My baby's not saying more then 3 to 4 words and he's 20 months now...

Michele - posted on 09/15/2009

When my son was 18 months old, he was not speaking as much as I thought he should be. Out of concern, I contacted the school system and received information regarding a program called "Early Access" which is provided by the school system. He was evaluated, had eye and hearing tests and determined that he was developmentally behind. He received Speach Therapy until his third birthdasy (which was in august 2009) at which time he was placed in a school based preschool where he continues to learn and have speach therapy. It has done wonders for him!!! As of this time, he is speaking more and more everyday, using 4-5 word sentences and sings simple songs. Today, while we were driving, he was singing and I stopped and listened---he was singing the ABC song!! (He was also evaluated by pediatrician). Please keep in mind that speach delay can also indicate problems such as Autism and ADHD. I would have your child evaluated, just for piece of mind!!!

Denise - posted on 09/14/2009

I don't think you have to worry. It takes more time since he IS learning three different languages. Both of my sister's kids were the same way( they know 2 languages, english & spanish). Also they are very shy so they didn't have much to say. My nephew hardly said anything at all until he was 4 yrs old. My sister was so worried that he was slow. Then all of a sudden he was talking in full sentences and then never shut up. LOL My niece's teacher thought she was slow because she didn't talk that much either and it took her longer to do her school work. Well years later, my nephew has been a straight A student all of his life and he is now in aeronautics college with the airforce and my niece is the smartest student in her school and she is 12yrs old. So what I am trying to say is "good for you" with teaching them 3 languages. They will be better off for it.

Rhea - posted on 09/14/2009

Check out this book: The Einstein Syndrome: Bright Children Who Talk Late by Dr. Thomas Sowell.

Katrina - posted on 09/14/2009

It's ok. My daughter doesn't speak much either and she is 2.5 years old. I enrolled her into early intervention. They work with her twice a week, on word formation, picture/word relations, and social interaction. Look it up online under chilinks.com. They have all sorts of programs for children ranging from 6 months to adolescents.

Traci - posted on 09/14/2009

I wouldn't worry about the 3 languages thing. I think young kids like that are smart enough to understand. They seem to get it a lot easier than we do if we are learning it as adults.

As far as him not talking much, that can be normal at this age. My son had zero words at 18 months and barely 1 or 2 words at 20 months. He just ended up being a late talker. I know other kids who were the same way. Just like some kids walk later than others, some kids talk later than others. For now I would keep encouraging him to use simple words. Sit with him and look at pictures and keep repeating what the item is. Chances are he is recording in his mind everything that you say. He'll just spit it all out when he's ready. If he's still not talking much at all by age 2, then I would look to your dr for a referral to someone who can help get him up to speed with his speech. With my son, it was just before his 2nd b-day that his vocabulary suddenly exploded. Now, at 2.5 years old, he is non-stop chatter. Seriously, he talks more than anyone else in the household. Your son will get it I'm sure, he just needs to do it in his own time.

Amy - posted on 09/13/2009

I am a mother and a auditory impaired specialist [AI]. The one thing that you need to do is have your child's hearing tested. If your child is not speaking yet, this can her a sign of hearing loss or speech delay. Language is a very important part of the everyday learning, as well as education. I am posting a link for you to review. Please look over it and contact me if you need anything else. ;-) the first link is for you to see what milestones your child has achieved and the second is some additional information for you to read over if you feel that you need to talk to a professioanl about this situation. ! good luck!!

http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/deve...

http://www.speech-language-therapy.com/d...

Danielle - posted on 09/13/2009

Hi, our kids are also raised in a bilingual home and therefore it usually takes a little longer for them to speak any of the languages fast. Also, it is normal for the kids to pick up on the language they will hear the most at first. This being said, I think it's good to read to them and ask them to describe what they see to you to help them - unconsciously - speak and memorize more words. Or if your child does not seem to want to speak, just describe things to him as much as you can because eventually he will get out... of his mouth the words you put in his mind!!! Kids are very smart and at their own pace, they will do as well as other kids. Just trust in him as he will figure things out in his own terms. Hope this helped.

