My 22 Month Old Son Doesn't Really Talk-please Help

1) If he's not affectionate (hugging, kissing, showing emotions) then it would be a good idea to check for autism. That's the big sign the therapists said that they look for when they are evaluating a little one.

2) The best thing you can do is get him evaluated. I did that with my son (he turned 2 in March) and the program he's in is a miracle for our family.

I didn't feel like there was anything wrong, but my husband did. A few of my friends had their kids tested w/differing results. That made me more comfortable with the idea/process. I really wanted to believe that eventually he would talk.....What finally made me get him tested was that we did a library program for 2 year olds and he just seemed way behind where his peers were in terms of speech. 2-year olds can vary a lot, but you notice when his peers (boys and girls) are talking and he can barely say mom or dad or "no". I wish I had gotten him tested sooner because it would have saved us a lot of tantrums and confusion!

Look at it this way, if you get him tested and there's nothing wrong, then you've saved yourself a lot of worry. If you get him tested and there is something wrong, then you've caught a problem early and you can get him help.

You are not alone. There are a lot of other kids/parents in this situation. In fact, a mom I know is a speech therapist and her son is in speech therapy because he's having problems w/speech (ironic, huh?). It really can happen in anyone's family.

Here, in Michigan, we have programs through the public schools and, if he/she qualifies for services, then it is free for the family. It's really worth your time to get him checked out. There are also private clinics and hospitals that have speech pathologists. I don't know what your state offers, but it's worth looking into. Good luck to you!

Let us know what you decide and how it works out for you.

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Neither of my kids spoke much until after they turned two, and most kids I know are the same. Boys are usually slower to speak as well. I wouldn't worry, but ask the doctor what they think. And tell your relative what the doctor says, lack of talking doesn't signal autism, lack of response to talkin or interacting does. Sorry they said that to you! Each child develops at a different pace.

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Hi B.,
Every kid is different and even if you would want to keep an eye on your baby for other symptoms, just no talking could be just him taking longer.
My first baby talk, well I can say that she born talking but it was close, and now she doesn't talk a lot.
My second baby she will be 2 in a week, she wasn't talking at all and I was staring to worry as well.
I do leave the TV on in Noggin (now Nick junior) and now many parents are against letting your baby watch TV it help my daughter, she only watches Noggin and she "loves" the reindeer.
I never stop taking (I talk a lot just by nature) and all of the suddenly she is talking a lot!!
I am no kidding, she went from just a couple words to a lot of talking in a little more than a month.
She counts from 1 to 20, she knows her abc's, colors (even magenta) many animals and their sounds, please, thank you, and many more including many in Spanish.
It sounds to me that they know the words they just either don't feel the need to say them or they don't figure out that WE want them to talk.
So, first don't worry to much unless you see any other signs, look if he is interested in some TV shows, my daughter start to repeat what Dora says or when the reindeer of Noggin counts, etc.
Keep talking to him, make sure to be and sound happy when she talks to you. Make daddy say words that your son knows and talk back and fort in front of your son.
If you can show her other little kids talking, so he knows talking is not a grown up only thing.
PS: We also have the Your Baby can read, but for me, it looks like Dora and the reindeer push her more to talk.

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I had the same question one year ago.
And have answered many questions like that since, so you can check on my profile for details.
In short:
- speech delay is just that, speech. I doesn't necessarily mean any other trouble.
- I would recommend Early intervention evaluation. Services are free before 3 years. If there is a problem, they will help, if everything is OK, you will be reassured. They check everything during the evaluation, not only the language, so you will receive complete information regarding where your son stands.
- My son had 6 words at 24 months. He had Early Intervention evaluation. Delay in speech and ONLY in speech. He turned 3 in May and just doesn't stop talking now (or better say he doesn't stop asking questions about everything)
Best,

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My 2 year old (turned 2 in march) says only a hand full of words, and only on demand. He doesn't use them to communicate. We've had evaluations, and he is fine. Speech delay doesn't always mean a major disability or autism.... sometimes it really is only a speech delay. We're in group speech therapy, and he's enjoying it and starting to make more sounds, but not words yet.

