My son is still not talking...

he is almost 16 months old, I know that boys develop later than girls, but... Should I be concerned??

What does his Dr say?

Does he get a lot of ear infections? The only reason I ask is because sometimes when children don't talk, they can't hear correctly and it causes delays in speech. I would get that checked out, but I don't think it can be done until 18 months of age.

Is he trying to form sounds? Some babies know words, but just don't speak...

Does he make any sounds or utterances? My mother is a speech and language pathologist, I can speak with her if you'd like. I may be wrong, but at this point, he shouldn't have full sentences or anything, I think the 18 month mark is two word utterances. Does he seem to get frustrated that he cannot communicate? Was he born early, by any chance? A lot of times, if a baby was born early, they will be language delayed. You might want to try having a hand motion for commonly used words so he can learn to use them until his speech comes in. I am sure he is fine, but this really worked when I was a nanny. The twins I took care of were SEVERELY delayed language-wise, and my mother taught me some common signs for things like' more, no, yes, give me, etc., and it really eased their frustration. They ended up need speech therapy, but after a year, they were talking up a storm! So if you can give me more info, I can talk to my mom. Don't worry

My neice, who is smart as a whip at 15 months, still doesnt talk. She says mama and dada (when promted) and tata is thank you , so my sister asked the doc and the doc tested her hearing and everything is fine. She was told that if Isabella doensnt speak by 27months, then they get concerened!!

Ask your doc!

Good Luck!

Thank you for your FM's!

Doctor says his hearing is fine, but he said nothing about his lack of vocabulary.. He says DADA-- ALL THE TIME!!! And occasionally mama and baba and his new one is na--na...although it has no meaning... He says baba and nana out of context...

I am concerned because he has no other constanent sounds, and because a lot f timess I feel that he is frustrated because he cant seem to get the RIGHT words OUT...

He recognizes things ... i.e. Blankey, clifford(stuffed animal), ball-ee, --primarily. Ugh... My husband thinks I am blowing this out of proportion, but I went to school for Early childhood Ed, and recognize that he is a late speaker... >sigh<

My little girl is 17 months - she doesn't say as much as come other kids (that are the same age) I too worry - but I have read it's very normal - she is more advanced then some other kids in her mobile skills -
however, my daughter was born early and she has had ear infections since she was 12 months old -
she says...
mama, dada,baba,baby,Dee,ch (for cheese and Cheerio)she does a cow, dog, and lion (however, they don't really sound anything like the animals - we just know what she means) I'm not sure if they count -
And B for bunny - I have my 18th month old visit - and I am sure they are going to tell me she is a little behind - she was behind a little at her 15th month old visit
Try not and worry - but I know how you feel

I believe that the more important thing at his age that hes understanding vs articulating, which it sounds like he is doing. If his hearing has been checked, I think they dont start to evaluate for speech therapy till they are 2 years old. My nephew, who is 3 1/2 now, was a late talker, and he is doing great now. I also have another nephew who is Lukes age (20 mths) and he says about 5 words. Sometimes their development allows for a focus on one skill at a time, which is how late talking manifests itself. Both my nephews that I mentioned are very intense and focused children when it comes to tasks, so its almost like their efforts are going towards that vs. the articulation of words. (ie, the 20 month old does puzzles that are meant for 3-4 year olds) Its hard not to worry, no one wants to feel like their child is 'late' doing something. As a parent, we always feel good when we see they are 'advanced' but really, it all evens out by they time they are in school, unless there is a problem, which really it doesnt sound like there is with your little guy. The most important thing is that you are staying aware of it as a parent and doing what is suggested to help him along if need be. Try not to put stress on yourself over it.

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Posted by Elizabeth
If his hearing has been checked, I think they dont start to evaluate for speech therapy till they are 2 years old.

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Actually, kids can be evaluated anytime after birth under Early Intervention. Just FYI!

Hi Lauren !!!!

Dont you worry one bit !! Its NOT 'late' at ALLL For boys to not be talking at 16m.

and Liz said it very well. I think all kids develop or 'perfect' different skills or milestones at different times.
Alexander was perfect in my eyes the last time we had a playgroup!!

JA also talks alot, but I laugh because there are 12m olds with more teeth than him (and he's 20m!)

So its more of one thing and less than another. IT all works itself out.

BIG HUGS ! Lets get together again soon!

Lauren - kids are SMART, we were jsut discussing this in my class tonite, they CHOOSE not to talk most of the time!
My friend's son is 2, and doesnt talk at all. and she took him to be evaluated, and they said he's fine, not to worry.

So dont worry !

Thank you all very much for your encouragement and support!! Man, I miss you gals!!! LOL

Anna... LOL about the teeth Alex is not in short supply of that.. LOL

Liz... Alex has always been advanced, as far as his motor skills and stuff like that.. He hops and jumps and stomps, and occasionally skips.. heclaps and high fives and all that other good stuff.

I thank you all for your words of support and your FMs.



Anna... You have FM!

You can call your local school district and ask for for your son to be tested- for free. They have learning development specialists that can help you figure out if your child is a late talker or needs additional help with speaking. I think it is very important to go with your gut on these things and it never hurts to get a second opinion.

I only say this because my nephew has autism (NOT SAYING YOUR CHILD HAS THIS AT ALL) but when we were all concerned the doctor kept telling my SIL is was nothing and he would catch up. But the minute she had the proper testing done it was clear But a lot of time was wasted. So I always say go with your gut and get tested.