Gina - posted on 09/13/2009

I agree with the post that asked if your son understands you. If he does I wouldn't be as worried. My son didn't talk for a long time and when he did he was very difficult to undertand. His receptive language was fine and all other development was fine. He went to preschool to help with articulation and it has made a huge difference.

Jackie - posted on 09/13/2009

I read an article by a Pediatrician that stated that when you expose a young child to more than one language that it takes longer for that child to speak because he is deciding which language he wants to use.

Sandra (Sandy) - posted on 09/13/2009

My nephew didn't talk until age 5. He had some words he made up himself that we learned what each represented, but English didn't come out of him until he was 5. He got straight A's in school and was Senior Class President in High School. Sometimes I think they just don't talk until they are ready!

Darlene - posted on 09/13/2009

As long as he is normally developing in other areas I wouldn't be concerned. Because they say children with mutli language in the home may seem delayed at first then they excel in language

Karin - posted on 09/13/2009

Sounds quite normal to me! We have 3 kids, and 2 languages. My husband is afrikaans and I speak english. We speak english at home, but our friends are predominately afrikaans speaking, although english is the main communication language for radio and TV. My eldest child was 2 before he started speaking words that we could understand! I was also a bit worried, because I felt he was a bit 'behind'. I wanted the kids to learn both languages so I put them in an afrikaans nursery school. This helps SO much, even though they mix their words. Josh is now 6 and started 'big' school this year. He goes to an english school so that I will be able to help him with his school work.....my afrikaans is shocking!! ANyway, he was fluently afrikaans when he started school 8 months ago, and now except for the occasional fault in tenses, his english is perfect.



What I'm trying to say is, I found that because of the 2 languages, the kids were a little slower in the beginning with their speech, BUT once they hit about 2 1/2 to 3 years the talking doesn't stop. Don't worry about them mixing the languages either, they will sort it out later, and from about 4 years, they start realising which words belong in which language.



Good luck, I think it's awesome that your child will be able to speak 3 languages fluently by the time he does to school :-)

CHRISTINA - posted on 09/12/2009

From birth, our children heard their father's native tongue, Fijian, the local pigin', and my own English. There was no confusion. I adopted a few one word instructions in Fijian and they understood just as easily as if they had heard the instructions in English. More to your point, my 1st born said "dada" at 4mos., and "ball" at 8mos, and "read me book" at 11mos! She began speaking in simple, but correct sentences when she was about 18 months. Along comes her younger sibling, and he barely says any sound decipherable until he turned 3. We think part of that situation was because he did not have to speak---his older sister always seemed to understand what he wanted and she would translate! That did not stop us from gently encouraging him to speak his want clearly. We read from day one with both of our children and did not taper off until the younger was about 12. So, remarkably, when my son began to speak fluently, he also used some rather sophisticated words with understanding! By age 5, he would easily sit for a chapter book of the 2nd-3rd gr. level. He was also a delayed reader, not until 10 and a 1/2yrs. Don't you know that was frustrating!!! But, I homeschooled both of our kids from pre-k - 12th gr., and this choice largely insulated my son from being labeled or taunted. (All of his, as well as his sister's, high school curriculum was college level) So, you see, they do catch up and they do it best with consistent, gentle encouragement and guidance from their parents, first and foremost.

Brennie - posted on 09/12/2009

Have you tried sign language? I started sign language with my oldest when he was about six months. He was talking up a storm by eighteen months. Our pediatrician agreed that contrary to popular believe, children that learn sign language early tend to communicate sooner and talk earlier. I have already started with my five month old.

Tonya - posted on 09/12/2009

my 4 year old started out like that now she is a nonstop talker. just be patient it will come trust me

April - posted on 09/12/2009

my younger son didnt speak alot till he was 2 1/2 or so.he's 10 now and cant get him to stop talking,lol.when he's ready ,he'll talk more .kids all progress at different rates.

Meredith - posted on 09/12/2009

The question is if he is just having delayed speech or are there other problems. Two of my kids have been in speech since the age of three, but with some drastically different issues. If you notice other issues (such as not drinking from a straw or cup (especailly by the age of 3), choking, inability to control his tounge motions, or your child having trouble hearing) give your doctor a call. It never hurts to be concerned. Otherwise you just might have a late talker and he'll catch up by the time he's in school.

