My two and a half year old barely talks any suggestions?

Donna - posted on 05/06/2012

I think you should try a developmental pediatrician if you feel something is wrong. moms know best what is or isn't right. Ours is awesome and has given us great advice and direction. I wish you luck and will keep you in my prayers!!!

Tiz - posted on 05/06/2012

You should keep going to the doc because you know your child better them he do. You should go and find a speech therapist and they will tell you what you should do. My child is 3 and her doc told me the same thing but I kept on it and now she is 3 going on 4 and her speech is a lot better. Good luck

Amy - posted on 05/03/2012

Actually, his small vocabulary is most likely due to him being the only child. Children learn by example and imitation and since there isn't any other children your home it can be the very reason your son's vocabulary is limited. Don't worry though, the sounds and words will come with a little extra time. Promise! Hang in there!

Dorelle - posted on 04/30/2012

maybe it sounds silly compared to all the technological and clincal responses... but did you try SINGING with him? just a thought. 2nd thought... Start asking him things that require and answer like... instead of do you want a cookie?... maybe try do you want a cookie or a banana? worth a try.

Celeste - posted on 04/24/2012

I would check with your local head start program. They can evaluate him and see if he is behind. My son had language disorders when he was 3. If you feel that there is something wrong then listen to your gut.

Karen - posted on 04/24/2012

Stephanie

My grandson is presently 3 1/2 but when he was 2 1/2 he spoke about the same amount of words and most of them were hard to understand. We started telling the doctor our concerns at about age 18 months and were consistenly told not to worry about it. My daughter (his mother) was adamant something should be able to be done and contacted an organization here in torn (we are in Las Vegas) TMG Therapy Management Group. At age 2 they starting coming once a week to the house and working with him. I can't say that they help him initially with speaking but they were able to teach him some sign language for things he wanted that really helped with his frustration at not being able to communicate what he wanted. When he turned 3 he was eligible for school. I can't remember right now what they call it but at the local elementary schools they have classes for children that qualify. That was a big help. My grandson says just about everything now althought it isn't as clear as most children but it is getting there. Go with your gut...if you know somethin isn't right don't listen to the doc and pursue it on your own. Call the local school board explain your problem and see what is available. The age for school is 3 but in the meantime they may be able to direct your to some type of programs like my grandson started at 2. Our tax dollars pay for it so there is no fee. Good luck:)

Crystal - posted on 04/23/2012

If he understands what you are saying I would just keep and I on him. Have you thought that he doesn't have much to say? Sometimes we as parents don't want give our child a chance to speak. When my boys were younger I used to say "Mommy needs to hear your big boy words!!!!" and that encouraged them to used their words. I took this practice with me to a childcare center when I started working their and the parents were amazed at how many words their children knew. I hope this helps!!!!

Lauren - posted on 04/20/2012

When my 1st daughter was 3 I would get asked if English was her 2nd language! I took her for an assessment @ 2.5 and she start speech therapy @ 3. She only needed about 6 months and caught right up. There's nothing cute about a speech impediment that's preventable! And if there is a deeper issue that will need more extensive therapy... the earlier it's diagnosed, the better. Hope this helped :-)

Kelsey - posted on 04/20/2012

My daughter who is now 13 didn't talk until she was almost 3. I had her hearing tested to make sure all the ear infections didn't do any damage and her hearing was fine. I then put her in a school with other children her own age and see if interacting with kids her own age but that class only went until 3 and was about to end and she was still not talking. I was getting scared but then my oldest who is 4 years older then her, who was going to year round school, was out for a two week break and my youngest just started talking to her. The only thing we could figered was because she was the youngest of 4 stair stepped kids she didn't need to talk because they all did it for her and I wouldn't let her point to things or take me over to what she wanted. She didn't have a choice but to talk. Trust me she hasn't stopped since and she is going on 14 now.

Keyana - posted on 04/18/2012

Try reading to him identifying words and objects like outside walkin in the house, even if u have to make flashcards

Carin - posted on 04/17/2012

Hey, just wanted to let you know that my now 5 year old was very much the same way. He only used a few words until he was 3 then all of the sudden it was like an explosion. He hasn't stopped talking since. One day he went form using single words to blowing our minds with complex words and compound sentences. My husband worried ( and I was starting to) but mine really was "Leo the Late Bloomer" and he was just taking the world around him in. Good luck.

