[coolbabe843]

my son is 20 months old and he doesnt really talk yet....he will say ball and dada sometimes but thats about it...does anyone have any suggestions or advice?

[DivasMomma]

Keep working with him...try to make him say things before he gets them...if you are still concerned talk with your pedi and see if they will get you a speech therapist! He's still younger then 2, so i wouldnt be overly worried

[countrymom06]

My son had the same problem. He is now 32! ! Anyhow, we had his hearing checked and he had tons of fluid in his ears. After tubes were put in, he started talking like crazy pretty much immediately. Something to check out for sure.

[ASheppa0821]

My daughter is 20 months and does a lot of chitter chatter. She's got a few words down, but not what a lot of 20 month old kids do. I had the same question a few weeks ago, and it was suggested to me that we read a lot. It really works! Just narrate everything you do. If you're cutting up a banana for him for breakfast say "This is a banana that I'm cutting up for you." I did that with Emma, and she's been saying "be-nana". I think that because we have all these statistics and expectations at our disposal via the internet/magazines/books, we think that if our child isn't in that bracket, something's wrong. I've been amazed at how many women have said that their child didn't talk until they were 3. My cousin didn't say a word (not even "mama" or "dada") until he was 3, and then one day, just came out and said "mama, can I have pickles?" Needless to say, my aunt was stunned...! Emma's ped said she's not worried about speech unless a child is saying absolutely NOTHING by age 2. He's fine...

[Alejandros Mommy]

I have good and bad experience. My oldest did not really "talk" until he was 3. At 2 years old he just said "mama' and small words and people kept reassuring me that he was just quiet and didn't have much to say. We know now that he has expressive and receptive language delay.

My 2 year old who is also a boy, started to talk with sentences at 18 months. So I now see the difference between my 2 sons. IF you feel that there is something wrong go to the doctor. A mothers intuition is usually right.

[luvbeingamommy]

i would say that it is probably nothing to worry about, but maybe the best thing would be to request an early intervention evaluation. That should calm your fears if they feel that he is up to par for his age, and if they reccomend early intervention - well then you can only gain from the professional guidance. Of course you gotta talk, talk, talk to your kids all the time about anything and everything!!!!

[VinniesMommy]

Vinnie was the same way. He was 22 months before he said his first word. He would get so frustrated, it was so sad. I talked to the Ped. and she referred me to Early Intervention and I got him a speech therapist. With in the first couple visits he was talking more. I still don't know if he really needed it or he was just a late bloomer, but they did a lot of really cool things with him to help him pronounce things. His main issue was he didn't know how to say it, so he just wouldn't. Jen ((the speech therapist)) would hold his checks, or rub his throat, depending on what word she wanted him to learn. It was wonderful for him. A lot of times it's paid through the state too, so it might be good to just get him evaluated and see how it goes. Good luck!

[MissyChrissy]

Conner is like that...he's just starting to pick up more words now, at 25 months. I think all children are different, but if it'll make you feel better bring it up with your pedi.

[Samual]

It depends on the child, Jamie is still very quiet, sometimes he will jabber, but its rare as hes quite shy.

[JeanLynn81]

While a speech delay can be pretty common in young children, there are a few other things to check to see if your child is on the right path.


1. Does he make eye contact with people on a regular basis?


2. Does he let you know in other ways what he wants?

For example: Does he pull you or push you in the direction of things he wants?
Does he bring you an empty sippy cup when he wants more?
Does he indicate in any way when its time for a diaper change (such as patting or pulling on his diaper)?

3. Does he point to things, then look at you as if waiting for a word for them?
Does he wave hi and bye?

4. Does he interact with other children at all?


If you answered no to most of those things, then I would recommend asking the pediatrician for three things-
Vision test,
hearing test,
and an evaluation from a speech therapist.

Here we have a wonderful program called First Steps for children up until 3 years of age. Its a great early intervention program that provides at home speech and developmental therapist visits.



If your child has a learning delay, it is very important to get that evaluation a.s.a.p. because the very best programs have waiting lists!!!

I wish you and your beautiful child the best of luck!


Also, if you have any questions at all, I am always glad to help you find an answer.



My child is in First Steps, and is on the waiting list for the Knights of Columbus autism spectrum program (one year wait).

I'm still learning how it all works, but I can most definately help you get started.