My 22 Month Old Still Isn't Really Talking

I would have it looked at but I will tell you none of mine with maybe the exception of one, I have 7, And a son with a learning disibilitie, said but one or 2 "words" before the age of 2, it seemed like as soon as they hit 2 they took off in speech! My three year old took the longest and she know has amazing language and comprehension, most of mine were that way but she is even better, so relax a little talk to him like you would any adult, repeat the word/words, and have him attempt then give him what ever it is.

Enjoy these last few months because once he starts talking, he might not stop! My now 5 year old didn't speak until he was 25 months old. At his 2 year appointment, the doctor was concerned & wanted me to get him into a specialist but I procrastinated & a few weeks later he started talking full sentences that I could understand! So he missed the "baby babbles" and went right to toddler words. Now, he won't be quiet for 2 minutes! Every child is different & I've been told that boys learn to speak later than girls.
T.

Wow, lots of mom's gave great advice. I don't want to repeat, but to let you know that Early Intervention is a good way to go. I believe when scrolling I saw a number in your area for such a thing. Here in Michigan it's called Early On. Two of my kids went through the program, so currently I have 6 years experience with it. I was taught how to bridge sign language with speech. On my own, being Hispanic, I used Spanish and English, sometimes it was easier for them to say it one way over another and at least I could understand what they wanted. Evaluations are always good because sometimes other things can be going on in cognitive development that we just don't see as parents. My son was neurologically delayed and it took him a long time to learn just a few words, plus other issues were going on. Needless to say after helping him in as many ways as I could, and had been taught he's been soaring ever since.

My daughter was different. No reason for the delay, she just was, and she did go through both physical and speech therapy like my son. She also went on to their Pre-Primary Program or classroom for children as early as 3, since Early On ends at three. I'm not sure what's offered in your area, but if there is big concern sometimes it helps to have them in a class like some others moms said they did too. It not only helps with speech, but also helps with their socialization. My daughter soared in the class. She is now in 1st grade and doing just awesome in school. I'm not sure how it would have been had I not had the intervention just to keep an eye on her. Plus if there is a serious problem they know how to go about making sure your child receives services in the school they attend, whether pre-school or grade school. It never hurts to call. One thing I always learned, trust your instincts, even if others say your over reacting. It's always better to be safe than sorry later. An evaluation never hurt anyone. :)

Hope it works well for ya, good luck.

Hi M.,
My son just turned 2 and doesn't talk alot either. My son is very smart and understands what I say to him and can say things if I push him to but is just quiet. Does your son understand what is being said to him? If he does I wouldn't worry about it. What I am doing is having him ask for what he wants before giving it to him. My ped. wanted me to have a speech therapist come to our house to evaluate him but I am choosing to wait because I think he could talk if he chose to he just doesn't. I have taken a little time out during every day where we look at his picture books and practice talking. We were looking at the books before but my oldest was always with us and always said the words first so the one on one time is good. In the 3 weeks I have been doing this it has already helped. Go with your mother instict, if you think there may be something wrong with his hearing or something else, I would get it checked. If you think he is just quiet, there probably isn't anything wrong. Good luck.
Chris

Hi there...
Call your school district and get him evaluated. They will provide FREE speech therapy and help him catch up and stay on track. And there is nothing wrong with early intervention. My son was evaluated shortly before he turned 2 (he wasn't talking much, only had about 10 words). He is now 4 1/2 and is still getting services through the school district at a 4-day a week preschool for FREE. We have seen developmental doctors and he has some issues, but the help he gets at school is AWESOME. he wouldn't be where he is today if we didn't get him help. I would run, not walk to the school district as statistics show that the earlier children receive help, the better. I'm sure your child doesn't have anything major, but he SHOULD be talking by 18 months or so, so he could benefit from some help. Good luck!

Please dont worry too much. I think the worst thing a parent can do is worry and put pressure on the child without knowing that they are applying pressure. I am sure your son will talk when he wants. Most likely he will say a sentence or two not just a couple of words. I know some kids are listeners and talk when they feel they need to. My daughter is nearly 15 months and doesnt walk yet. I know she could if she wanted to because I have seen her take a step or two but I think she is just taking advantage of being carried around a lil more. Just wait your son will surprise you some day!!

