Should he be talking yet??

Question

My 13 month old son doesn't say a word. But my 15 month old neice does. When people hear that he doesn't talk they kind of give me funny looks. He just got a frenulectomy last month which I thought was part to blame. But, now I am not sure...

Answer 1

Most boys take longer to speak than girls... as long as he is making sounds (babbling, attempting to speak to you) and doing other normal things like pointing to objects, then he should be fine. I would talk to his doctor about the frenulectomy's effects on his speech though... what he expects would be a typical progression after such a procedure. I'm sure it did have some to do with his speech, especially if the frenulum was particularly short. Generally, boys tend to do more with motor skills (learning to walk, run, climb, jump) than girls, who focus more on speaking, brain processing and listening. Give him a little time to work on it. By 18 months, if he is still not speaking, take him to get an evaluation by a speech/language pathologist. By that point, he should be saying words. In the meantime, just keep talking to him... talk about everything. As you change his diaper, as you drive in the car, as you walk around the grocery store... point out things of interest and talk about everything you do. You may think that you sound like an idiot, but you are helping to build his vocabulary and language skills by giving him names for things and showing him the flow of conversation. Act as if he is talking back to you in words you understand in order to communicate to him that speaking is important and worthwhile. When he wants something, make him attempt to ask for it. Even "ju" when he wants juice is an attempt to communicate and worthy of praise and the cup of juice. You can also make picture cards of items he frequently wants, such as crackers, fruit or drinks by taking digital photos of the items, and printing them out, putting them into magnetic fridge frames and putting on your refrigerator door. This way, he can point to the thing he wants and avoid some of the frustration that comes with attempting to communicate. Another way to work on the communication is using simple sign language. Get a book on simple signing, such as Signing For Kids by Mickey Flodin, and teach your son the signs for things like cracker, cookie, drink, etc. As he gets more proficient in his language development, the speech will come and the signing/pictures will fade out. I did both of these with my youngest daughter beginning when she was 10 months old, and now, at 2 1/2, she speaks in 10-14 word sentences. Working with your son at home will greatly influence the outcome of his speech.

Answer 2

my daughter is now 21 months and when she was 17 months I went to visit a friend whos son is a week older than her. He was talking away and my daughter didnt say a word. Now, 4 months later, she is not just saying single words but saying a couple words together. Some babies are abservant and observe what people say before they start to speak. I think it is very smart. You could think of your child as a thinkier and not a talker.
Also, I have a cousin who didnt speak a single word until he was 5! And he is very smart. It just depends on the child.

Answer 3

Healthy boys sometimes don't talk at all until they are three! All kids develop at different ages, so all you can do is talk to him a lot, and try emphasizing certain words, and repeating them, which might encourage him to talk. For example, if you wanted to teach him the word "banana," you could get him a bowl of them (chopped into little pieces), and say, "Do you want some banana? Banana? Can you say banana?" This kind of thing will encourage him to try saying the word you have been emphasizing. Other than that, just let him develop at his own pace, and don't worry about what other kids are doing.

Answer 4

As the mother of a 22 month old boy, i have learned that most boys are slower than girls with speech. although i do have my son in Early Intervention. he is still not really talking at 22 months old. A teacher comes to my house once a week and we work on activities with him to promote communication. i have seen improvements in just 3 weeks now!! but don't get worried. my best friends daughter is 2 months younger than my son and she is speaking sentences!!! So i know how you feel!!

ASk your ped about Early Intervention

Answer 5

Mine didn't talk at all at 13 months and very little at 15 months. Now at 26 months he is non-stop. Sing to him as much as possible. I heard that they will catch on to that faster than talking. Also, I talk to my son all the time. When i am shopping I see many mothers who have their baby in the carriage and the kid is just 'there' while she shops. Meanwhile, I'm getting funny looks because I am talking and singing to my son while I shop (which is a big improvement because I was talking to myself all the time before he was born- lol).

Answer 6

Yes, every child is different. My nephew, Elias, started talking a tiny tiny bit, he's 11 months. By 15 months I think he will be definitely talking since he says some small things already. He'll start to talk and when he does he will never stop! You'll wonder why you worried so much!

Answer 7

My son just started talking a lot in the last 6 months. He is almost 3. I would not be concerned. Check with your pediatrician. Girls may talk sooner than boys but just always remember each child is different.

Answer 8

All kids are different and reach milestones at different times; however, if and when you have concerns, don't wait too long to speak with an early intervention specialist. They can accurately tell you what is the normal range and help meets your needs if your child needs it. Also, talk to your child constantly. Speak in a regular voice too.

Answer 9

Dont worry. Girls do speak faster than boys. And once he starts talking, trust me you'll miss the days when he smiled quietly and gurgled away! Remember every child is unique and special and develops in his/her own way. Comparing kids only makes moms feel lousy.

Answer 10

It doesn't mean a thing, he's fine. I watched a documentary on famous scientist and most didn't talk til age 3 because they were too busy thinking. Strange Huh?