Asking About Children Speaking

You may want to thing about getting him evaluated. Most
states have some sort of early intervention thru the school systems. You have nothing to lose and only to gain. If he needs speeche therapy, by the time he starts
school, you will have tackled the problem.Much easier to
deal with earlier than later. Good luck.

That's about what my daughter was saying at that age and qualified for speech therapy in the early intervention program. If you're concerned, it's worth getting the evaluation, it's usually free.

Hi R.
Every kid is different, but the general rule of thumb is 3yrs old unless there are other issues. Mention it to your MD, and keep MD updated. Kids change alot from 2 to 3 and enjoy every minute of the change.
God bless you
K. _--SAHM married 38 years =-- adult children -- 38, 33, and twins 19.

My daughter was talking at 9 months BUT stopped completely at 1 year. The doctor told me to wait until she was 2 years old to see a speech therapist. Your child is already 2yo so I would just have her evaluated. Even if she does need some help the sooner the better. My daughters speech therapist came right to our home. Better safe than sory but don't get crazy because my doctor also said that some kids are taking so much "other stuff" in that they lag in speech but will catch up just fine. Just be warned there is no "OFF" switch once they do start to talk!!!! A.

My twins started speech therapy at about 20 months. The doctor we went to said they should have about 10 words by 18 months, but my boys had no words. Around 24 months, they should have a lot more words and be stringing them together. Each child is different, though. My daughter was a chatterbox by 24 months. Boys are slower...
Anyway... can you set up an early intervention exam to see if your son qualifies for speech? The speech therapy really helped my twin boys...

My friend has a son who is 26 months old - he barely said anything, and she was getting really worried about his speech. Then literally 4 days ago, his father wanted him to sit still for dinner, and he blurted out "no daddy, I want to watch the Yankees. Courtney eat dinner first". They were shocked, but happy of course. Some kids don't speak at all until they can speak in full sentences. I'd say that if your son clearly understands languages, makes eye contact, uses other ways to communicate, etc. you should just give him a chance and don't stop talking and reading to him. But if you're really nervous, an evaluation probably won't hurt.

Dear R.,

I did not speak a word till I was 2 1/2 yrs old. My mother even went to church to say novinas, LOL. At 2 1/2 she said I began speaking and it was full sentences. Basically I didn't want to speak till I was ready. My son said very basic words till he was around 2 as well. He is six now and his vocabulary is insane. I guess I didn't panic because of my history. Ask your pediatrician. But I wouldn't worry. A year from now you'll wish he'd just shut up :)!!!!

A. B.

Boys, in general, speak later than girls. But usually the second child speaks early because the older child is engaged with them all day long. There's a bit more info here:
http://billiediscoverytoys.blogspot.com/2009/04/thanks-to...

In our area, they have a great early intervention program. I waited until my daughter was 3 1/2 to get her checked, and she had a 19 month delay. The speach teacher was free (provided by the county I guess) In just one year, she has completely changed. Everybody understands her now, and she is more confident and less frustrated. I wish I had looked into the speech thing earlier. My cousin's daughter is only 18 months, and already getting help. It's worth checking.

Hi,

I was told by my pediatrician that at this age they should be putting two to three word phrases together and at least pointing to an object when you mention it's name. I had my son evaluated for what I believed were delayed motor skills, turns out infants and toddlers have a bit of a time line to reach milestones, and I don't mean the one we see in books. The therapist told me they have their own time line to judge the child's learning abilities. They came to my home and evaluated him and even showed me that he was right on track and that helped to put me at ease. Speak with the pediatrician, they will give you the appropriate contact info and just for peace of mind, have your child evaluated.

Good luck..
D.

Some children just take longer before they start talking. My best friend's son was not talking at 24 months and she was very worried. He understood everything that was said to him, made animal sounds and once in a while would say mama or dada. She had him tested and they said he was "on the border" of needing help. She took him the first day to therapy and one week later he was speaking in full sentences. Should you have your child tested? I think that is up to you. If it will give you peace of mind - then do it. I'm sure your pediatrician will also recommend it.

Hi R.

My son was between 15 months and 20 months when I had him tested for a hearing deficiency. Check out his hearing first. After that testing, you will have a better idea of where his language is and possibly need some speech therapy.