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AT home, just talk to him a lot. "You want a drink? Here is your red cup." Yes, no, thank you, please, etc. Talk, talk, talk. "Oh look Johnny, there is a green truck. See the red ball?" He'll pick it up sooner or later, with or without speech help. He may need an evaluation, but it should be a habit to be naming things for him and use one describing word with it. "blue pants" - etc....

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Our 2nd child did not start talking until he was goodness, almost 3 and he does have an older brother that did it all for him. When he did start talking you could not understand him. He knew words, understood what people said, but just did not talk very much. Now you can't get him to shut up! As long as your son has interaction with others, and understands when you are communicating then I think autism is a overreaction. Does your child attend a playschool or mother's morning out? Do you read to your child on a daily basis? If there are no other signs of autism I would quit thinking about that and focus on language skills and social interaction with peer groups. Vacation Bible School, and public playgrounds are a great cheap way to go if not in playschool. Playdates with other mothers are a good cheap way to find social interaction. Boys tend to do things at a slower pace than girls, talking, potty training, dressing themselves, etc.

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Okayyyyyy, where to begin. Oh, I know, with the family member. Unless this person is a developmental behavioral specialist, I would tell this person that there is nothing that alarms first-time parents more than throwing the "a" word around - particularly if they are unqualified to make that sort of assessment. There are LOADS of children who don't talk as much as their peers. It is highly likely that because your son is an only child, the baby talk thing is getting him what he needs. It's probably sort of cute, so he keeps doing it. I would assume no one has told him to stop with the "baby talk". If no one has, then it would not surprise me that your son can get by with "mom", "dad", "kitty cat", etc. Do you talk for him? In other words, do you get him what he needs without him fully verbalizing it himself first? I did that a lot when my daughter (now six and a complete chatterbox) was your son's age.

I guess what I am trying to say to you is to rely on a professional to evaluate your son. Chances are, he will be fine. But if you are still worried, there are many folks you can avail yourself of. Try to relax. I know it's hard, but there are many late talkers out there.

Good luck!

E.

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My sister didn't have to talk because we all understood what she wanted. The pediatrician told us that when she was ready, she'd talk - he was right.

If you are concerned, have her evaluated. Contact your pediatrician.
LBC

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Some children begin talking early and other begin much later. Not all children who have not started talking by the time they are 2 have autism.
Here are some things to think about . . .

Even though your son really isn't talking yet, how is his interaction otherwise? Does he point to objects or pictures in an effort to try to communicate or share wihat he is seeing with others? Does he turn his head to look when you call his name? When you are with him and you point something out for him to look at, does he turn his head to look? Is he engaging in imaginary play? Does he seem interested in other kids or other people? Or does he shy away from them? Does he babble? Does he seem to understand what other people are saying to him? How's his eye contact when people are talking to him?

As you are going through these questions, if there is any thing there that raises a red flag for you, I would suggest that he have his hearing tested and have him evaluated by a speech therapist. You can refer him to your State's Early Intervention Services Department to have him evaluated and, if there is some kind of delay going on, they will provide free in-home therapy services until he turns 3. There's usually a delay from the time that you make the call and the time that services begin, so the sooner you make the call, the better. Also, if you have private insurance that will cover the costs of having his hearing tested and speech evaluated, then I would definitely pursue that route (in addition to contacting Early Intervention). From my own personal experience, you receive better quality services and the therapists are more forthcoming about what your child's issues are and what your best treatment options are when you are the one paying for the service.

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point things out to him often and tell him what they are and talk to him. My oldest didn't talk a lot either until after 2 and he was very smart so when he did start talking he would point at letters in a book and tell us what they were so he was listening and processing things all around him but didn't actually say many words until he was 2 1/2.

