my 18 month son wont talk. he can say just a few words, is this ok? will he talk when hes ready?

Question

he is normal in every other way. hit all of his milestones on time or before.

Answer 1

Early intervention is the best thing. I have two boys (age 3 and 5), both who are in speech therapy. Talk to your pediatrician and ask that your son be evaluated for possible speech services. The speech therapy are fun sessions for the kids and a great way for you to learn how you can best help him along with his speech.

My stepson, who is now 14, also needed speech when he was young. But his mother chose to wait and give him time, and didn't get him speech services until the 2nd grade. He's now in 8th grade and still needs speech services. And now, he's old enough to know he can't speak properly, gets teased by peers and doesn't sound as intelligent as he is.

I know my stepson's case is extreme, but why not be safe rather than sorry? The speech services we receive for my two boys are free and the boys really enjoy it. My younger one couldn't put two words together a few months ago and now he's talking in sentences. Good luck to you and your sweet boy!

Answer 2

I am in almost the same boat, my daughter is 16 months and doesn't really talk either. My doctor said she was still within the range but I think if she doesn't start saying more words by 18 months it'll be a concern.

Like your son, my daughter is otherwise normal. I'm hoping she will catch up soon. I am trying to talk to her as much as possible, we read to her 20-30 min a day, and ask her what things are. She knows what things are (if we say "where is the ____" she'll point to it), but now we try asking "what is that?" -she'll try to answer but not with the right words, but hopefully she'll get better. Good luck, don't stress but try to limit tv and talk directly and clearly to him as much as possible.

Answer 3

My thoughts: By the book, 1st word around 1, and 1st 2-word sentence around 2. Your son is right in between. Usually between 18 & 24 months there is language explosion! For my daughter, it happened early. For many others (esp boys who are usually advanced with walking/climbing/running), it happens closer to 24 months. Either way, you are ENTITLED to an evaluation by your local early intervention agency. Google "early intervention" and your state or ask your pediatrician to find out where. From my research: Most late talkers catch up, BUT if yours is not one of the "most" then would it hurt to get an eval & play-based therapy? This is covered through your insurance and early intervention. All states have EI for kids under 3 (and under 5 in some states). It is federally mandated under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C, and funded at the state level. There are many things you can do to help encourage talking: Sign, songs, choices, sound play, books, etc. EI professionals can teach you these tools.

Answer 4

He is perfectly normal. I had the same concern when my son was 18 months. He is now 20 months old and picks up new words everyday. Just read to him and talk to him about everything that you are doing, like "you're getting dressed now," "sit in your chair." I also let my son watch a DVD called Baby Babble that seemed to help.

Answer 5

He will talk when he is ready. My boys at 18 months did not talk too much, said a few words that was about it. Now they are 2, and talk non stop. You will be amazed all that he is learning right now. Just wait until he starts talking.

Answer 6

Yes, he's fine!
Some children don't talk until they are about three, but during the next few months, he will pick up word after word, and you will be amazed at how many words he will learn.
My daughter didn't say much at 18 months, she will be 22 months old next week and is a proper little chatterbox...she doesn't put sentences together but she knows what most things are and can say her little words for them. The pronunciation isn't spot on, but I understand what she is saying.

Answer 7

My son was just after 2 before he carried out longer sentences then just few words.

If you can read to him a lot, encourage pronounciation and too use his words if he is asking for something and have hime try new words, ask him what things are, sing songs he knows and likes, maybe go to play groups so that he can talk to other kids, etc. Anything that encourages more words.

Answer 8

My 18 month old daughter says words like "chocolate" and "biscuit" and "whistle" and "whiskers." She has a baby doll named Moses. She can name all of her body parts (eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, etc.).

My friend's son, who is 3 weeks younger, says "mama," "dada," and "water."

Boys tend to talk a LOT later than girls. This is normal. Girls tend to walk a lot later than boys. These are just two of the many, many ways that males and females are different. Don't worry.

Answer 9

i just have to giggle at this one .. For some reason boys are late talkers but hey one day when hes ready you wont be ... My nephew didnt talk much either but around the age of 2 or maybe a little bit sooner he started to talk and now he just doesnt know when to stop so dont worry when hes ready he'll tell you
peace out
Nina M

Answer 10

My middle child didn't talk much and it worried me. The Dr said as long as she understands what we are saying and can follow directions, then she was alright. Her problem was , was that her older brother did all the talking to her, if you asked her a questions, someone always answered for her. She is 8 right now and talks up a storm, can't get her to stop :)