19 months old and not really talking

Abbey - posted on 10/02/2011

My munchkin is the same way. As I talk to other moms at the park I'm finding that alot of boys are that way. I did talk to my sons doctor and he's starting speech therapy just in case but if he's babbling and can understand what your asking him to do don't worry boys are more obstinate than girls

Mel - posted on 10/02/2011

Do not be concerned. Speak to your pediatrician to allay your fears. Boys tend to speak later than girls, as long as hearing is ok and he understands what u are saying there is no concern. Talk to him slot and read with him. Be warned if u call in early intervention for an evaluate they tend to be over zealous and many of the people doing those jobs are not properly trained with that age gp, so do not know developmental milestones themselves and over diagnose speech issues.

Lauren - posted on 10/01/2011

I had the same fears about my son who was also born in Feb 2010. He said his first word very clearly- mama- in sept of 2010, and around christmas time was saying 'hi' 'yay' and 'mama' and would even put them together when i walked into the room- 'yay! hi mama.' Now, at almost 20 months, he does say quite a variety of words, his favorties being 'Mickey, Nemo, and grampa.' I didnt start talking until well after I was 2 years old, and when I finally did start, it was in fully formed, very clear sentences. I wouldnt worry too much unless your little one is approaching 3 and still not really talking. Some kids just dont have anything to say!

Nicole - posted on 10/01/2011

Thank you everyone. I just get nervous. I have been telling him words over and over and getting books that have a ton of pictures and read and then explain to him what the things are. He has picked up on a few words! He can say a few more words!! He points and says the word. I am going to do this everyday and try to get him to talk more.

Dayna - posted on 10/01/2011

Remember these posts and concerns when your little one starts talking and you wish you could get them to be quiet for a second. lol

Lauren - posted on 09/29/2011

My daughter also born 2/2010 is not talking either. Her perseptive language is wonderful. She understands everything and follows commands. She only says a couple of words; such as " mama, nan nan, up, & done". My pediatrician is not concerned. However, I decided to be proactive. I made an appointment with the speech therapist for a speech evaluation. I am anxious to see what they say. I know how you feel.

Sheila - posted on 09/29/2011

Nicole he'll go when he's good and ready I'm sure - I had the same concerns about my little one walking, she didn't get going til she was 15 months - some things our little ones really excel at, and yet seem to be a bit slower on the take up with others

Lisa - posted on 09/29/2011

My first born crawled and walked late but was talking very early, my second didnt start talking much until he was 27 months old, my third is the same age as your little boy and she does the same as him, she points to things recognizing them as i name them. There is quite a big range of 'normal' so I wouldn't worry about it because from what you say he is alert and can recognize things by name so he will pick easily when he is ready.

Katrina - posted on 09/28/2011

As an early childhood teacher who also has a daughter the same age I would say do not panic just yet! If you are concerned then keep seeking help but I know of pleanty of children not speaking more than a few words at three that all of a sudden just start talking in full sentances. My wee girl has only just reallystarted walking and is still not doing so all the time and I am not worried at all so as Isay if you are really concerned then seek pediatritain help but otherwise he will get roung to it, maybe he is just too busy being active to want to stop and talk.

Hanna - posted on 09/28/2011

My son is 19 months old and does not say anything. He babbles alot and understands everything we ask of him, just no real words. Not even mama or dada. We had a meeting today with a Learning Steps agency. There was a physchologist and two other people in a small room monitoring every move and asking us a million questions. He scored over average for his motor skills and under average for his oral communication of course. We have to go back once a week for them to work with him and we will also be going to group play dates they have set up once a month. Hope it makes you feel better that your not the only one.

Shelley - posted on 09/28/2011

My little girl is also 19 months (23 Feb) and she says mama, dada, no and uppies clearly. She says a few other words regularly - a few times daily, but they are unclear - generally she leaves the end bit off the word - eg, dow for down etc. She is constantly trying out words in addition to those above, but the words sound far from what they should, and she doesn't repeat those words.

I was concerned because my son, who is eight, was speaking very well and in short sentences at this age. But I took her to a clinic nurse for an assessment a few days ago, and she told me that my daughter is right on target - and I know that kids speech development varies hugely. I understand that they base an assessment about the kid's speech not only on the amount of words the child says, but on whether the child is understanding simple instructions, whether they are expressing themselves and their wishes, and whether they have reached their other targets - this tells them more about the childs development and whether there is a delay or sorts. And obviously hearing would be the next question - which my nurse wasn't even concerned about as my baby is still on target and follows instructions without a problem.

Your little one has replaced the need to communicate his wishes with sign language instead of speech, and I have heard that sign sometimes delays speech a little as the child has no need to use words. That is probably what has happened with him, so it is likely nothing to worry about.

Maybe read a few articles online about how to encourage speech, and try the techniques out. If you are still worried get it checked out at a paed, but if you are sure that he has met his other milestones, you probably don't have much to be concerned about. I have read a couple of other posters from the US mention early intervention programs and how much they helped, so if you do end up at your paed, I am sure there are many ways to help your child.

Good luck

Karen - posted on 09/26/2011

My son has the same problem. At his last well baby check up his pediatrician recommended we have his development/speech evaluated. We have had him evaluated and it turns out he has a 40% delay in speech. He is now beginning speech therapy.