my son is 17 months old and does not speak yet, is it normal??

Greg - posted on 09/11/2012

Yes I am having the same issue now...the exact same issue. At 17 months no words at all. It does't help having people say they have the same issue but their kids says a word or two and points. That is not the same. I would love if he said one word and pointed at objects but he does not. I would like to know the progress of your child at this point thank you. Our son is set to have an evaluation in a month.

Meghan - posted on 06/27/2010

My son is 18 months (born 12.31.08) and he has no words. He grunts and points and has complete comprehension. I took him to my doctor and they are thinking that he may be tongue-tied and they missed it. I don't know if that is something that may be considered. But i agree with a lot of the moms on here, if you are concerned than go see your doctor...it could put your mind at ease.

Zara - posted on 06/22/2010

My parents as teachers educator told me to focus on what your child understand rather then what your child can say. My daughter does say quite a few words but my son was saying so many more words at this age then she is so I was starting to worry. I'm sure your son is fine, sometimes when they are working on learning other things they won't worry about talking. I hope this has helped some Good Luck!!

Teresita - posted on 06/22/2010

My son is nearly 18 months old and has been talking since he was around 6 mos old when he first said "Mama" and "Dada". We started him on the "Your Baby Can Read" videos when he was 5 mos old and he has loved them all. He can read at least a dozen words and can say and understand well over 100 words. His latest favorite words are "afternoon, octagon and helicopter". Of course, they are not completely well articulated, but he is definitely talking a LOT. We hear him practicing words as soon as he wakes up in the morning, and while in the car he talks as he stares out the window.

I would definitely suggest that you have your son's hearing checked and talk with your pediatrician about his language development. Though our son talks a lot, I know that it is not common, and I would certainly expect at the very least "Mama" at this age.

Jennifer - posted on 06/22/2010

My son is 18 months and hardly talks either. It's driving me nuts because both of my girls started talking at 4 months. He says quite a few words, just not on a regular basis. I'm not worried about it because I know his siblings do a lot of speaking for him and that is part of the problem and I also know that he is aware of everything I say to him. If I tell him to put his shoes away, he does it, put his cup on the counter he does it...etc. He can follow directions well, so I know he understands...he just WON'T speak. I have a feeling that one day he is going to start talking and not stop...then that will drive me nuts...lol. Good luck and keep us posted!

Sharon - posted on 06/21/2010

My son is 18 months and up to about 45 words. I write the new word on the refrigerator. I recommend to read read read and more read to your baby and you and those around you talk and use words to each other and the baby and say things to the baby while pointing out what it is or what you are doing. Ex: I tell my baby what I am doing while I am doing it or pointing to or touch it, like Logan kiss mommie then I pucker up and kiss him or Logan eat, then I put food in his mouth, or when he cries, Logan wants his bottle/cup then I give it to him, the next thing I know if he cries I say it and he says bottle/cup. You baby is processing and will surprise you with all the vocal he's picked up.

Darcy - posted on 06/14/2010

My daughter grunts and points at everything, but if I pay attention, I can start to hear her *words*. They are a little difficult to get, especially with a talkative 4 year old who likes to answer for her sister. And she's been learning sign language, too. I figure there was a delay when she decided to learn to walk instead. " )

Kimberley - posted on 06/12/2010

Thanks yeah Ella is always on the go it's really hard to get her to sit for long along enough to read with her etc. Even at bedtime she doesn't want to sit still. I am trying the repetition as a lot of people have mentioned that. She has just been babbling loads saying mum mum and baba and some other babbling that isn't recognisable. It's the most I have known her babble in a long while. Thanks for the help. I'll persevere with her, but try an relax too as I am stressing over it alot.

Faye - posted on 06/12/2010

Our speech therapist started out using a lot of repetitive words instead of just asking if she wants up say up, up, up up, also try to get her to look at you when you say some words (very hard for my boy who was always on the go) and start teaching some basic signs with the words you are teaching her. Also use pictures or picture books and give the names of the pictures.

Kimberley - posted on 06/12/2010

Hey, My little girl is 18months now and only says mum mum. She has said things in the past but only a few times then stopped. Like Teddy (we actually think she meant steady as nanny says it all the time to her) and Dirty another word she is told loads cos she picks things off the floor. I am really concerned because other children younger are talking alot more than Ella. Any tips to get them talking???

