18 month old still not talking!!!?

Question

he can say Ma but thats it!!! any of you had a similar problem?

Answer 1

There are several reasons why your child may not be talking and that is not really of two much alarm unless your child is making NO vocalizations other than screaming and whining, then you may decide to have his hearing checked. Also does he have "his own" words for things? For instance my son called all dogs "ga" If this is the case than he is developing language skills.

"What To Expect in the Toddler Years" has this to say:
By the end of this [eighteen] month your toddler should be able to (see note):
>say 3 words
>point to desired object

Note: If your Child has not reached these milestones or doesn't use symbolic play or words, consult your doctor or nurse-practitioner. This rate of development may be normal for your child (some children are late bloomers), but it needs to be evaluated. Also check with your Doctor if your child seems our of control or hyperactive; uncommunicative, passive or withdrawn; highly demanding, and stubborn. (Remember, the child who was born prematurely often lags behind others of the same chronological age. The developmental gap narrows, and generally narrows, and generally disappears entirely around age two.)

On a personal note my Little brother didn't talk till 4 and my mother took him to a speech pathologist, just for her to tell her to have us big sisters to stop talking for him and make him communicate his needs. When we did this he started to talk.

Answer 2

My son is 19 months and doesn't say many decipherable words either, instead he has his own language and knows perfectly well what he's saying! He knows animal sounds, can pick out animals if asked, body parts etc. When we sing songs he knows the movements and he understands what I'm saying to him, but he won't actually say "cat" or even "mama!" It's really depressing and I was really starting to get worried, but I saw my ped at 16 months and he said that if my son is understanding what I say, then he's fine and we'll wait until 2 years to discuss speech therapy.

He said that some kids take longer to say words for lots of reasons that don't have anything to do with their development. It's sometimes called the "Einstein Syndrome" (because he didn't speak any words until 2). There is actually a book by Thomas Sowell about the subject and talks about all the gifted/bright people who were late talkers. Anyway, I say to keep working with him and don't worry too much...if he's understanding what you're saying and responsive, then he just needs some time. But if he still hasn't improved by 2, then talk to your doctor-a lot of states offer Early Intervention that is free and in-home. Just know that you aren't the only one! Good luck!

Answer 3

My now 2.5 year old daughter spoke not a single word until she was 20 months old. Then it was like the flood gates opened and within a couple of weeks was saying at least 20 words. She has a vocabulary of around 200 or so now. A good way to start communicating with him before his verbal starts is baby sign language...at his age he should pick it up rather quickly. It has worked very well for me and several others I have talked to.

Answer 4

Do not despair. My neice was 3 years old and refused to talk. She would point and grunt at things she wanted. One day her mother put her outside in her sandbox with a freind. The mother listened at the kitchen window to make sure everything was going along well with the two girls. Lo and behold, the 3 year old that refused to talk was talking away with her freind. Call it a stubborn streak, or whatever, but I wouldn't panick about an 18 month old. Trust me, they will talk soon enough. Then you'll be wishing for the peace and quiet back.
Good luck and don't worry.

Answer 5

Do you talk to him? When he is hungry, ask him 'Are you Hungry?' When he is thirsty ask him 'Are you thirsty? This will teach him to associate the need with a word. I found that my children understood more than they seemed to communicate. When he says Ma make a fuss of him and give him a lot of attention to show him that saying words is a good thing to do. Then later on require him to say the word associated with what he needs. 'I have a drink for you, can you say drink?' I have known children who haven't talked at all until after they were four years old, and now they are older you would never know. Best wishes.

Answer 6

I wouldn't worry too much quite yet. He is still so young really. Some toddlers just talk sooner than others. If he still hasn't developed a larger vocabulary by 2, then maybe be concerned. Did you talk to your pediatrician about it? Take him to a wellness checkup and discuss it with him or her. The doc may recommend a speech therapist, or may just tell you to wait. I'm sure he's just fine, though!

Answer 7

Its fine my nephew didnt start even trying to speak until recently and he will be three years old next month. Babies do things at different times, he walked before he was a year old, but he spoke late. My daughter has been talking since she was 8 months old but she didnt walk till she was 13 months old, so dont worry everything is fine.BE HAPPY MOMMA

Answer 8

My son would not speak until he was 2. The reason was that my daughter who is older would do all his talking for him. They can talk, its just that they don't want to. Try reading more to your non-talker and asking him questions while you do stuff around the house without his sibling around. If there still is a problem, take him to the doctor to check his ears--maybe he can't hear too well.

Answer 9

I wouldn't worry.
My sister didn't hardly speak until she was 2.5, and then she spoke full sentences.
Have you tried teaching him sign language? My daughter signs, and it makes it so much easier for her to communicate. I would recommend the book "Baby Signs" by Drs. Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn.
Good Luck!

Answer 10

my friends son is 17 months old and he cant talk that much either, he can say mom, dad, and mamaw and papaw and I think thats about it, but my daughter is 16 months and she can say anything you want her to say (not to brag) and I mean anything. But all kids are different not all do things at the same age, but Im sure hell start talk ing soon.