Should my 22 month old be talking more? Please help?

Claire - posted on 08/15/2012

My son is 22 month and barely says anything :( When he does try to copy it doesn't even sound like the word. I am only concerned because my daughter could speak properly, tell you what sounds the animals made and what they were called and say sentences by the time she turned 1. She said hiya and daddy when she was 7 months old!! I'm not sure what to do after reading these coments??

Ashley - posted on 08/12/2011

All toddlers are different. They master each stage at a different rate. My daughter mastered everything except talking at an early age. She didn't get better at it until she was 2 1/2 now she's 3 going on 4 and that's all she does all day. She talks from the time she wakes up to the time she goes to bed.

Rebecca - posted on 08/12/2011

Don't worry too much. All kids do different things at different times. My oldest had a similar problem - i.e. he COULD talk perfectly well but didn't need to so he didn't. I overcame this by not giving in to him. Even at 22 months old, a child can understand that if they don't say the word, they can't have what they want. I know it's not the easiest thing to do but be patient and make him wait until he has said what he wants. Tell him you don't understand him if he doesn't speak to you. He obviously knows what he wants and how to say it, you just need to not give in to him until he has said the word. Even if you just start with one thing e.g. he has to say drink if he wants a drink and then, once he's got that, start doing it with other things or start getting him to specify if he wants milk or juice. That worked with my oldest. I hope it helps.

Keri - posted on 08/11/2011

My son wasn't talking a whole lot around his 2-year well-child visit and the doctor wasn't concerned. I think kids will stick to what they know when it comes to communication, because even though my son is 4 and a 1/2, he will still say "Mommy, I'm hungry." open the fridge and look in. When I ask what he wants he'll say "come here, I'll show you". Sometimes that's because the thing is on a high shelf and he wants to make it clear he can't reach it himself, but he probably thinks he needs to tell and show to make sure he actually gets what he told me he wanted.

Maurita - posted on 08/11/2011

Behind what and who? Everyone is unique try not to compare your child with some norm out there. Listen to who he is and what amazing things he is doing. I could not understand my son that well until he was six and he is now 18 and he is an avid reader and wonderful person. Relax enjoy they grow up quickly. Maurita in CA

Bonnie - posted on 08/11/2011

Susan, i'm sorry, but that is a bit much to expect out of a two year old and just because one child has a speech delay, does not mean the other will.

Jaime - posted on 08/11/2011

That's what my son was doing at that age. Just keep encourging him to use his words and before you know he will talking too much, lol.

Jennifer - posted on 08/10/2011

Susan the advice given in the UK is very different to that of the US then. Here by 2 years old they should be able to say a range of single words and put at least 2 words together. They may also be able to point to parts of their body. Interesting to see how it differs =)

Stacie - posted on 08/10/2011

You shouldn't worry one bit. My friends child is 2 and hasn't said a single word. The doctor said he is just fine! Did you know that Einstein didn't say a word until he was 4??? I also have a friend that didn't talk until he was 4 too and his first words were " Look at that kangaroo over there". So just be patient and everything will be okay.

Susan - posted on 08/10/2011

Christine, as a child who had a speech delay at two, I would say DO NOT ignore this. Your child should use 50 to 70 different words, and should be speaking in "three word sentences" by the time he is two. My son was very similar to what you describe for your son. He would pull me to what he wanted, or point to it, but rarely ever say the words. He seemed to understand everything I said, but rarely used words himself. I had to push his pediatrician to refer us to a speech pathologist for testing. I got "Oh, he is probably just quiet. He'll talk when he's ready". In our area, we have a special organization that specializes in early intervention for young children. They evaluated him across the board on development, and were horrified after seeing his results that the pediatrician blew me off. He still (at 7 1/2) has speech twice a week at school, and has trouble pronouncing certain sounds. Speech is vital for almost all other areas of development, and if he doesn't speak, he will fall behind in his social development. He may be fine, but do you really want to take that chance? It can't hurt to have him evaluated, but it definitely CAN hurt if he has problems that you ignore, and he falls farther and farther behind. A speech delay does not mean your child is "stupid" or "slow". My son, even at two, scored off the charts "smart" on cognitive skills. He was just having trouble making the sounds needed to put together words, so he just wouldn't say them.

Jennifer - posted on 08/10/2011

I wouldn't worry too much =) they all develop at different rates and if he does need extra support it will be offered when he needs it in the form of speech therapy possibly =)

Marla - posted on 08/10/2011

I was told that when my daughter turns 2 she should be atleast putting 2 words together. She turned 2 last week and is starting to speak in sentences. My daughter and son were ahead but you should atleast get him looked at. I had a friend her son had delay speach and he had fluid behind his ears - he could hear but not clearly. Once they cleared it up it was amazing how he suddenly started trying.



You should also try sign language, it could really help with his communication. I have been teaching my kids and in turn they are both ahead with comprehension, vocabulary and general communication. They can sign words that they have trouble saying. Try it... It can't hurt, the library and internet are great resources to start. Do a search for ASL, American Sign Language on YouTube... Great clips to get you started. Our favourites are Signing Time DVD's. Let me know if you need help.

Carmina - posted on 08/10/2011

i wouldnt worry, my son is the same. he has a huge vocabulary but is still dragging us around also or pointing to things lol. he is 21 months. i dont stress because i know he can say them and often does if i ask him, i think in time and with repitition they will figure out to say the words on their own :)

Stacie - posted on 08/09/2011

We made the "mistake" of teaching our toddler four languages. Makes asking for things interesting! As long as he knows what he's after, then I wouldn't be too concerned. Sounds like he's just giving you a hard time...because he can.

Maggie - posted on 08/09/2011

My 20 month is the same, he has quite a few words in his vocab but doesnt always use them, Like he'll point to a dog and say doggie, or teddy etc but he'll just got to the cupboard and get me a cup or plate and go to the fridge when he wants something to eat or drink. Doctors say its normal, and yes just being lazy. He'll get there in his own time. My sons just started waving and saying bye daddy in the past few weeks, before it was one or the other

Christine - posted on 08/09/2011

Thank you for the comments. I feel better just hearing he is not behind. Hopefully he will start communicating soon. : )

Tarajee - posted on 08/09/2011

he is going to talk when he wants to. boys r lazy to me. i had the same concern when my son was 2 and would just point. dr said there is nothing wrong with him. boy when he started to talk, that was it. i couldnt shut him up. just out of know where. the important thing is that u teach him the words. he will use them when he is ready. my son then is now 12 and has the best grades so stop your worrying. my daughter is 20 months n does the same things ur son does but has been very vocal lately. i dont worry because of my experience with my son.

Bonnie - posted on 08/09/2011

I don't think he is behind. Before my younger son turned 2, he was barely saying anything and then he turned 2 and it all started coming out.

Katherine - posted on 08/09/2011

No, he's not behind. Just keep encouraging him.

This link will help:
http://www.babycenter.com/0_your-22-mont...