Mom of 17 Month Old Seeking Advice on Son Who Doesn't Say Too Many Words

Okay... both of my sons had/have speech issues. You and your ped. are right to be concerned this early. But concerned is a lot different than jumping into therapy. He should be using some words in context by 18 months. Boys tend to talk later... and it does seem like there is a big language explosion when they turn 2, but the fact that he isn't using any words, just babbling right now is a big concern. Reading to him is great. Point to pictures on the page and say what the item is. Encourage him to try saying the word several times. If he wants something, try not to give him what he wants until he attempts to say the word. (Very hard to do, I know, but if he gets all his needs satisfied why should he talk?) Repeat words at least three times in a row, encouraging him to try. These are some of the things a speech therapist will do with him, and tell you to do with him at home between visits. If the ped. still wants to do therapy when you see him/her in January Look into the Early Intervention program through the state. They are absolutely wonderful!

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You make it sound like "having to see a speech therapist" would be bad. If that is what he needs, then it will in fact be great for him. He may be frustrated if he is saying things and you don't understand them. Maybe he needs a little extra help - we all need some help in something. It is better that he get the help as soon as possible as early intervention tends to be more successful. It can I know be stressful. I think we all worry a lot about whether are children are doing what they should be at different times but sometimes we do need to get a little assistance. Good luck.

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I've read most of the other posts and they are right on. My older son only said about 8 words when he turned 2, and we started him in the Zero to Three program (state program in WI, same as in IL)right away. It took a few months until we actually got a speech therapist working with him, and it was the best thing. We moved to IL right before he turned 3 and he goes to the public preschool for early intervention. That is the best preschool, and we are so happy we sent him there. We were worried that he'd be labeled, but that doesn't happen now of days. Kids are pulled out of class for all sorts of reasons now. Anyway, my older son no longer has a speech delay, because we got him the help early. My younger son, now 22 months, doesn't say anything other than "mama" or "dada", and he doesn't say them in the right context either. He understands language well though. I called the IL Zero to Three program a month ago, and he will be evaluated in January and will hopefully start therapy then too. I think that there is nothing wrong with speech therapy, as it gives your son and you so much. They will teach you what you can do to help him progress. The only regret I have with my older son is not starting him in therapy when he was 18 months (my younger had colds and constant ear infections so I couldn't get him in til now since they do a hearing test to rule out any issue there). Good luck!

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Go to the speech thearapist! I waited until our son was 2. Then had him evaluated by an early intervention service in Indiana (First Steps). At 2, he only used 10-15 words, no phrases. He qualified for services. After only 12 weeks of speech, occupational therapy and developmental therapy, he was using more than 150 words and 3-4 word sentences. I should have done it when he was younger and we would have had less frustration from both of us. I am a first grade teacher and others kept telling me...he'll talk just give him time, but I thought there were other issues. After evaluation, we found he has a mild sensory processing problem. It was easily dealt with through occupational therapy and the speech and developmental therapies supported what the OT did. I wouldn't wait. Go to the speech therapist or you may be able to use the early intervention service in your state. In Indiana it is called First Steps. I think it may be in the phone book. Your peditrictian should know about it. Good Luck, T.

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My son was on the same schedule. He understood everything I said and followed commands. He maybe spoke 6-8 words and at two, maybe a dozen. I asked my pedi and she said not to worry until he is 2.5 and you don't see progress. Just two months after his 2nd bday and he is off like a verbal rocket!! I was nervous, but he wasn't exhibiting any other signs of an issue. I would monitor him, but give it some time and patience. All kids are on different schedules.

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