Speech Development for 16 month old?

Question

My daughter who is now 4 spoke at least 30 words at 16 months, however my 16month old son only says about 3. A few months back is vocab was probly about 7 words but he no longer uses or seems to remember many of them. I am a stay at home mom so he gets plenty of attention & nurture. But the more I see my friends 13 month old the more concerned I become. I points and grunts alot, and makes a few gestures but will not even try and ask for a drink when he is thristy or ask for food when hungery. Do I have anything to be concerned about?

Answer 1

Using 3 words at 16 months old is definitely normal. But it could be the sign of a problem if he *lost* words. It's probably fine, but talk to your pediatrician at your next visit if you're still worried. And don't worry--giving your son a drink when he is thirsty *won't* make him speak worse or later...my daughter was the absolute *best* example of a baby who didn't "need" to speak (she was born many years after her 4 brothers!!). She spoke very early and clearly because she *wanted* to, not because she "had to".

Answer 2

Moms are gap fillers. We see a gap in our kids development or character, and we go in and get help to close the gap. So, you are good to be aware, and address it. But you don't need to worry.

My 10 year old was diagnosed with an expressive language delay. At 16 months he was also less verbal, and used body language to communicate. So, maybe some early childhood activities geared towards getting himself to use words through games, and activities would be helpful. Also, ask a speech pathologist at your county health department or local school district to give you information about the process that boys go through to develop language.

Boys and girls develop language differently. But do accept this as an excuse, just be more intent on guiding your little guy outside his comfort zone a little bit so that he become more confident in expressing himself.

Also babies at this age do great at learning sign language. Boys especially are quicker to use a body signal. So there are signs for more, and for thank you.

When my 10 year old is tired, he'll revert back to using sign language that he has learned at school and church. He words are extremely slow.

Also, be very diligent to protect his words. Don't let big sister interrupt him when he is telling a story (in gibberish) while looking at a book.

My 10 year old at this age would also bite, because of his frustration with finding the right words to get what he wanted.

You are wise to seek guidance.

Answer 3

Don't worry to much about it yet. Make sure that you are not handing her what she wants without making her ask for it or that her sister isn't talking for her. Some children just have no desire to speak right away. My first was using his first words at 6 months, my second was almost three before I could get anything out of him. At 6 he is speaking like a normal 6 year old. Wait a little longer before getting worried. Talk to you doctor next time you are in and see what he says.

Answer 4

Don't worry at all.. My son is 21 months and he is just now talking.. we were so concerned we had his hearing tested and everything.. he is now starting to talk and say small words.. My doctor told me not to worry that a lot of boys are more hands on and stubborn and will talk when they are ready.. my son made a lot of gestures as well.. I just repeated things over and over again.. things he would pick up and other stuff you just have to be patient and keep working with him.. if he is saying a few words he'll continue when he is ready.. never compare your child to another because they are all different..

Answer 5

My daughter is 18 months old and she says some words but not alot like so babies. I also am a stay at home mom. And i think that being around them so much you can anticipate their needs. So instead of saying wa wa for water he might point. I have also been told that some babies just as adults are listeners instead of talkers, I think there is nothing to worry about.

Answer 6

I think your son is going to be fine. Boys normally take longer than girls to do everything. My daughter caught on to everything while my son took his time. It's just a matter of them being ready for it. I put my son in speech therapy classes. That helped, but it was just a matter of doing the same exercises that the therapist did with him.

A lot of our problem was that his older sister spoke for him most of the time. We had to show her that he had become dependent on her when it came to talking. He came around. Like I said he'll start talking when he's good and ready to. Boys are on their timing, they wont let you push them into anything.

If you still are concerned about the situation the program I had him in is called E.C.I, Early Childhood Intervention. You can e-mail me for more info. They work with you according to your budget.

Answer 7

I don't think you should have any concern about that. When he is good and ready he will talk, talk ,talk. My son was around that age to age 2 before he really spoke. I myself did the same thing. Don't feel discouraged that he's not talking. If you are still concerned I would get reassurance from his pediatrician.

Answer 8

i think of age sixteen months is a touch early to initiate putting labels on him. i could circulate with the early formative years intervention centers centers presented yet i does no longer concern too plenty at this component. you do no longer supply any suggestions approximately his well being background so it is complicated to declare. sixteen month olds babble and comprehend some issues that are spoken to him. they are able to persist with some somewhat user-friendly instructions. concern fixing postpone??? a sixteen month previous? What does that even recommend?? i don't understand something approximately early initiate yet i could get a 2nd opinion.

Answer 9

I really think he's okay. It's natural for babies to "regress" a bit when it comes to their vocabulary. Also, try not to forget that it's not a contest. I know it's easier said than done. Just try to relax a bit, read to him A LOT, and talk to him every chance you get.

Best of luck!!