Hi R.
My daughter is 18 months old and says maybe three words reliably - mama, dada, and coco (one of our dogs). When I asked the pediatrician if that was normal, he said absolutely, and that by the time she was two I could expect probably another few words reliably. What I mean by "reliably" is, she will generally say something once or twice, and then I won't hear it again for a while(ie., cup. juice, yellow, etc), but reliable words would be those I can count hearing.
In my opinion, and actually in her pediatrician's opinion as well, what is most important at this point is that a child is understanding things - my daughter knows colors, names of objects, and can follow directions (ie., go to the fridge and bring me your bottle) by pointing and doing, but she can't say them yet. If this was still going on a year from now (at 2 1/2), I would be concerned. But, you know the story goes that Albert Einstein never spoke other than a word or two until he was 4 years old!
Talk to your son's doctor at his next visit, I guess, but it seems from what I have heard that it's not an issue at this point.

Hi! I have a 21 month old in the same situation. Our doctor did recommend speech therapy for him, but I will tell you your son is going to be fine!!! My husband and I have started just sounding out the first half of the word and encourage him to repeat it. Like for car just say "ca". We encourage him to say it by offering him something he likes after he tries. For example he loves throwing sticks in the river. When he tries to sound it out I give him a stick to throw. When he says a word (or sound) I clap and say good boy. If he doesn't quite get it say "good try" and reward him also. It won't be perfect, but it is a start. Just don't get frustrated. It should be fun. You are teaching a language how cool is that?

Also, they told us whatever silly sounds you come up with will encourage them to attempt to speak more too. Like my son and I will stomp around the house and yell "BOOM" and then fall down and giggle. Basically the sillier you are the more they want to do it.

I know several kids around your childs age (and mine) who don't have any words. Another difference for my son is that I taught him some signs (ASL)and so he prefers not to speak sometimes because he has another way to communicate, but he is getting the message that we want to hear him too. :) Sorry I have lots to say on the subject. I hope this helped. Take care!

All children develop at different rates. That said, if you are concerned you should check it out. As a special ed teacher early intervention is the best. You can get a free speech and language evaluation through Early Intervention Services. If he qualifies, the services are free as well. My friend and coworker (a speech therapist) was concerned her 2 year old didn't have enough words in her vocab. She had her evaluated and she qualified for speech twice a week for 2 years. She's now entering kindergarten and has been declassified, no more services needed. There's no stigma or permanent record. I'm always in favor of getting things checked out early.

Does his sister play with him, translate for him, get him things? Slow talkers are very common when there is an older sibling. He doesnt have any reason to talk, when his sister takes care of it for him. He will be babbling away in his own time. Boys tend to be slower speaking in any case.

Hi R.,
I think you should way another couple months to have him evaluated for speech.
My yountest will be 3 in October. When I took her in for her 2 year visit, she only spoke a couple words, like yours. she would say "dat du" - this could mean; thank you, love you, or bless you.
About 2 months later, her speech began clearing up and her vocabulary was increasing.
Now I can't shut her up sometimes. I still have some difficulty understanding some of what she says - because now she tries to speak in longer sentences, but we are still working on it and I can understand most of what she is saying.
Have patience, his speech and vocabulary will come. Don't rush him, it will only frustrate him and you.

Hi R.-
If you are worried about your son's speech, you should have him evaluated by Early Intervention. Someone will come to your home and evaluate your son in his own surroundings. If he needs therapy, they will come to your home.
Hope this helps
K.

Tell your pediatrician that you are concerned about your son's speech development and would like him evaluated. He may be eligible for speech therapy...my son was and it was a great experience. More like play than work for the child and it works. Good luck!

I don't know specific numbers, but it is a good sign that he has some words. I think by this point they are supposed to put 2 words together, not just words in isolation. Every child is different. I would contact your pediatrician, if they are concerned they will refer you to birth-3 program in your state. Birth to 3 provides evaluations and services free of charge.

Dear R., All children are different and advance at their own rate of speed. If you are concened you could contact Early Intervention. It is free and they will evaluate your child and either set your mind at ease or recommend your next step. It is good to do this now and not wait. My best, Grandma Mary