Lisle - posted on 04/17/2012

HI STEPHANIE



Don't worry to much, my aunts son was 3 when he started talking and today he is almost a teenager and a bright boy in school and his an only child to.So give your son time he will start chatting away before you know it.

Nikki - posted on 04/12/2012

Hello,

My daughter will be 3 in June and she can direct you and point to what she wants. She does not say much at all and I am worried. I am waiting until she turns 3, but I am concerned.

Stephanie - posted on 04/11/2012

Yeah he points to things he knows how to get my attention he knows how to point to his body parts and can say a few of them he can hear fine he use to have febrile seizures last year but is on daily medication for it. He knows everything we say to him he jus doesnt say it all.

Darlene - posted on 04/11/2012

Hi Stephanie, I am a pediatric occupational therapist and my advice is to have your son evaluated by an early intervention team now. If a delay exists, remediation and results occur at a faster rate the younger the child is. I am also a mom of 6, and believe you should trust your instinct when it comes to your children. Good luck!

Linda - posted on 04/07/2012

I wouldn't worry if he's saying words he can obviously talk my daughter could hardly put a sentence together when she started school at 5 she's 14 now people used to say there must be something wrong with her but they were all wrong

Jamie - posted on 04/06/2012

Don't allow him to point or grab your hand. A doctor once told me if they don't have to talk some choose not to. It can be frustrating for both of you at first but it will work if he is choosing not to talk

Donna - posted on 04/06/2012

I don't think you should worry too much. If he doesn't start to catch up I would have him tested. Matt is 4 1/2 and only has sounds not true words. Some kids truly do start late you just have to be vigilant and see how he progresses, Keep me posted!

Kelly - posted on 04/05/2012

Barbara very nicely put. I TOTALLY agree with EVERYTHING she said. Early on is so AWESOME my son graduated from Early on last year and is now in a special education preschool in an actual school school. He absoulutly LOVES is. He rides on a bus and he goes everyday mon-fri for 2.5 hrs. Yes it was scary for me but heLOVES itandit helps it out ALOT.

Like Barbara you can email me princessmom2012@hotmail.com

Kelly

Kelly - posted on 04/05/2012

My son was 2 and only knew 5 words so I know exactly what your going through Moonbeems is right call your local school district get him aluated for speech. They should also include the hearing test because they rule out all other areas and evaluate every area. If they tell you he couldnt get in for whatever reason at least your at the right place beacuse they will still point you where to go from there and youll have the evaluation all done. The speech and evaluation I believe is free.

Good luck please keep us updated

Kelly

Natasha - posted on 04/05/2012

i thought that about my son until i took away his pacifier now he wont stop and he is very intelligent let him watch nick jr that will open him up

Alicia - posted on 04/05/2012

try american sign language like baby signin time on nick jr.

Cari - posted on 04/05/2012

Stephanie, I am not trying to alarm you, BUT DO NOT DELAY IN GETTING TO THE ROOT OF THIS! My son's speech delay was my first clue to his Autism diagnosis. He was diagnosed at 2. Now, just because your son has a speech delay, does NOT mean he has Autism. My son has a recessive and expressive language disorder. My pediatrician told me to hold off too, I found a second opinion. Unfortunately our general practitioners and pediatricians are not equipped for Autism diagnosis or any speech delays. A MOM'S INSTINCT IS ALWAYS RIGHT! And do not believe the hooey about him being slower because he's a boy or siblings speaking for him, blah, blah. A child's best chances are early intervention. Besides if you get him tested by someone who KNOWS speech pathology inside and out and everything is fine, won't that be worth it to know? The school district can offer you an free evaluation, however, if it were me, I would go to a child's pediatric therapy center, perhaps one that specializes in kids with Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy needs. These people see kids day in and out and know their stuff. Just tell them you are concerned about your son's speech and ask for an evaluation. Please do not delay. Do it for peace of mind.

Linda - posted on 04/04/2012

parents as teachers will come and evaluate your child and is a good resource offered thru many school systems

Melodie - posted on 04/04/2012

I agree with the other moms. Have your child evaluated. Utilize the 0-3 serves. I did and they even assisted me in getting my son services for after he turned 3 years old. He in now in the public school pre school program in my town and it is free for him to go because of the need for speech therapy. It is never a bad idea to have him evaluated. If 0-3 doesn't think he needs services they will tell you but at least have him evaluated now.