I wouldnt worry about him at this age yet, my brother was almost 3 before he talked. However, IF you are continuing to be concerned, talk to his doctor at his next appointment, no need to make one just for this, and ask them to check for fluid build up behind his eardrums. My sister had a little one that didnt talk for a long time either, he had had lots of ear infections too (if there are none of these, then its probably not the case) and one day at a well baby check around the age of 3, they finally saw the fluid build up. We discovered later that he couldnt hear 100% the best before it, but after getting tubes put in, he heard things like the ticking of a clock and was amazed. This is just a suggestion and again only if he gets ear infections alot. Otherwise just keep working with him. When he does say something to you, repeat it back, correctly if he gets it wrong. Parroting him really helps build up the vocabulary. Dont correct outright, that discourages them, but if he says I want ookie, just say, you want a cookie, ok I will get you one. Good Luck!

I'm not criticizing here, and I'm not sure of your situation, but part of the problem may be that probably for the better part of the day his only contact is with you and his infant sister. He needs to be around people that will talk to him in somewhat of an adult fashion, i.e. not baby talking. When you speak to him identify things by their proper name, and and ask him to repeat the word several times. I have a Grandson who was around adults so much that not only did he talk early, he was talking in multiple word sentances that required though processes. On the other hand, when I was little, I had two older sisters and everyone just always knew what I wanted and never made me talk, so I was a late talker. Good luck, hopefully he'll, be one of those that once he does start your long for the days when he didn't talk.

My little guy will turn 2 in March and he still isn't really talking either. I was really panicking about it earlier but I talked to some of my friends and my parents and they told me not to worry...everyone developes at their own rate. So I finally stopped caring about it and lately I've noticed that he is actually try to say more. Not very clear yet, but it's coming. I think you should just relax and let him develope at his own rate...that's what I'm doing. Hope this helps.

No, it isn't something that worrying about will help. Boys tend to start talking later than girls, and some boys talk a lot later than 'average' with no way of telling this was the case by the time they're 9 or 10.

I wonder if your little girl isn't a precocious talker, and maybe translates for him. I've known a number of little guys who didn't start talking until their translator went off to kindergarten -- one little boy was nearly 4. He didn't have any pressing need to learn to talk, he got what he wanted and needed through his sister's intervention. Once she was gone for a portion of the day, he just started talking... not like a 3yo who'd been talking for 2 years, but also not like an 18mo.

As long as you're reasonably sure his hearing is good, there isn't any reason to fret about it. Every child has his own pace, and pushing one thing (while it may speed it up) will push him to stop developing whatever he is getting better at.

It is important to look at the whole child for developmental markers, not just one aspect.

call child development center. you can get you son tested for free or they can set you up with help

Hi,
We have a girl who will be two March 1st and she is still not saying much. She says her handful of words and that is it! She won't even try and repeat the ones you tell her. It is frustrating, especially when you are around other people and their kids are talking...but I know that my daughter can hear just fine, because she can follow simple directions. I just keep reminding myself that the fist time my daughter declares that little family secret to EVERYONE... I am going to wish we were right back here where she couldn't talk yet! Your not alone! Be proud of your little one for the things he CAN do! Good luck!
R.

Hi M.,

My son is 28 months and is not saying more than a dozen words. When he was 2 he only had 4 words. I just recently had him evaluated with Utah's "Baby Watch" early intervention program. They are awesome! They came to my house to evaluate him and said he is only on a 15 month level. (My Dr. recommended them at his 2 year visit, but I opted to wait a few more months.) The speech therapist now comes every other week and just plays with him at our house and gives us tips on how to increase his vocabulary. It is so easy and worth while to do!

In hind sight, I probably should have gotten on the ball earlier with speech therapy. I realize all babies are different, and boys sometimes develop later than girls, but if you are at all concerned there are people that will help, and it won't do any harm to have him evaluated.

They service all of UT and there fees are based on your income. Their # is 800-961-4226.

Good Luck, and don't worry, he is still very young and you have plenty of time to catch him up!

M.

Well I really cant give you much advice I guess I have a 14 1/2 month old and hes not saying much of nothing but mama for everything and he has his own words you know? Im hoping by his next Dr. visit and 18 months he will be saying some words. We can show him a ball or duck and say it to him and nothing we sing to him alot cause that can help to he just isnt ready and other kids his age or younger are saying 10 words by now so all kids are different when they do anything in life. My nephew is 2 1/2 and he talks very well not really sure when it started my mom said maybe at 18 months but Im in the same boat as you I just wish he would say some words but not to worried yet as hes still young. For you though just mention to the Dr. your concerned and see what he/she says for you do. It just may be a waiting process, you cant make them talk so just keep working with him and try to help him out. L.

