questions about speech/receiving services from EI

DS is 14 months. he has NO words. not mama, dada. DH thinks he says hi, but its debatable. he babbles all day, he jabbers, if i talk to him he babbles back, just nothign that makes sense. he doesn't wave bye either. and doesn't really point -he stretches his whole hand, but doesn't piint wiht a finger.
so here's my question- at what point would you call EI? at 12 mo visit, ped swaid definitly do not worry until 15 mnths, but he said it's worth a call at 15 months if there are no words.

Re: questions about speech/receiving services from EI

I work as a special educator for EI. My DS is 13 months and only says dada specifically, but he's been on the late end of normal for all verbal milestones. Does your DS seem to understand what you say to him? At this age, they look at receptive language more than expressive. My Ds can follow many directions and points to body parts and pictures in books upon request, so I'm not concerned with the lack of words right now. Even though he doesn't wave, does he imitate other actions?

Re: questions about speech/receiving services from EI

Re: questions about speech/receiving services from EI

I personally think your DS sounds fine! The babbling, pretend play already (which is great!) are all great things. Some kids say actual words later...

If, at 15 months there are no real words, it couldn't hurt to get an eval. But i have a feeling in your DS's case the words are going to come very soon...all the other great signs are there.

I think today people have wayyy more concern for a child to do things at an exact time (i'm not saying YOU, just people in general). In reality, babies are going to do things at totally different paces. EI is wonderful. As a former mom to a child who went through tons of services, I can tell you how thankful I was for it. But my son was not pointing, no words, low receptive skills at 15 months, no pretend play at that age...etc...and now at 4 he is doing great.

HTH.