Catherine - posted on 04/03/2012

My youngest is now 2 he turned 2 on December 11 according to several specialist i have taken him to I was told that a two year old should know any were from 25 to 30 words my son olny knew 6-8 words around December an January an know after being in speech thearpy for three months he can now say I did it, cow, duck an other words he never said before. There is a program called First Steps they have a speech therpist come to my home once a week to work with him you should Google it to see if you have anything like this were you live you do not need a a dr permission for this you can allso try the Cincinnati Childrens Hospital as a parent you can make a referral for you chil on your own. They are one of the best childrens hospitals for kids with disabiltys but most deffently do not wait the longer you wait the more delay it could cause. I have two kids with delays i have been were your at now with my first son we were told the same as you but it was about him walking an we just found out 3 year ago that he has aspergers a form of Austim. The Dr's keept saying he'll get there just give him time an now we know why. Please take this to heart from a mother who has been there an seen her child suffer for years through school an trying to make friends an not being able to please get a second oppion.

Sandra - posted on 04/03/2012

I wouldnt be concerned. My son didn't talk till he was 3 except a few words also. He could read before he made it to pre-K at 4. then in middle school he was asked to take the SATs for DUKE university. Since then he has taken college courses in school and was ambassador to the HOBY foundation his 10th grade year. He is awesome.. He just didn't talk till he was ready... I thought the same thing you did. but he is awesome.. www.HOBY.org check it out

Rebecca - posted on 04/03/2012

No! My Grand Daughter was the same way only knew a few words and now we can't get her to shut up! LOL She use to point to every thing and NOT Talk, we had to tell her to use her words! Now that she will be three in four weeks, she tells me Nana I am a Girl, grandpa is a Boy! If you are a stay at home mom spend some time with flash cards that have pictures and words. A lil go's a very long way! Every kid has there own way of doing things, so don't let PEOPLE tell you that he is behind! Hope that this helps Becca :-)

Donna - posted on 04/03/2012

I would seek Early Intervention Services at home! Even if he has a very slight delay, it is to his advantage to give him all the help you can get him!!!! Fight for it! My grandson, who I have full custody of, has Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Please feel free to look at my site where I have many links to information regarding speech delay. Even if your son does not have Apraxia, you can find some useful info on it!

http://www.posthope.com/matthew-childhoo...

Please keep me up to date on your sons progress and I will keep you in my prayers!

Donna

Geneva - posted on 04/03/2012

Hello!



Dont worry, my son was the same way and once he turned 3, he became a chatterbox! Now I wish he would be more quiet, lol. Going to daycare helped alot (he started at 2.5) so I suggest getting him around more children his age and let him learn the way that comes natural to humans, by socializing! :) Hope this helps ease your mind.. Have a great day!

Tia - posted on 04/03/2012

Try an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist first. It could a simple solution to try first before jumping into Speeth Therapists. When my daughter was 2 she had infections in both ears that even her pediatrician didn't notice. She had tubes put in and inless than 2 weeks, she was talking up a storm. It could be best to try there first. At most, the ENT Dr can help send you in the right direction if that is not the problem

Susan - posted on 04/03/2012

An evaluation to be sure that there are no major concerns would probably be a good idea, even if it just serves to reassure you that it isn't something to worry about. That being said, this is not definitely an issue. My middle boy, even with an older brother who was 5 at the time and talked to him nonstop, did not speak more than basic words until he was almost three. He spoke in his own language, but it sounded like gibberish to everyone else (even his father and I). I was concerned and spoke to my doctor about it, and he essentially told me the same thing that your doctor told you. When my son did start talking, he spoke in complete sentences and with a vocabulary that allowed him to have actual conversation with adults. And he has not stopped talking since then.

Just to further my point, Albert Einstein was a genius and that is uncontested. However, when he was little his parents thought that he was mentally challenged and/or unable to speak because he did not say a word until he was four years old.

Also, to jump all over your pediatrician because the doctor said to wait is unnecessary. The doctor is speaking from experience, knowing that it does not necessarily mean that something is wrong. Getting all stressed about the situation will only make the situation (if there is one) worse.

IMHO, if you are concerned, get the evaluation so you can know exactly where you stand. If the evaluation reveals that he doesn't have a need for services, then great. If he does need services, then you can proceed to make use of the available services. Either way, you will be making sure that your son's needs are being met in this regard.

Shelly - posted on 04/03/2012

We had the same concerns about our 2-1/2 yrs old and contacted the local Help Me Grow program to have him evaluated. He merely played during the evaluation & they asked us a lot of questions. He was diagnosed with moderate autism last week by an autism specialist they referred us to. We were told having it diagnosed early is very beneficial to him and he should be mainstream by kindergarten with therapy. I'm not saying your child is autistic by ANY MEANS but I'd say it's worth checking out just for your peace of mind.

