Communication with 21 Month Old

You might try doing sign language with him. It will improve his ability to learn languages later on and may help him see how he can communicate in whole new ways.

I was concerned with my then 20 month old and spoke with a child development expert. She told me not to worry until she was 2 and greatfully it worked. She hasn't stopped talking since. She is now 4 and 1/2

Hi S., I am a speech language pathologist and I would recommend that you contact your state child find or infant toddler program. They will come to your home and do an evaluation and then give recommendations as to how to help encourage communication. Although it is possible that he may be a "late talk" I am very for early intervention. In the meantime, have you tried sign language? This is a tool that I use frequently with children of this age to help encourage communication. Good luck. If you have any questions, let me know.
Lisa

What you are describing is a very normal almost two year old boy. Boys are more physical first then verbal.
My son had a very talkative older sister so he was talking a little more then expected but he didn't really form full good sentences until after he turned two. Just don't let your son grunt or point, have him say the word or repeat it for him and have him say it. He is normal promise! He is taking his time so it is normal.
Encourage him by asking him questions. But don't worry, I don't think he needs evaluation at all. I watch little boys one from 18 mos who is now almost 4 and he was not a talker at all, then it took off after he turned two. Hang in there, by the time that little sister comes I bet he is doing fine. Also when you go to your two year old well visit the Pediatrician will evaluate where he is at.
No need for worry! :)

I totally agree with Lisa R. That is exactly what I did for my daughter who is 18 months old this past week, so it's funny she mentioned it. I should be getting a call tomorrow to set up my in home evaluation soon. I have 6 kids, and one has ADD, one ADHD, and the other dyslexia, my ADD child was 6 months behind in speech when she was between 2-4, but then she got caught up and never had problems in school with speech. Catching stuff early is so much better. When my son who is now in 3rd grade and 10 years old started school at 4 in Pre Kindergarten, I kept saying something was wrong and that he needed help, noone listened to me (That was in TX) and because of it, he only learned to read this year. His elementary school here in Colorado (we just moved here) tested him immediately and because of it, he is passing in school for the first time ever and loves school now, and doesn't cry anymore when it comes to reading. He has self confidence. It's so important to catch things early- it does a world of good for a child's self confidence and happiness.

You are such a wonderful mother for being concerned, and it may be nothing and your child may not be ready to speak yet, but your concern is certainly valid. I just checked out the book The Late Talker by Marilyn C. Agin, MD, Lisa F. Geng, and Malcolm J. Nicholl from the Library, there are more if you want to put one on hold to read and sent to your local pickup location.

Best of luck to you!

Hi S.,
Give your son some time. I had the same situation with my son, now 4. When he was just about 2 he would only say a handful of words and never a complete sentance. My mom and aunt said just give him some time. Less than a year later he was speaking in 3-4word sentances and now he talks so much I almost miss those quiet days LOL! If by 3yrs old he has improved significantly talk to your Dr and you might see a speech therapist. My nephew wasn't speaking any better by 3 and went to therapy for about a year and now he talks all the time too and he's 6. So just give your son some time.

C. C.