Should I be worried about my 21 month old?

Question

My son doesn't speak yet. He says the normal mama, dada, baba. But he doesn't say anything else and when I ask him a question he just looks at me like he doesn't understand me. Help should I have him tested for autism even thought he isn't 2 yet?

Answer 1

First I would have his hearing test, and if it turns out fine, then I would probably get him tested for autism by a doctor or early intervention (a free state program). My daughter was recently diagnosed as PDD at 24 months. Here is a good online test to find out whether your child might have PDD/autism, http://www.childbrain.com/pddassess.html

Definitely do it as soon as possible b/c the earlier you start, the better!

Answer 2

My son is 29 months old. All that he says is mama, dada, etc. I have been told because he is not in daycare, nor does he have interaction with other children. I have been told all of that is part of the problem. My son, he understands everything that I say. I can tell him to go to his room, no, leave that alone, etc. He listens. Look for signs of intelligence in your son. It may be that there is just not enough interaction with him. I am trying to start reading to mine everyday. At least once a day. Cut down on the t.v. time, even if it is Barney, or Baby Einstein. Things that I thought would help him, I have been told will harm him more. My peditrician said my son is fine. Also, I do things for him out of habit, I am his mother. He will bring me his cup, shake it to let me know its empty...then, grab my hand and put the cup in it. He knows, he just will not say it. I have been told that he is just taking it all in, that he is trying to understand everything, before he speaks it.

Answer 3

first have his hearing tested. just because he isn't speaking doesn't mean he has autism. there are several other signs and all kids develop differently.you can have his hearing tested and talk to his Dr about your concerns. go to national autism society .org to get a list of other behaviors that indicate autism and have him checked by a developmental pediatrician if after looking at these you still feel he might have autism because that way you will know and if he does he will start to get the therapies he will need to help him. IF he does have it the sooner he gets those therapies the better he will function.Good Luck

Answer 4

Well at that age and being a boy it is more than likely normal. Boys mature slower than girls, especially in speech. Take for instance my brother.... he was the child that always had a pacifer hanging out of his mouth. As a child he never spoke until the time he was about 3 or maybe it was 3 1/2... but once he started he never stopped and now the brat is at the top of his high school class. Now don't take my word for it thought, because I have never met your child and if you think that in anyway there could be some sort of problem then it couldn't hurt in anyway to have it checked out.

Answer 5

I would get him checked by a good paediatrician. They will check his hearing, his speech, any possible problems. Then you can rest easy and know the best way to help him.
(my son is three and a half and he is only just starting to speak properly - my other son is 9 and he took a long time too - but then hasn't stopped talking since - my daughters were early talkers - so maybe it is a boy thing )

Answer 6

If he looks at you when you speak to him and has not regressed in his speech development, he is NOT autistic!
Firstly, he needs to see an audiologist to have his hearing evaluated, then he needs an evaluation by a speech pathologist. His primary physician can refer you.
Early intervention is essential for any child with delays in any aspect of development.

Answer 7

i would have him tested for speach. My kids both said less than that at 21 months. But it's good to have him tested for anything because catching it early is the best thing for a kids.

Answer 8

if you are worried, then definetly take him in to see your family doctor. Most likely it is normal, as boys tend to develop a little slower than girls, but I would follow my gut on this one

Answer 9

he may have a problem with his ears