Kelley - posted on 04/03/2012

You should absolutely not wait until hes 3. My son has the same exacy delay and safter getting a second opinion e got early intervention involved. A child only qualifies for early intervention ubtik age 3. Push the issue, until you get results. My son went from barely talking and being 18 mo nth s behind to being only 6 months behind and when he aged out of early intervention last month he started preschool with an Iep. Doctors are quick to forget how easily a child canfall through the cracks. Id get a second opinion at the very least.

Heather - posted on 04/03/2012

I would do something now. My son knew less than 10 words at 15 months & his dr was pushing me to seek ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) at that time. I waited til he was 18 months & didn't see any improvements so I contacted ECI at that time. My son was an only child too, smarter than his 18 months, & I could communicate w/ him perfectly, he just couldn't w/ other people. I am from Texas & every state should have something similar to ECI. It is state funded & if you can't afford to pay a small amount for their services, or insurance won't cover it, it is free & covered by state grants. My child began w/ language therapy & when he had enough words in his vocabulary he started speech. At age 3 he switched from ECI to the school districts Early Childhood Program. He received those services for free since its covered in school taxes. I say to get him started the earlier the better. I taught first grade & it's best to get as much language/speech behind him before starting Kinder. Otherwise he will be pulled from class for speech, which will cause him to miss class & you run the risk of his peers not being able to communicate properly w/ him which can cause anxiety &/or teasing. My son was finished w/ speech right before Thanksgiving break when he was 4 yrs old. You would never know he ever had a language or speech delay! You can get the information through his dr or the school district. I can't imagine his dr not agreeing w/ you. If his dr doesn't want to give you the information for ECI, I would consider switching dr's! Good Luck!

Sonja - posted on 04/02/2012

18 months old my son was referred by his pediatrician to be screened for autism because he didn't talk. I have found that through his autism, he still doesn't talk to us except maybe 5-6 understandable phrases, but can copy anything he has heard extremely articulately and boldly. He too is an only child and is quite happy unless we miss what he is trying to communicate. Please pursue testing because the earlier you know, the earlier speech therapy can take place. Creatively test his hearing too, because that can really hinder verbal development.

Payal - posted on 04/02/2012

Hi Stephanie,

Get him into early intervention from the state/county. My son said only 5 words at 2yrs of age and his receptive (understanding) language was at 15months (accdng to tests) and once we put him in speech therapy he picked up at an amazing rate. He will be turning 3 in a month and is no longer eligible for the services because he is at par with typical kids!

Joanne - posted on 04/02/2012

Have him evaluated by a speech therapist. Some kids don't speak much until they are older but, if there is a problem the earlier you start therapy the better.

Geetika - posted on 04/02/2012

I was disturbed at this time too.. my doc said, if it was a girl not talking at 2.5, he would be concerned... for a boy, he would wait till 3.5... my son started his non-stop chat soon after that, and by 3, he was a story-teller!! so relax, and give him some time, he will be fine.. also, since my son spoke less earlier, he grasped much more than his peers.. can read words already 3.5, count from 1-100 n then backwards(100 to 1), and add numbers as well!!

Rachel - posted on 04/02/2012

I'd be concerned at the fact that your Dr WASN'T concerned!! Looks like you might need a new pediatrician...and if you are going to a general practitioner or family doctor...I'd recommend going to an actual pediatrician.

Душица - posted on 04/02/2012

It was in exactly the same situation with my boy who is now nearly 3 year and 3 months and only child as well. He hardly spoke a word apart from "mama" before his third birthday, but it was obvious that he understands much. I was worried, but no logoped would work with him before the age of 3. Then, it was less then a month after the 3rd birthday when the explosion happened. At first, he took courage with only those words that he could pronounce perfectly. But now he is like a chatterbox, he remembers, repeats and instantly uses every new word, makes conversations freely with 5 or 6 word-sentences and, what is the most delightful of all, his grammar is nearly perfect, and believe me, Macedonian is a complicated language to master. He also easily uses words in English and sign language. So give your child few more months, especially if he is able to communicate without words.

Esther - posted on 04/02/2012

DEFINITELY, trust yourself! Many people will tell you, "Oh boys have speech development that is more gradual and slower than girls." However if you feel that there may be a difference between your son and other children his age, then you should have him evaluated, period.