Faye - posted on 06/11/2010

My second son was like that. We did wait until he was 2 to get him evaluated. What I found out was in some states the earlier you get speech services for him the easier it is, the longer you wait the harder it is to get services. More than likely everything will be fine, but it never hurts to have someone come out to do play speech therapy with him & at the same time help him learn sign language so he does not start getting frustrated. My son now 3 at one point was very self conscious that no one could understand him, we knew he understood everything, but it started hurting his self esteem. He now goes to speech therapy a lot, but people can understand him & he is not getting frustrated & melting down a lot & his self esteem is good. They are all different his little brother 18 months says everything and my oldest was somewhere in between. Talk to your dr see if you can get extra help it won't hurt & the kids usually enjoy their time with a speech therapist.

Julia - posted on 06/10/2010

If your son has a history of ear infections, get his hearing tested, speak to your doctor and have him referred to a speech pathologist. My older son was only saying 17 words at 23 mths old, had him checked out after a few mths of being concerned, got tubes in his ears at 2 yrs 3 mths (which I also had as a child, no big deal) and his vocabulary drastically improved very quickly. Without tubes his vocabulary would not developed nearly as well since his hearing was faint and not clear so he heard what we were saying but not with the definition necessary to develop words properly. Something to check out if there is a history of ear infections....but he could also just be a boy who takes his time :)

Liz - posted on 06/10/2010

my daughter is trying and sometimes we hear a word but not much. just keep talking to him and telling him what everything is all day long. i know you get all crazy when other kids are jib jabbing away or saying their ABC's but we have to remember as parents that kids develop at their own rate and sometimes it's not by the book!

Sonia - posted on 06/10/2010

wow i couldnt believe how many boys there were that you all write about, only a few girls, but my daughter is 17 months old and only says a few words compared to my other children, but like it has been said they do all progress at different stages in each area of development. with my daughter i think its because she has 7 older siblings and doesnt have to talk as they get her basically what she wants, but she was walking at 10 months, and can climb a full size climbing frame and keep up with the physical actvities the older kids do. so talking will come when she ready, she says 'mummy' 'daddy' 'dodi' (dummy) 'spoon' thats about it, one of my older sons (4th child) didnt talk till he was 2.

Jodene - posted on 06/09/2010

It could be something you want to bring up to your Dr., but I wouldn't be too worried about it. They all start at different speeds - one of my friends' 18mo's has over 100 words! My boy started speaking just after he turned 17 months and only has a scant few words he says reliably enough for other people to understand him.

Dawn - posted on 06/08/2010

My little girl is 17 months, born 12/26/08 and only says dada, she does imitate sounds like lala and weeee and says yum yum when shes hunry. She points and understands some things.... I wouldn't worry too much at this point, give him a little more time. I am a nurse in a peds office and as long as they understand, point and can babble different sounds, dont worry until they are closer to two.

Connie - posted on 06/08/2010

I would not panic. I have 3 boys and our middle one (now 5) talks non-stop and did not start talking until he was a little over 2. Our youngest is 18 months old and says "Ba" and that is the extent of his vocab. Talk to your pediatrician if you are really concerned, they say boys talk later then girls.

Blerta - posted on 06/08/2010

I am woring too, my soon is 18 months snh he just say mamy and aunt nothing else. He just babbles a lot and will say things once then not again.

Nicola - posted on 06/06/2010

Hi. My son was born 12.12.08 and he only just about says mama and dada but that is it really. Don't worry too much, I once got told that all children are different and as long as they walking and talking by time they go school we have nothing to worry about!

Kristina - posted on 06/05/2010

I found a speech therapy video called Baby Babble (amazon.com) that really helped. We've been using it for about a week and my son (18 months) now says more words. I was also concerned but with this video it also helps you and teaches you how to work with them as well. There are 2 videos and so far we like the second better.

