My 2 and half year old son cannot talk yet.?

Question

He can only say Mama (mother), Baba (father) and hyme nursery rhymes. He is able to understand our instructions, yet he won't talk any words. I read to books to him, encourage him to talk, listen to nursery rhmes, everything. He is on follow-up with his paediatrician, and will be sent to see a speech therapist if he doesn't talk by age 3. I don't know whether is it necessary to do this? His father speaks late too. Can it be genes? I should say my son is very talkative, just that I can't understand his baby talk.

Answer 1

It's common for children to speak at different ages. If he understands direction and what you are saying to him, then don't worry. My nephew began really talking (finally) at age 3. He's fine and healthy.

Answer 2

I'm surprised by the answers to not see a speech therapist. My son saw a speech therapist from the age of 2 until 4. He was a preemie & has hypotonia (muscle weakness) in his mouth & tongue. It is a problem that can effect any child, not just preemies. There is no harm in allowing your son to be evaluated. True, some children are late talkers but some also need help. When my son was 2, the therapist came to my house & did the therapy. It was like having a new playmate for him--she used his toys, did the activities he was interested in to further her exercises. After he turned 3, he went to the local elementary school for his sessions. He always enjoyed it & it made a huge difference. He was also a big jabberer but did not use any actual words until he started therapy. I agree with the suggestions to get his hearing checked as well. I think you should see the therapist.

Answer 3

As far as speech development goes, a child is considered "on time" if they have 20 words with meaning by age two. They can be things like "mama" or "baba." There have been many famous people who spoke late and were very intelligent. People like Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, etc. You can get a book that details lots of people who were very smart, but talked late. I have a friend (with a photographic memory no less) who's first real words were "When will Daddy be home from work today." If he follows your instructions and seems to be on time otherwise, I would worry. However, if he does have some speech delay it is always best to get it treated early because it won't hold him back later.

Another thing to maybe try is sign language. Most speech therapists will incorporate sign language with spoken language. If you learned a few simple words, you could see what happens!

Answer 4

It could be genes, it could be environmental. Without knowing you personally, it would be best not to judge.

You are on the right track. Seeing a specialist is the best thing to do. I would suggest finding one now, and not waiting until he is 3. A child should be able to say several words at the age of 2. And, a specialist will also help give pointers on how to improve your child's vocabulary.

In the meantime, make sure that you're following some easy rules with your child. Always speak clearly and precise. Don't talk baby talk. Some kids will have speech problems if parents talk baby talk, or talk too fast. When you talk to your child, point at objects and speak their names clearly. Read to your child. At least every night. This is the best thing to do, really. And make it a habit, as this is golden quality time. Speak full sentences. And most importantly - talk to your child. I have some wonderful conversations with my 4 yr old, like you won't believe.

Answer 5

This doesn't sound like a very good situation, and I take it these children aren't yours? They are your husbands children, I do have to give it to you for trying as hard as you have. My husband had 2 children and so did I, we had a very difficult time with his son, your story brings back so many memories. Their Mother wasn't involved in their life at all until they were like maybe 17, after I did all the hard work of trying to raise the kids to have morals and principles. My situation was somewhat different though, my husband stood beside me and we fought through this together. It does sound like your husband has no respect for you at all and that's no good. Sounds like he wants you to do all the hard work and not bother him with it at all, I do suggest a separation and see where this goes, he'll either try and pull it together or simply let go, so if you consider this, please be prepared for the worse because I don't think your husband is willing to put much effort into your relationship or becoming a better parent. My heart goes out to you and I hope it all turns out good for you in the end.

Answer 6

If you are concerned I would have him evaluted. All states have a program to identify and provide services to children with developmental delays. Unfortunately they have different names in different states. Probably the easiest way to find the one near you is to call the school district (by the way the school district is responisble for providing these services once a child turns 3). Based on what you wrote (and my limited experience with my sons) you probably qualify for services.

Anyway, they will do a free evaluation in your home and the services can be provided in your home as well. In Kansas everything was free; in Alaska it a sliding scale/pay as your able.

My sons were born at 30 weeks. One has general developmental delays, including speech, due to being a rather ill baby. The other has low muscle tone in his mouth.

I would get him checked out. If he needs help the earlier you start the better; if he doesn't will sleep better at night knowing.

Answer 7

I have the same problem with my 2year and 3months old son. But lately he has been picking up new words now. I haven't really done anything to different except when he wants something I tell him to show me. When he does that, I tell him what the name of it is called and repeat it again. The next time he does it I ask him what is that, he doesn't remember sometimes but he trys. Then I just tell him again and eventually he gets it. Now he says milk, juice, apple,nana(banana),eral(cereal),no, yes and more. My doctor wants to send him to speech therapy now but i said no. The reason is because I believe he is just fine with taking his time. Putting pressure on him would just make him act out and thats not good for him. It could also be genes too. I say enjoy him as he is and teach him with no force. Doctors are not always right, they just think they are. Remember your his mom and you know what is best for him. So just follow your heart with no worries. He'll talk soon.

Answer 8

My oldest brother wouldn't even say that much at that age. Because of a birth defect that he had b/c of meds my mom had been put on while pregnant everyone was afraid he was retarded. But when he was 3 1/2 my mom heard him singing christmas songs and she said "you can talk?" He told her yeah but that our older sister told him to shut up everytime he started to say something so he thought he wasn't supposed to! I would have your son evaluated by a dr but there are a lot of reasons a kid might not be talking so try not to worry about it (I know easier said than done!) Good luck!

Answer 9

My step son was the same way and we kept telling the doctor we were concern about his hearing. Because my husband has a hearing problem. We found out we were right when my step son was five and now he is in a deaf school and doing great. He was so far behind in speach because his doctor wouldn't listen to our concerns. Please look into all the reasons this could be happening. Not just speach therapy. I made sure my other 2 children had their hearing checked .

Answer 10

Your right on borderline between should I be concern or highly concern. Do informal check on his hearing by calling his name from behind at different distances and volume and see if he responds. To help verbal development there is book sorry can't recall exact title on singing nurse rhythms have song fest at his pace. You most likely know I'm a little teacup or itchy bitty spider. Try and give him enough reputation to make it easy and fun, but not enough to be boring. I am assuming he does not have any obvious disabilities.

Answer 11

In no time you will not be saying that at all. All kids are not the smae I have 3 and they all started talking walking at diff times so to tell ya the truth it is ok if you don't like the answers here talk to your doc about it. My sons started to talk real late where my daughter started to talk at a young age so it is all good trust me he will be talking soon and you will wish that you never asked this.....lol