!5 month old son doesnt talk much?

Question

I have a 15 month old son who has been developmentally advanced unless it comes to talking. He babbles a lot and knows what a ball is and can almost say bubbles. He says Mama and Dada too. Im really worried that he may have Aspergers or a form of Autism. I dont expect him to be perfect, but even his daycare has concerns because he doesnt talk or babble as much as the other kids and seems to be "in his own little world." Mason has always been an observer and loves to watch people and things and he doesnt show any other signs except for the lack of talking. Any ideas? I read to him daily and he goes to a state or the art daycare where everyone has a degree in child dev. so I know his needs are being met there. Im really worried.

Just a note: I never baby talked to him. My husband and I have always spoken to Mason in full sentences. We always give him chances to speak back and let him know its ok if he cant say things just yet. He has just done everything early (walking at 7 months,etc) Trust me, I dont expect too much of him, Im just a concerned parent. I love my son so much and just want to catch any problems he has (if any) early enough.

jennaanderton? Im offended that you would tell me that my son didnt walk at 7 months. Every child is different and my son did walk at 7 months. Thanks

Answer 1

A couple thoughts for you...

First, since he was walking so early, he may have been focusing on his physical skills so much that his language is now a little behind. In my experience, kids can only focus on one major task at a time. My older daughter was a bit late with walking and crawling, but her fine motor skills and language comprehension were amazing at a year old. My younger daughter crawled and walked earlier, but it took her a little longer to catch up on fine motor skills and language.

Another idea... his observant personality may lead him to soak everything in first before trying it himself. My older daughter (and a couple other kids I know) are this way. They won't do something until they *know* they can do it. My older daughter didn't say her first words (mama, dada, up, and dog) until 13-14 months, but she now talks non-stop with great enunciation and vocabulary at 3 years old. She just needed to know she could do it right.

Have you had your son's hearing tested to be sure he's hearing everything well? Does he understand a lot of words even if he can't say them? Can you tell him to "bring me the ball", and he will? Have you tried teaching him any signs (even just simple ones for "more" and "all done")?

We taught my older daughter just those two signs, and she took off -- making up her own signs for lots of words that she couldn't say. My younger daughter learned those signs, too, but she's more eager to try to repeat words and say them herself, so she hasn't picked up any other signs.

If all else fails, contact your pediatrician.

Answer 2

My son was always very advanced until it came to talking. He started walking at 9 months. He started saying mama at the age of 7 months but all of a sudden just stopped. He didn't talk again until he was 2.5 years old. I had his hearing tested and had someone coming into the house 1 time a week working with him. Nothing worked. Then at 2.5 he just started talking and since then doesn't stop! He is going to be 4 in january and says 6-7 phrase sentences! If you have taken him to the doctors and everything is ok I wouldn't let yourself get to worried about it. When he is ready he will start.

Answer 3

I think your worries are unfounded. Ive nannied a lot of non talkers, all of which were boys.

They all out grew it, although i have seen one extreme case where a 3 year old refused to talk after the mother sent him (under preschool suggestion) to a speech therapist. It became such an intense battle of wills that now, he's is five and will only speak baby talk.

Just leave him alone. He will talk when he's ready to. Just dont talk for him, and dont answer for him. He is only 15 months. Schools like to find problems with children, its what they do.

I didnt speak in full sentences until I was three. Up until then I had one word for everything. Yet you can see that my ability to communicate is not inhibited by such a slow start.

Youre freakign out a little prematurely.

Answer 4

You may or may not have noticed but many children at this age use one word to describe a number of things, is he doing that? Because every child is different, I wouldnt worry about him not being at the same level as other children. Continue to read to him, continue to point out one word objects that he is familiar with and maybe do a little internet search on baby sign language, it may help him communicate with you without being verbal. As long as he can communicate what he wants and need and you can understand then everything is ok.

Answer 5

15 months is the borderline age. Give him a little bit longer time to develop his speaking skills. He may just come around. But if he hits 2.5 years and still can't properly speak then he for sure has a problem. But if he can say dadd and mamma already then she will probably ok. I know someone who had an autistic child and he couldn't say mamma until he was 3 years old and he had to take special classes just to get him to say mamma.

Answer 6

ok i have a 3 year old little boy. speech comes over time at 15 months they knew maybe 5 or six words. my son was almost three when he startted speaking in sentences.he still doesnt always speak clearly.you are stressing your self out way to soon ask his doctor. your baby could be not talking because he feels pressure from you to be perfect. let him be a baby. since he still is. you cant force him to speak before hes ready. every child is different. i also highly doubt your baby walked at7 months they dont have the body strength til 9 months sorry. not possible

Answer 7

I have a 20m/o and he does the same thing. He's getting better. Maybe Mason is just not ready to talk to anyone yet. I use to worry about the same thing. My son wouldn't talk in front of anyone by me or his dad. And it seemed that the only word he could say legebly was "no" "ball" "mom" or "daddy". I wouldn't worry untill he's about 2 and ahalf or so. He may just not have anythong to say.

Answer 8

He is a late speaker. If he listens anf says afew words - he will talk.There is no fixed time when child begins to speak. You maybe reactig to his neds given by him by gestures - such as he would point out to a toy and you will give him.Stop doing that make him say toy.maybe he has become lazy and avoids talking as his needs are looked after.If he says Dada today surely he say Denture tomorrow. Stop worrying.

Answer 9

Take him to a doctor, they can tell u if its autism. I have a 5 year old cousin who is autistic and she still doesnt talk. Not to scare you but she started off just like your son. Developing normally, saying a few words here or there and then she just stopped talking. Definately take her to see a specialist if you have concerns.

Answer 10

Maybe your expecting too much of him.
Some 15 month olds do observe rather than inteact - but they are still learning and developing.
Are you talking proper words to him, in sentances or are you letting him have what he wants by a noise / point etc.. 'What do you want? do you want your ball?
Some people hinder development by saying horsey instead of horse, and doggie instead of dog - talk properly to your child and maybe introduce Makaton sign language to help him communicate. Maybe he's just not ready to talk and one day it'll all come out.