Although it is true that there is a wide range of normal with speech development, you are better off having testing done now to identify whether or not there is a delay, rather than waiting. If you wait until it is "clear," then you are starting the game from "way behind." You also have the frustration of thinking if I had "only trusted myself" and gone for what I intuitively felt my child needed in the way of diagnostic testing.



Early intervention is vital, and the earlier a potential speech delay is identified and addressed, the better off the child is in every way. It impacts their social and emotional adjustment when they have a delay, and it can affect their academic Kindergarten readiness as well.



We felt our son had a delay and this did NOT come from doctors we had seen. I was insisting on an assessment for his speech and language by the time he was two years old, despite reassurances that he "was fine." We had him evaluated and he was identified as having a moderate expressive and receptive language delay. We placed him in a year long program of Speech therapy that included group and individual therapy twice a week, as well as integrated Occupational Therapy. He improved dramatically and tested at age level after one year in the program. I am SO glad that I was not passive about this issue.



Also regarding the School District, it is true that they are obligated to provide Special Services should he need them (even at a Pre-School level.) If the District's testing does not "reveal" anything then you may need to go with private testing. It is not unheard of for District's to "have negative test findings" in their developmental screenings. This allows them to limit provision of services (and this is speaking from experience.)



You might check with other Mom's in your area to see what Speech and Language Centers are highly recommended. Good for you for being concerned and being such a strong advocate for your child!

Katie - posted on 04/02/2012

Einstein didn't speak until he was 4. Also, if this is your first child it's normal not to speak quickly. If you're really nervous start involving your son in activities with older children whom he finds fun. He'll pick up the desire to talk quickly.

My daughter didn't speak until she was 2 yrs. 2 months. The day my son was born the first thing she said was "I want to go outside". I always anticipated her needs and she had no real reason to talk.

Good Luck.

Ronel - posted on 04/02/2012

My son was delayed. Fortunately my doctor didn't want me to wait much past 15 months old to get him evaluated. He was evaluated by Early Interventin (for 0-3 year old children) at 18 months. Evaluation cost nothIng and done at home. He ended up qualifying for OT and ST Because he started before he turned 3, he was referred to our public school system for evaluation just before he turned 3 to determine if he will qualify for special services in preschool. He qualified for Speech therapy but didn't need occupational therapy any longer. He now enjoys preschool while getting speech therapy at school. Bottom-line: don't wait any longer. Rather get evaluated and be told he is fine, than wait longer and then regret later for waiting. Did you get his hearing tested...that was one of the first things I had to do (and that tested normal).

Juliann - posted on 04/01/2012

I thought my son had a problem. He only started speaking at 4 but came out with entire sentences, which were perfect. He went on to become a straight A student. So give it time. He probably just wants to speak like you and can't at the moment. :-)

Erin - posted on 04/01/2012

early intervention is the best way to avoid future problems, seek help now to head off potential future problems. sound like a smart kid with a little extra help he'll probably catch up fine.

Tiz - posted on 04/01/2012

Get him evaluated for speech delay. I had the same thing happen to my little girl her doctor said she would get it but I kept going to her doctor until she gave me the info for the speech therapist and got her evaluated and now she is getting the help she needs. It is best to get it done now then to wait until he is older. Just don't give up :)

Erica - posted on 04/01/2012

If there is a group that will come in and evaluate him I would take advantage of it. My son Vince was diagnosed with Apraxia of speech when he was about 21/2. I was alerted at a well visit by his Pediatrician. He has been getting therapy and is now 4 1/2 years old and doing Awesome. Speech therapy is amazing and the earlier the better to teach them. Good luck and I am here if you have question. Erica

Trisha - posted on 04/01/2012

No dont worry about it, my son started a lot of things like talking and hes 7 now andhe makes all

A's on his report card.

Suzanne - posted on 04/01/2012

I would be concerned as well! My son was 15 months old and not talking at all (he is a first born), and his pediatrician (relatively young, and fairly new to the practice at that time) referred us to early intervention services. Our little one qualified for speech therapy services, and within the year was speaking in sentences. The therapist came to our home and worked with him and my husband and me. She also went to his daycare center, and was helpful to the staff in maximizing language opportunities (which helped all the children in his class). Now, he never shuts up :-), and has an amazing vocabulary!!! Our health insurance covered most of the sessions minus our co-pay. We did need the referral from the pediatrician because he was not yet two, but the school system should be able to point you in the right direction, or you can call your local community services board. Please do not wait, and best of luck!