When should i start to worry about my childs speech development?

Question

My son is 20 months old and only says a couple of words. He says "tah" when i give him something and 'hello" when hes pretending to be on the phone. He doesnt say mum & dad but have heard it once a few months ago. He seems to understand what im saying and does what hes told and smart in every other way. Should I see someone. I have a daughter who is very very talkative and speaks extremely well. She will be at school next year, do you think he'll start when she goes to school. (maybe he just cant get a word in)????

Answer 1

I had the same situation with one of my sons, now aged 4. At your son's age, now is the time to start being concerned about it. The process that I went through was first to get some advice from my pediatrician on where to go to get the help needed. I then proceeded to get him tested, to rule out any neurological explanation or hearing deficiency. For me, everything in those areas were fine. I then got him into speech therapy at age 3 and it really helped. This year I got him into a special education nursery school, where on a daily basis (for half of a day) they work with the children on speech therapy and on small and large motor skill development. He has made leaps and bounds in his speech development since then. I encourage you not to wait. It will be preferable that when he reaches the age to go to public school that he will be ready. To be completely candid, I was concerned about the stigma of special education, even though my child has been diagnosed to be processing information like a 7 year old child. I convinced myself to get over it because I would rather fail my child on the side of getting him the help that I think he needs, even if he doesn't really need it, than not providing him with help when he really does need it.

Answer 2

I have a three year old in speech therapy. I would definately keep an eye on it and tell the Dr. about your concerns at your next visit. It never hurts to get an evaluation. My son at 2 1/2 was testing at a 12-13 month level in speech. I had no idea. He is my 3rd child and figured the same thing he just couldn't get a word in and everyone was talking over him. Early intervention works, I was embarrassed at first thinking it was my fault, but it isn't. So get him evaluated they will let you know.

Answer 3

Dont worry about It hes just being a normal child hell talk when the time is right .My son had the same problem and I took him to a speech therapist around 2 years they said hes fine just stop comparing him to other children around this age everyone wants there kid to be smarter hes only 20 months but If It dosent get better then take him but for now let him be a kid .good luck Im sure hes smart and just being a 20 month old.

Answer 4

It is true that all children develop differently, BUT...after 20 months the child should have pretty good speech skills. My neice was talking at 9 months...it shouldnt be over a year and they should start speaking...i would see someone like a language pathologist.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Try putting his hand on your cheek when you say something. Then ask him to say it. He should probably start talking more in the next couple years. Everyone is different, give him time.

Answer 6

I think he will talk when he feels like talking. ALL children develop differently at differen times in their lives. Doesn't seem to be any devlopmental problems with your son. Why would you want to "see someone"?

Answer 7

my grand daughter is 2 and she really is just learning .give your child some time.reading to your son will help .all children are diffrent they talk at diffrent ages.just like some kids walk early and some dont.

Answer 8

he's a second born, so more than likely his speech will be delayed. this is normal.