He would bring us books to read to him at 9 months. At a year we had a magna-doodle and would write a letter on it and tell him what it was and he loved to erase it. (he would bring us the magna-doodle often to play this game)

My hubby and I are pretty quiet and he wasn't around many people so we figure he didn't talk much at first because he really wasn't around a lot of talking but when he was 2, my hubby went to Panama for 6 months and my son and I went to stay with my parents for a few months and my family are talkers. He started talking soon after we got there.

I wouldn't worry too much about it. He will talk soon and you won't be able to keep him quiet lol

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Your son is probably fine but I think you should call your early intervention anyway. They will probably say he is fine and then you can go on your way. But they also may pick things up that you think are no big deal or not even notice that may be causing his possible speech delay. For example, my son only said about 20 words at 2 years (the baseline is 50) but I thought he was ok since he would bring me to what he wanted or put my hand on what he wanted. Now I know that that is NOT ok. Actually, it was a red flag for something more serious. He has had therapy now for 2 months and he never does that anymore. He has improved tremendously. I actually wish I had called a little earlier.

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Check with your pediatrician. Verbal expectations for very young children are not as high as some people might think because development varies so much at this age. Your doctor might ask some basics, like if he knows the words you have mentioned and maybe a few more, can point to or say some body parts, etc. If you are worried, you can see if there are any early intervention services in your area that are free, but it sounds more like other people are worried for you. Personally, I would wait it out. His gibberish will make sense soon. My younger boy will be 2 in August and he has only recently had a verbal explosion and won't stop talking (but half the time we still have no idea what he is saying). Your son sounds just fine to me. :)

Please have his speech tested through your regional center. (In California, there are state Speech Therapist that will test and provide therapy for free up to three years old; then they are referred to the school district). There must be an equivilent in your state.

My son was two years old when my mom suggested that I have him tested. I brought it up to his pediatrician who said that boys talk later than girls. I wish I had immediately moved on my mother's suggestion. By the time he was tested, he was 2 1/2 and it took a few weeks more to start services. He qualified for two hours of speech and two hours of Occupational therapy. He is not autistic. He simply has a speech issue that involves motor planning.

All studies point to the fact that the earlier you get your child services, the better the outcome. He is now seven and above grade level. He still needs speech therapy but I have a healthy, happy boy who feels good about himself.

Follow your gut...I find that mine is rarely wrong.

All speech delays are not autism, but it is important to seek an evaluation by age 2 if your son does not have a base line of 50 words and he is not using two together in a simple sentance. Do not head the "boys speak later" junk, the milestones apply to boys and girls equally. Never wait and see with developmental issues. I would expect that your son needs a speech evaluation, and I would just go ahead and schedule it now.

He should see a private Speech and Langauge Therapist for an evaluation. At his age, this should be covered by your insurance. He should also qualify for state Early Intervention services, and you should call them too, but don't depend on them to be everything your son needs, nor to be totally accurate if they deny service. Their service delivery is dependent on state budget and mandates to make children "functional" and you will want more than that. Always know more about your son than any state agency and own a private evaluation.

Quell any talk that contains a diagnosis. The only people who should ever tell you, or suggest to you, that your child has or may have a specific disablity is a professional who is trainied to do so. There seems to be a great deal of hysteria right now about autism, and it is fueled by a healthy misunderstanding of what autsim is, I would hate for any parent to delay an evaluation that could reveal a simple issue that will respond well to a few months of therapy because of fear of autsim. Most delays are much less complicated and will respond very well to early intervention. Don't wait.

M.

It doesn't ever hurt to get a professional opinion...with that being said my daughter was similar to your son at that age, then she actually hit her 2 yr mark and has progressed rapidly, no more doubt, she is absolutely fine!

A lot of these mommies on here throw around the "A" word and always suggest getting the kids evaluated by someone, that does something...but what lots of them don't tell you, is that a lot of how your child grows and hits his/her milestones have a lot to do with birth placement as well. For example, my daughter is the youngest of 7 kids in my family and was doted on hand and foot and didn't need to talk, there was always a brother or cousin around to run and get her anything they "thought" she was wanting:)
Same can be said for 1st born kids, they are usually doted on just the same way by the parents!