Tarina - posted on 06/04/2010

Im right there with you! My son is a dec 23rd baby and he can say mama and dada and dayday (for his brother) and has JUST started saying yes and no... but mostly still just grunts and whines and pointing and yelling. My oldest son spoke much better much earlier, but Im not worried yet, I believe he is understanding much of what we say (he can follow directions like sit down, pick that up, put that down, etc) just wont use the words himself. Good luck and keep your head up!! It gets better!

Stacey - posted on 06/04/2010

You can add us to the list of no talking at 17 months. My little guy was born 12/31/08 and mostly runs around saying "Ah!" to nearly everything. He points, gestures and his word association is great. If he touches something I don't want him to and I tell him, "Put it back." He will put it back. He knows the words, just doesn't say them. Like others have said he knows his toys and will get them when asked and is learning body parts too. If he's really upset he will say Momomomomom...lol.

He used to say Mama and Daddy when he was 9 months but then just stopped saying it. He will do animal sounds, which my pediatrician said do count as words. But it frustrates me that he will say "Woof" but not "dog", and "Moo" but not "Cow". I'm getting over it though. He did for the first time the other night point to his eye when we were doing body parts and say "eye". And even then he only says it once in a while.

My pediatrician said most will really start to use words around 18 months. He told me not to worry.

Marlana - posted on 06/04/2010

Boys usually talk a little later than girls do. However, you should talk to your pediatrician about your concerns, it may be nothing but it may be something. So talk to you pediatrician because they are the one that could identify if there is a problem and get him the help he needs if there is one.
It also may just be that he isnt ready tho, but I have a friend who was in the same situation and her son has a mild form of autism and thats why he wasnt talking. However he started a school program for autistic kids and he is now doing alot better. So the important thing is to talk to your doctor so he can get the help he needs if he needs it.

Lisa - posted on 06/04/2010

DD just turned 18 months and still only says a handful of words; most of which are words that she makes up for other words. I'm not too, too concerned. DS starting talking in sentences by 15 months, so they really are just all different. Ask your pediatrician what they think...

Kathryn - posted on 06/03/2010

My son will be 18 months and hasn't said anything either. I THink I heard "juice" and "oh Yeah" but not in any context. I am not worried cuz it will come when it comes and he is still in the normal range for first words.

Yvette - posted on 06/03/2010

Is your son learning more than one language? I'm asking because I see that you're in the Philippines. My husband is Filipino, and I'm Chinese so in our household my husband speaks English with him while I speak Chinese & English to him. His pediatrician said that it's quite normal to expect some language delays if he's learning more than 1 language. Although that hasn't been the case with us (he says quite a few words in both Chinese and English), that could be the case with your son if he hears more than 1 language. It's hard not to compare your kids with others, but I have learned that every child is different in their pace...just as in personality. I wouldn't worry too much unless his dr. thinks there is need for concern. Just keep having daily conversations with him no matter how mundane and read and sing to him everyday. Good luck =)

Melissia - posted on 06/03/2010

Hi, My daughter only says Mum, Dad, bye, hi and ta. If you are worried take him to have his ears checked. My eldest son (my first child) didnt speak much and was quite naughty at about 20 months and it ended up that his ear canals were blocked and that he couldnt hear to be able to speak. He ended up having grommits inserted in the ear canal to open it up and within 6 months his speech was on track with other 2yrs olds and his behaviour instantly improved. It was the best thing we could have done for him. Good luck!

Gwendoleon - posted on 06/03/2010

My First son was talking by 1. The usual mama and dada and kitty and car, go no .,, etc etc,,, He is now 4. and we can't get him to hush.. not that i want him too.. hehe

I have an 18 month old and he just says My Momma, and tries to say the ABC's Just Like Gina's Little one. He'll abc and stop.. then mno... and sometimes it sounds as if he is saying with me.. he uses a lot of eoeoeoeoeoeoeo! and weooweoweoweo! He understands what you are saying and knows the name for things sometimes we think he is saying brother but it is so close to babble we just say "yes, brother."
I am with the boys all day and all night pretty much by myself so i converse with them. What do you want for dinner?.. what color socks do you want to wear today?.. things like that. we do read. I read to them. I ask them to read to me.
I think it is just fine. If you are worried talk to the doctor about it. If everything else is fine. I'm sure it will be ok... That moment will come :) I waited a whole year to hear mommy from my first.. we went through every other word in the dictionary.. haha Mommy was last.