Rosamond - posted on 09/12/2009

I would have your doctor refer you to a speech therapist of some kind, because our son had the same thing going on. he is almost 3 now and doing much better but I wish I would have gotten him help much longer. I have heard that mulit language kids can have a rougher start because of course it could be confusing. Just continue to talk to him about anything and everything! One of my biggest mistakes was just chilling with our son, because I am very qiuet by nature. Now I am the opposite with our daughter and already she is way ahead of him when he was the same age.

Sonia - posted on 09/12/2009

When your child asks for something, I know it's hard to do, but make him say the word before he gets the item. For example, if he wants a drink, have him say drink before he gets his cup. If you always respond to pointing or little grunts, then that's all they will learn. They learn that you will respond to what they want just by that little effort. Also, many states offer free testing and speech therapy through the public schools. You might check.

Janie - posted on 09/12/2009

Have him evaluated. Even though more than one language is spoken, it never hurts to have a professional opinion.

My son was the same way. His first word was "car", not "Mommy", and he was a late bloomer. Nobody else (even his pediatrician) seemed concerned because he excelled in certain other areas. He was later diagnosed with autism.

Christine - posted on 09/12/2009

Have you had his hearing tested???

Jamie - posted on 09/12/2009

I'd be starting to get worried, it is very hard to learn one language let along 3, this happened to a friend of mine and his speech was severely delayed and needed intensive speech. You are aware of it so thats a start but if its still happening at 2.5 then you need to get him into speech therapy the soooner the better

Jasmine - posted on 09/12/2009

He could just be over whelm with the different languages but in do time everything will be fine

Shelley - posted on 09/12/2009

Hey all -

I am a Speech Language Pathologist that works primarily in early intervertion (birth to 3). While I think every child is different, I believe if the mom is concerned then it needs to be addressed. You can, typically, get a free screening from an SLP and discuss concerns at that time. Most SLP's will give you suggestions or recommend a full evaluation.

Some "rules of thumb" - one word utterances by one year and 2 word utterances by 2 years. Nouns are typically more common than verbs.

There is a difference between Speech and Language. Language is the use of words and speech is how they sound. A child might have perfectly normal language and disordered speech - they would talk a lot but you might not understand them. Or they could have delayed language and you obviously wouldn't know if the speech is affected or not.

When I evaluate kids from multi lingual homes I ask if they speak in one language more than another. For example, if a child can use Spanish but not English, then that would probably be considered a "difference". A child that has a language disorder would be delayed in all languages... does that make sense?

I agree that getting the child around other kids is a great way to stimulate language development. If they are interested in playing with other kids, then they will be motivated to interact and be understood, plus the other kids are good speech and language role models.

Anyway... I hope this helps a bit.

I would have the child assessed if for no other reason than your piece of mind, but it is certianly easier to "fix" a problem with the younger kids.

Good luck!!

Shelley

SLP and mother of 3

Denika - posted on 09/12/2009

if your child does not have any hearing problems then i would not be worried or concerned in due time he will talk, i think right now he is a little sponge, absorbing everything.. he will be fine. :)

Lori - posted on 09/12/2009

My youngest son didn't talk early Do to my older son talking for him. I had to make him just leave the room or just be quite so my son would talk.Do you have older kids? If so Just let them know he needs to learn how to talk on his own. Hope this helps.

Tawanda - posted on 09/12/2009

My son started saying about six words by the time he was 9 months old and then stopped. We were concerned that he wasn't developing fast enough so we took him to a speec therapist. We found out that the reason he wasn't talking was because he didn't need to. We were doing everything for him. If his sippy cup was empty we just filled it instead of waiting for him to ask. If he looked out the patio window we asked if he wanted to go outside and took him. I learned through speech therapy how to talk to him and let him respond. Within one month he was doing wonderfully. At the end of the 2nd month he had developed one year beyond his age. He has been excelling ever since. He made excellent marks in elementary school. He's now 16 and has been in honors classes for the last three years. I would say if he doesn't start speaking more words soon take him to a speech therapist just for a consultation and see what the therapist thinks.

