Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

When do you really start to worry? Ryan is 17 months. He says Mom, Dad, Hannah (DD), woof woof for the dog, uh oh (all the time), num num, ball, and what's that. That's it. We've had his hearing tested & its perfect. He knows what things are. If I ask him the rundown of body parts, he points to the right ones. If I ask him to get a certain toy, he gets it. This kid does not sit still for a minute & was wondering if any other moms had the quiet, active type toddlers. Any advice would be great. Thanks!

Message edited 1/7/2011 9:17:59 PM.

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

I would not be too concerned right now. He will probably have a speech explosion soon. It sounds like about 8 words 9to be considered words they must mean something to him. The fact that he can point to labeled objects and body parts is a good sign. He is fine. But if he does not have at least 50 words by the age of two I would get him checked out for EI...but he is still fine. Ask your ped at your 18 mo check-up if you are really worried.

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

I could have and maybe did lol write a post very similar to yours. DS barely had any words at 2 yrs. old. I was concerned but knew that he understood everything he was told, followed directions, etc. so I didn't get too crazy. I ended up not evaluating him and now he is going to be 3 in March and he talks ALL day long lol. New words everyday. Some kids (I swear it's a boy thing too) just need a little more time. Don't stress

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

Thanks ladies... DD was much more verbal at this age, but definitely not as active. DS literally doesn't stop moving ALL DAY LONG!!!

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

My DS had a big word explosion between 17 and 18 months. Until then he really didn't say much at all.

I would talk to your ped about your concerns at the 18 month visit... but I'm sure everything will be fine!

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

same here....DD exploded at 18 months! It was amazing! Now at 22 months she says everything!!

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

I was concerned about my DS's speech and I asked the pediatrician about it at his two year appt (my DS was also a very active toddler). He said not to worry, give it about six more months. As we walked out of the office, he started talking non-stop -it's as if he knew what we talked about. Your DS sounds fine to me - he's just busy with other things right now.

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

I could have posted the exact same thing! My DD is also 17.5 months and says about 10 words. I'm waiting for the next few months to see what happens....she seems to talk a lot in her "own language"

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

Posted by cj7305

I could have and maybe did lol write a post very similar to yours. DS barely had any words at 2 yrs. old. I was concerned but knew that he understood everything he was told, followed directions, etc. so I didn't get too crazy. I ended up not evaluating him and now he is going to be 3 in March and he talks ALL day long lol. New words everyday. Some kids (I swear it's a boy thing too) just need a little more time. Don't stress

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

My DD is very similar. She might have a few more words, but doesn't use them very often. I'm really not concerned yet, because I know she understands us most of the time, and she can follow directions (although she chooses not to). I do plan to bring it up to the dr. at her 18 month visit, though. (She's 16 months now).

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

Coming from someone whose DS had a speech delay I can say that your son sounds like he is right on target.

You will see an improvement between now and two years old. If you don't see an improvement I would call EI - but I don't think that will be the case here

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

I wouldn't worry at all. It sounds like he's right on track. My pediatrician wanted 5 words by 18 months. He said the real word explosion may not happen until closer to 2. It's common for boys to be on the later side with developing speech. See how he is during the next few months. He'll probably start picking up more and more words.

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

Thanks so much for all the words of advice! I definitely feel better!

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

DS has also been quiet when it comes to speech but has been super active since the day he was born. He never really started to babble until about 8 months old. Now he babbles all the time (15 months) and will say "uh oh" and "whoa!" In the MOTN, he'll cry "dada" and "mama" but not say it during the day. He mimics us a lot though....

I know he understands everything, so I'm not really worried. I'm just not expecting much until he's about 2. Hopefully he surprises me with more words before then, but if not, I'm not getting myself crazy over it.

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

Honestly, this doesn't sound bad to me for 17 months. How is his receptive speech? If you think he also understands a lot of what you are saying, I wouldn't worry at this point.

DS said less than that at 21 months when I had an EI evaluation done. He barely qualified for services, and what pushed him over the hump was the fact that he also had difficulty chewing and eating table foods.

At this point, I would continue labelling, reading to him, etc. and I think more words will come. Maybe try to teach him a few powerful words he can use (such as help me, more, etc.) and that might make him more interested in speaking. Learning some sign words would be good too. Good luck, I'm sure he'll be fine!

Re: Really starting to worry about DS's lack of speech

My DD is 19 months now and has just about the same vocab. Ped said not to be concerned. She's very vocal just not with words we understand.