Candice - posted on 06/03/2010

my daughter only says hi, bye. she justttt started to say mama, and shes almost 18months old.. no worries yet..

Katy - posted on 06/03/2010

My son is about 17 months & a week old, as he was born 12/28/08. He says Mama & Dada, but often those words are said as he's just looking/playing with a toy. Other than that, he doesn't really talk. So I wonder if he even knows what Mama & Dada means, or who those words refer to. Except that when somebody asks "where's mama?" he looks at me. & If you ask him where's the car, light, teddy bear, or other toys he likes, he'll go find them. The doctor said it's not a big deal if he's not talking, no need for concern till he gets closer to 2 yrs old. Try teaching him the names for things he likes. Since he likes it, he'll be more interested in learning about it. Then after a few weeks of working on names together, you could guage for youself if he understands or not, if he can correctly hear you or not. After he's learned a few things he likes, try teaching him words that sound alike, specifically for your curiosity about his hearing. (i.e. toes & nose. socks, rocks & blocks. cat & car.) My son, Aiden knows the difference between all of these, but he doesn't want to say them. I won't push him, I figure he'll learn eventually. I also hear boys generally take longer at that, and walking too.

Melinda - posted on 06/03/2010

Hiya Gina!

Yes the "My Baby Can Read," videos do work. I started her on them at 4 months old. She knows all the words on the videos. She will point to the words when I ask her which ones are which. The program is worth it!

Gina - posted on 06/03/2010

Hi Melinda, you're right about reading to them. Eden LOVES for me to read to him! I also put my finger underneath each word. That's how my mom did it for me. :)

I've always been interested in "My Baby Can Read." Please post later and let us know if it actually works down the road. I do want to take up signing. I have a Baby Einstein dvd that I bought at a garage sale awhile back. Is it too late to start?

Melinda - posted on 06/03/2010

My daughter is 18 months and I am using "My baby can read," and "Signing time" with her. She can sign language to me what she wants if she does not know how to properly pronounce the word just yet. You could try using flash cards with words on them and practice them everyday with your little one. The more words they see everyday the faster they pick it up. Also, read a lot of books, run your finger under the words as you read them! I hope this helps. Good luck to all of you wonderful parents out there! =^)

Gina - posted on 06/03/2010

I have been a little worried too. My son babbles a lot and does not speak words (he's 17 months old as well). He also says this phrase, and it sounds like he's trying to say something but I can't figure it. It goes something like, "hi dia." I still cannot figure out what it means but I'm trying. My son's first word was Mama at 7 months, and soon after he said Dada, but not much else. He has been saying this exaggerated "HI!" like a song, for some time now and he LOVES saying it. He waves to the cat and says, "Hi Kiki" in his own way that sounds something like "Hi Kia." He goes "eh ... eh ... eh" and point to something when he wants the item. He knows what "goodbye" is and waves his hands for both "hi" and "bye." He knows that when the door opens it's time for his favorite activity, going outside. My mom (aka day care provider) says "All done!" in a sweet voice with her hands up in the air when he's done eating (she started this when he was about 6 months old). He has learned to do this on his own now, because he will put his hands up in the air indicating that he is in fact finished eating and/or does not want anymore to eat. He also nods "yes" and shakes his head "no" to questions even if they are the wrong answer - and it's soooo cute!! I can go on and on, but it's obvious to us that he knows what things are, what they do, what food he likes, etc. I just worry that he's not talking yet but I believe it is like what another mom said, boys develop slower than girls. I'll end this comment by saying that my son, Eden, has been trying SO HARD to say the alphabet. He can say, "A, C, E" and tries to sing the song. I recorded my voice on my cell phone so he can play it all the time. They are smart kids! Hang in there!

Nicole - posted on 06/03/2010

I'm a speech language pathologist in Texas and while all kids progress at different rates I would expect him to have already been saying a few words. If I were you I would ask my pediatrician. There is a program called Early Childhood Intervention that works with you and your child in your home and/or daycare. They have a sliding scale of fees so if you don't have coverage through your insurance this is a great choice! Good luck. Feel free to contact me if you need more information!!!