Sherry - posted on 09/12/2009

If he can understand you, I wouldn't worry too much. I have 5 children ranging from 11 to 2 and every one is different. We worried a little about our now 5 yr old especially since she was the 4th and her older sister was talking in complete sentences at 2. She just didn't say much at 2 but now we can't shut her up! My oldest dealt with 3 languiages (English, Portuguese and Spanish) and he was a little slow but now is 11 and very bright. If you are still worried, seek a drs opinion but don't stop the 3 languages unless the dr says it is best. It will benefit him in the long run.

Gina - posted on 09/12/2009

My children are now adult, but my youngest only said the odd word until he was 3. But he listened and understood our conversation. When he did talk, he spoke sentences, not just words. You have plenty of time for your sonto talk and the more anxious you get, the more he will react. I am afraid patience is the only answer, unless he does not understand you in any language. Good luck and please do not worry too much at the moment.

Tara - posted on 09/12/2009

not to worry mommy. your little guy is developing just fine. it will take him longer to talk in either is the three languages because he it hearing the different words spoken differently and is working out which is the right way to say it. now done feel bad that he is hearing all these languages, it will actully help him a lot when he gets older because it will be easier for him to pick up all thoes languages and more when he gets into high school. so again, no worried mommy, he will talk when he is ready to.

Julie - posted on 09/10/2009

Boys do develop speech slower than girls do, and he isn't quiet 2 yet. Does he respond to your commands? While there probably is not much to worry about, especially since he's learning so many languages, you could contact the Early Intervention Program in your county. We had a similar situation with our little guy and discovered he had fluid build up. We had no idea - he had not even had one ear infection. I would talk to your Ped and go from there.

Allison - posted on 09/10/2009

OK the answer will ultimately be somewhere in the middle. Speech can be delayed for any number of reasons that are not a concern, multiple languages, older siblings, pacifiers, etc. The key is to determine whether or not you should intervene. IF your child seems to understand you, can follow directions, says basic words like Mama, Dada, etc-even if only a few then you are most likely fine. Boys do tend to start talking later than girls. If he can't do these things, then I would push to have him evaluated for a physical problem that might be causing the delay. It could be as simple as having large tonsils or adenoids with the tissue muffling the sounds and making them difficult to distinguish and then reproduce, It could be hearing related, etc. It becomes difficult to determine because its hard to evaluate things at this age but look for patterns and most importantly-go with your gut. You spend more time with him than anyone, you know him best. Test his response to directions that you give him, loud noises, etc, and see how he reacts. Getting help for him now if he needs it will benefit him much more in the long run. If he does have a delay, therapy now could mean that by the time he starts school he is entirely caught up and doesn't need it. I am a nurse and my son was late to talk but only because he was more introvertive whereas my daughter was late to talk as well but had a variety of problems that resulted in ear tubes, tonsils and adenoids out, palate expanders as well as speech therapy. Having her evaluated also uncovered some more sensory related problems that we have been dealing with for 2.5 years. The end result is weekly speech and occupational therapy and she will likely start Kindergarten on time with only a slight speech difficulty that won't slow her down at all.

Lorraine - posted on 09/10/2009

hi as i read your post i thought this sounds like my little girl (just turned 2) i went to my health visitor and asked for her to check her hearing, she now needs gromits and is deaf in 1 ear with only slight hearing in left,which we hope the gromits will help. But as you speak another language i would still go see your health visitor and keep talking to your son slowly and clearly but maybe pick a main language for him to learn first, yoiu could say the word then repeat saying 'this person says ??? we say ??? english is ??? i hope this helps and i gotta add well done for teaching your son more than 1 language thats a fantastic start in his life!!!!

Paula - posted on 09/10/2009

Post a reply!

Girls are talkers and boys are 50/50 , three languages is great , and it sounds like you have a listener, You as a mom know if there is something wrong with your child, follow your gut instinct. Try flash cards with feelings, this can get a child to open up and tell you how they feel that day. You say he likes cars make sure there is a flash card with a car on it. This really does help a child open up his vocabulary.

Shelene - posted on 09/10/2009

I would talk to your pediatrician before worrying. Limited speech can be a sign of autism, and if detected early great strides can be made. OR it might be nothing. Relieve your conscience and get your mind eased by a professional.

