read to them, ask questions then try ansering them. like where the baby? you'd say baby go music also helps. let your baby know what your doing as you do it so they understand: like mommy wash. hope this helps