Angela - posted on 06/02/2010

Me too! Lucas just turned 18 months old. He says UT Oh all day long! He will babble dadadada and mamamama (sometimes) I feel like you. I am worried to. I hope it happens soon. I am trying to be patient too. But its hard! Lets hang in there together and keep each other updated. Good support system for us!

Bailey - posted on 06/02/2010

Don't sweat it. My son (17 months) Doesn't say anything...he babbles and once in a blue moon kind of says, "dada" I am not too concerned though because his oldest sister who is now is just over 3 1/2 didn't start talking until she was 2. She wouldn't even say mama until she was about 2.5!!! She is now a talkaholic! And very clever and witty. I would just wait it out.

Daisy - posted on 06/01/2010

p.s. speaking of things he says that took forever for me to get... He asks me what am I doing but it sounds like uh terior... It was one afternoon I was folding laundry and he was playing next to me and asked uh terior at first I didn't pay attention cause I figured he was babbling but then he asked again and I started asking him if he was saying silly things like ulterior. Then he looked me in the face and was like UH.... UH... terior when finally I said what am I doing, I'm folding laundry... He smiled and went back to playing with his car and now whenever he says uh terior I know he's asking what I'm doing... I think there pronunciation is not really there and so he could be saying stuff it just takes some time to work out what it is:)

Daisy - posted on 06/01/2010

Boy's are known for taking longer to do lots of things. My son talks a lot but I don't really know what he is saying and it has taken me a long time to figure out the words I now understand like balloon sounds like buaboo and took us going to the store with a hundred balloons for me to get that he was actually saying something and not just mumbling haha. I have also found baby signing to be mildly helpful but with a lot of things he uses them sometimes and then not at all others. I say if you are really worried about it talk to his doctor they should be able to give you an indication... Also talk to him all the time you may look crazy walking through the store or mall telling your son what everything is and does but they love the interaction:) the only other thing I can think is sing, rhymes and read to him as much as you can kids love that stuff my son has just started singing row row row your boat but it is really just ro ro ro ro ro ro ro.

Nora - posted on 06/01/2010

My son, too. Strange that it's all boys

Becki - posted on 06/01/2010

If he understands you it shouldnt be a worry, pointing to things he wants, doing things like that. My son is 17 months and doesnt talk much but he will go to his highchair when i say breakfast, he will stand near the door if I ask him if he wants to go outside, he knows what the word "shoes" is because he will go and get them, same as body parts, he cant say the words yet but if I say where are your eyes, or nose etc he will point to them. He has just started saying "car, mum, dad and "there." If you get really worried then just call your health visitor, normally in the UK they wouldnt do anything until after 2 years of age.

Alanna - posted on 06/01/2010

My son is 17 months, and pretty much all he says is "MAAAA" to EVERYTHING lol!!! My daughter was talking by 12 months, but its pretty safe to say my son wont be saying to much for a while yet :)

He understands everything I ask/tell him so I am not concerned. If you are worried, maybe take him to the Dr for some hearing tests :)

Erin - posted on 05/30/2010

My son doesn't say much either. He babbles a lot and will say things once then not again. I don't worry too much. I know he understands and can follow some instructions so I know the speaking will come in time too.

Amy - posted on 05/30/2010

My son is in a similar situation. We requested a Early Childhood Intervention evaluation (evaluates the child on a variety of abilities and sees if there is any delays) and he now receives speech therapy an hour a week in our home. It is a great program in every state in the US to evaluate kids 0-3 and provide services that are convenient to parents. I know many parents want to be reassuring, and there is a chance that he will just start taking one day, but there is also a chance he needs help to catch up or reach his potential. I noticed in your profile that you are not in the US. I would ask your son's doctor for a similar program to get him evaluated and treated if needed.

Gayle - posted on 05/29/2010

I was worrying too - my son is also 17 months and all he pretty much says is "Hi" lol. I figure he will talk when he's ready to and its not like we can force them to talk lol. :)

Jascinta - posted on 05/29/2010

i'm sure he's just fine :) they're all different. my nephew is 3 and still barely says anything!!!!