I agree with increasing the amount that you, yourself talk to your son and then asking his Dr. at his next well-child check up...or sooner if you are very worried! Like I saiid, it doesn't ever hurt to ask a professional...but don't get yourself all worked up unnecessarily!

my son did not speak until he was 3. We had to take him to speech therapy for 2 years. He is 5 now, and perfectly fine. What my sons problem was, and you might want to look into this, was low muscle tone in his mouth. You can tell if that is the problem if they have treally fat cheeks, and don't chew their food good, and are very picky eaters. He had to have a lot of therapy to his jaw, and mouth. Also, another thing that we tried that worked amazingly was fish oil. They sell it for young childeren in the liquid forms, and it helps get their brain going to talk....IDK the whole logistics behind the fish oil, but all that I know is that it worked for my son, and I have recommened it to some friends who have similar problems, and it has worked for them. there is also a book called "The Late Talker" that you should read. It talks alll about he fish oil thing. Don't let people automatically make you asume taht it is Autisem. It could bea whole slew of other things that are not so devastating. But I know how scarry that it is to go through that. I will keep you in my prayers, and I hope taht I have helped you somewhat.

We are going thru the same thing. My son (who is 2) wasn't really talking. He had a few words down but not alot. So we asked our doc to recommend a therpist. Before we started speech therapy he was evaluated on speech and development. His development came back great so he just wasn't talking. We had his hearing check. He did come back with a slight hearing loss so we had it checked again it he was hear tones and such well enough where it should not affect his speech. But I am glad we found out about it so we can track it. After all of this (it took about 4 months) we started speech therapy. That first session he said 7 new words. Therapist just know what they are doing. Now he is saying whole phrases.
I didn't have time to read all the responses but when I was looking stuff up about it I read alot of questions and answers. Just wanted to let you know it is not always bad. And they don't always come around on their own. Sometimes they (and you) just need a little help.

B., get to a speech therapist for an evaluation. Your child should be saying a lot of words after 24 months. You can google speech development milestones and see what is expected. The quicker you get early intervention involved, the easier it is to help your child in the long run.

Also have the ped send you for a hearing test with an ENT. Hearing problems are a big reason why children don't learn to talk.

I went through speech therapy with my son. You can do this, Brianna. Don't wait. The process takes time and you don't want to waste it.

All my best,
D.

When I took our son to his 18 month check up (he's almost 5 now), the doctor was concerned because he didn't talk. I wasn't alarmed...just thought he was a late talker. She encouraged me to have his hearing tested. I didn't think he had hearing issues, because he'd come when I called his name, etc. We did get his hearing tested and he had complete fluid blockage in one ear and 50% in the other. The doctor could not believe he had not had one ear infection. Usually, ear infections are a sign of fluid in the ear. Anyways, we had tubes put in at 20 months and started speech. He is almost 5 and NEVER stops talking:)

I'm not sure where you live, but most (if not all) states have free services for kids birth-3 years. We used Tiny-K in Kansas. The speech therapist would come to our home and work with him.

I'd start with a hearing test!

My son, also a first born, didn't talk until he was two. A lot of people also said it was autism, which only served to make me nuts. I don't know why but shortly after his second birthday, his speech improved rapidly from three words to whole paragraphs. He is 3-1/2 now, scary smart, and a chatterbox. The best advice I got when he was still non-verbal was, when he is ready, he will speak and you will never get him to stop.

Trust your instincts as a mom, you knew him before anyone else. If you think he is fine, then you are probably right. If you are worried, mention it to the pediatrician at his 2 yr check-up.

I would try getting a hold of Parents as Teachers or some program similiar to that where someone comes to your house once a month and see how your child is progressing developmentally. I used that for my son's 1st year or so of life because he was 10 weeks premature and I was a little concerned about his speech as well. He's 3 now and his speech is still a little delayed but having Parents as Teachers eased my mind that he was doing ok.