Robin - posted on 09/09/2009

Don't worry about it. When he's ready to talk, he will. Don't compare him to other kids either. My 1st son could speak about 50 words by the time he was 18 months old. My 2nd son is the complete opposite. He's 2&1/2 and he still only talks on an as needed basis and only speaks maybe 50 words now. Is your child in daycare? My youngest son just started going to daycare a couple of months ago and is talking a lot more now than he ever did before. If it still concerns you, ask your pediatrician about referring your child to a speech therapist. If he is within normal limits with his fine motor skills though, he's probably just being stubborn.

Kristin - posted on 09/09/2009

My 2yr old twins have VERY limited language. I called the state and got them examined and they receive speech therapy. It has helped SO much. But honestly all kids develop language at different paces. I am happy to be getting services. You could inquire about it afterall it is a free service.

Tristan - posted on 09/09/2009

I agree with the other moms. It will come. I understand your worry though because you don't want him to be behind when school starts. My son Jaden is 6 now. He wasn't talking much by the time he started Pre-K. I put him in a small special need program. Armaan probably won't need this, but I just wanted to let you know his teacher used several visuals. She had pictures all around the room and would constantly ask what was what. Example: Sink..what is this "the sink!" Now he won't stop talking! : )

Linda - posted on 09/09/2009

My daughter didnt say much either she wasa year and half when she actually started to talk and then it was in complete senteces probally just taken it all in, hearing more than 1 language I hear isnt bad they can learn them all however try to keep it one at a time.

Tammy - posted on 09/09/2009

I have worked in daycare for many years with two and three year olds. I found that if there is more than one language spoken in the home it may take them till they are 4 before they can mentally choose a language. Dont worry they are not slow it is just part of being a bilingual child and they are soaking it in and differentiating between them. Speaking more than one language will NOT make him slow in fact it is the best thing for him. If he cant learn it now then it will be much harder for him to learn it when he gets into school and is required to take a foreign language.

Abbie - posted on 09/08/2009

does he understand what you say to him when you say it? and just doesn't really talk yet? There is a big difference, my little guy doesn't speak a ton, he is 17 months, but he understands a lot more then he says back. I wouldn't worry yet, as long as he is understanding you.

Selesha - posted on 09/08/2009

I do not agree. What I have learned with my kids, is this. If you are using a pacifer take it away. Don't allow older children to talk for him. And be patient, pretty soon you will be wondering when they will be quiet

Amber - posted on 09/08/2009

well we speak 2 languages in our house english and spanish and i heard that having 2 languages in a household will make them delayed a lil bit. so i asked my pediatrician about it and she said yes they will be a lil bit delayed because they are thinking what to say cuz they know 2 diff names for something... but she said just keep working with them use flash cards and say the names of stuff in both languages and it will pay off.. so i wouldnt worry about it... just keep talking to him and he will eventually start talkin

Lala - posted on 09/08/2009

my son is 4 and he only have a few words spoken before he turned 3. here are some tips that can help: 1. No binky 2. Socializing with other kids a lot more will encourage him to use the words. 3. Encourage him to say his words when he want something, and appreciate him when he does. These are pretty much what I did with my son. And you are right, you don't have to rush and don't get frustrated as it will come naturally. Every child is different

Gabriela - posted on 09/08/2009

Exactly! There is no rush....I used to get a lot of talk from others because my 1st baby was 3 yrs old and barely saying the basic. We don't have three different languages spoken here.....only two. Give it a while, once my daughter started talking she almost started reading also ( i mean she was four and reading before kinder) and she wouldn't be quite!!!!!! Don't stress it will come soon. It may have a lot to do with the confusion of all the languages, don't stop that though....it will benefit him later! Lucky, Armaan!

Toni - posted on 09/08/2009

hi, my son is 18 months old, only english language to learn but still only sayin a few words and only very recently, also they are not very clear at all, more like noises that sound like the word, i've been reassured that this is completly normal some babies just speak later than others, i wouldn't worry just keep up with encouragimng him, go through picture books snd things and encourage him to say the words with you. hope this helps :-)

Courtney - posted on 09/08/2009

Some children just choose not to speak. If you are really concerned ask your doctor. But I really don't think it is much to worry about. When he is ready he will be talking up a storm and probablly all three languages!!!!