M., I would call your local ISD and get some speech thereapy started right away. I am sorry but I do not agree with not being worried about a child who is behind in speech. When he wants something repeat the word to him try to get him to say it. Point to things around the house and try to get him to say it. (cup, chair, car etc) When he does reward him. I did this too and even rewarded with chocalate chips one chip for every word. Good Luck M.

Call Birth to 3 connections in the phone book. Are you from Rapid City? Have him evaluated or talk to your pediatrician about it. My son is 4 and he talks like a 2 year old and he had early intervention (speech therapy) since he was a baby. I suspected he was autistic BUT since he was a preemie they blamed it on that. He just started talking too.

My sons both suffer from a mild hearing loss that slowed one down and not the other. My oldest talked very early, my youngest not until he was 3! After that, there was no shutting him up! Don't panic, relax, maybe see your pediatrician to rule out hearing/ear problems and this will help you feel better.

I wouldn't be too concerned quite yet. My son was 2 1/2 and not saying much (about 5 words and MAMA was NOT even one of them!) I have an ECE degree so I just kept playing "children develop at their own pace" in my head over and over, but my mothering instinct finally took over. (Both my husband and my mom were convinced I was overreacting.) I called Millard for their Early Intervention and got my son some help with his speech. He had home visits for a couple months and then started (free) preschool. Towards the end of this first year (of services), he started to blossom (about 3 1/2). This may or may not have happened on its own, but getting speech therapy definitely didn't hurt! I'd just keep on eye on your son--if he's still not saying much at close to 2 1/2, then it's probably best to get him some help. ...but for now, don't worry too much!

I am a Social Worker with a background in Early Intervention. I would call your local Early Intervention Agency for a Speech Evaluation just in case. Boys do talk later and not as much as girls, although you really wouldn't want him to be far behind in case it is something because this definately would impact his learning/developmental skills that he will need to begin school. Don't worry though, he is young and if he needs speech, you'll be glad you caught it early!

GL:)

I am appalled that people are so adamant that you get your son checked or in therapy right away. Boys develop at a slower rate than girls and EVERY child is different- not one is the same. My son did not talk before 2. He waited awhile and then burst out in sentences that were astounding. He is now 4 and has a better vocabulary than many adults.
I would say not to worry until your doctor says you should be. They see hundreds of kids in various stages of developement. Don't feel pressured to keep your child in a little box that says all kids should be a certain way at a certain time. We don't really mean to do it but all parents secretly (or boldly!) play the competition game with their kids. I am not saying that you do but don't feel bad if your kid does not "measure up". Most likely that he will catch up and even surpass those in his age group.
Be encouraged and talk to a professional if you need to! I think Christine V said to go on your intuition- I agree. Be at peace! -Anne

We started speech therapy for our son when he was 18 months old and that may be something for you to look into as well. Your pediatrician should be able to refer you to someone for the initial eval and then they'll be able to place him as needed. Speech therapy is fun for little ones. The therapist works learning into playing games (like pretend food, playdoh, etc...). If your son isn't meeting the developmental milestones listed below (by the end of 18 mo) it would be a good idea to have him evaluated. Has his hearing been checked yet?

Language and Social Skills

* say 8-10 words you can understand
* look at a person who is talking to him
* ask specifically for her mother or father
* use "hi," "bye," and "please," with reminders
* protest when frustrated
* ask for something by pointing or by using one word
* direct another's attention to an object or action
* become anxious when separated from parent(s)
* seek attention
* bring toys to share with parent, act out a familiar activity in play (as in pretending to take a bath)
* play alone on the floor with toys
* compete with other children for toys
* recognize herself in the mirror or in pictures
* seem selfish at times

I wouldn't worry too much. He will talk when he needs to. Actually, if you require him to talk to you for things he needs like juice or a toy or something of that nature. As if you don't understand him. This might start things rolling.
Good Luck. Actually, once he starts talking. You'll be asking yourself "Why doesn't he shut up.!" LOL

my kids weren't talking at that age at all and i had their hearing tested and that checked out great but some kids just have problems talking there is a program they have through the school districts for kids 2 and older that have people come out and work with him 2 times a month for free. my daughter is caught up to her age group now and my son is well on his way.