17 month old not talking?

Question

my 17 month old daughter still isnt talking should i be worried, she points at things and it sounds like she says whats that but it doesnt really seem to be real words.

Answer 1

She'll probably begin talking given time. My neighbors baby is almost 18 months old and the only things he knows how to say is mama, dada, baba, and a few other baby words.

Answer 2

it wouldn't worry about it too much. My son is that same age and doing the same thing. sign language is a good way to communicate with the child until she decides to talk. There are books and movies (check your local library) with good words to teach your child and signing will help to ease some frustration that both you and the child may have. Signing will not delay speech as long as you say the word when you say the sign.

If you are still worried about your child's hearing take her to an audiologist. My doctor told me that she didn't think there were any problems with my daughters hearing but she gave me a referral to an audiologist and it turns out she does have a slight problem, she doesn't hear low tones. right now it is something we are watching to see if it changes. It don't know if they will be able to do much testing on a 17 month old. but if by 3 yrs she isn't speaking clearly have it checked out. The reason we thought she might have a problem is because she wasn't speaking clearly. she did have a large vocabulary so when we first went to the audiologist they didn't even think that she had a problem, it wasn't until multiple testing with the same results that they actually decide there was something wrong. Those tests are ones that the child has to respond to the words and sounds, so give it a couple of years. Right now don't worry about it and continue to talk and encourage your child.

Answer 3

My son didnt speak clear enough for others to understand until he was 2. I wouldnt panic. Children all go at different rates. Sometimes having older siblings will have an affect. The older children seem to do alot of the speaking for the younger ones. If have some worries perhaps mention to the dr at the next checkup If the hearing test seems ok, Id say perhaps do a bit of extra emphasis with celbrating and rewards when the child gets the word right.

Answer 4

I would not worry about it yet, just keep working on it. Don't get her things when she points to things. Make her at least try and say it. If she just makes a sound, say something like Yeah, that's right baby it is a cup. Repeat everything you do. She does not sound delayed yet(my son is seriously delayed) but you don't want it to get away from you. If you are really concerned, you can get it checked out with a speech therapist. They will let you know if she needs therapy and if she does, your insurance should cover it. Once she is 3, insurance no longer covers it so if you are that worried, get a consultation

Answer 5

My younger brother is 29 monthes old and is just now getting down some basic phrases, but don't worry: absolutely nothing is medically wrong with him in that regard. He was never slow mentally as an infant, he understood everything we were saying to him and he loved trying to mimic us but we soon realized he couldn't say the words themselves because he was refusing to close his mouth all of the way. Instead of producing a sentence, he would make a stream of blended words.

He has gradually grown out of it and if now speaking relatively clearly. I suggest just spending a few minutes every few hours or so letting your daughter watch your mouth as you say words. It really helped with my brother. Good luck!

Answer 6

My son is 17 months and he does that. Even though it doesn't seem like real words that's just her way of doing it. My son will point to his picture and it comes out like "dat" but not really with the t sound on the end.."da." I know he's saying "who's that" because he's pointing to his picture and that's what I always say "who's that." His daddy is "da da." We know he's calling daddy when he's looking at him or crying and it's 2 da's. "Ba" is bath. "Teh Teh" is kitty kitty. "Hey" is hi. "Bye" is bye.
It's as if he doesn't get the ending just yet. As long as you know what she's talking about I think that is good enough communication for this age. Just keep repeating what things are and she'll catch on.

Answer 7

if a doctor hasn't told you to be worried than i wouldn't be. I know a 2 year old that doesn't really speak. I mean, she can talk but most of the time it's mumbling, the language only a mother can understand LOL! Give her some time, she might jus be taking her time

Answer 8

It is a good idea to talk to your pediatrician, she might have a hearing issue. Meanwhile, there are lots of ways to encourage her to develop language. Play on the floor with her, and describe what she is doing while she does it,(eg Sarah is putting the red cup on the blue one)
talk to her, and leave space for her to answer, even if it is only babbling, it helps her learn the structure of language.
ask her to repeat herself, and when she points for things, misunderstand her at first. Not to frustrate her too much, but just enough for her to be required to use words.
My niece was a late talker because her sister acted as her translator, once she was required to talk for herself her language picked up quickly.

Answer 9

Sounds delayed, but I wouldn't worry yet. You should have a well-baby appointment for her at 18 months old, and this is something you should ask her doctor about. Good luck!

Answer 10

I don't think you should be worried my 17 month old son is not talking either. They will talk when they are ready. If you are really worried have your doctor recomend a child developmental screening but I bet she will talk when she is ready.