can anyone help me with my 20 month old son?

Question

my son is 20 months old, he doesn't talk,only just started eating and gets angry all the time. He's got a 3 year old sister that talks and plays with him but he just gets angry and starts grinding his teeth and lately has started banging his head againist the floor. im just getting worried cause i done know what to do about it? should i take him to the doctors? im just scared cause everyone keeps saying its the symtomes of ADHD. please if you have any suggestions for me it will help alot

Answer 1

Sounds like your son is angry because he doesn't know how to communicate and gets frustrated.
Try to get him to ask [ with words ] for what he wants - drink, book, etc. Teach sister not to 'help' him. Be firm, quiet and gentle.
Sit with him without sister and read to him. Point out items and ask what they are - mommy, ball, blocks. You can even reward him with hugs, one candy per word, clapping, whatever you think will work. Flashcards might be helpful.
Does he speak any words at all? If not, he should be evaluated - he could have a hearing problem.
Anger is frequently displayed this way in children this age - not a sign of ADHD or Autism - if it was, every schoolchild would be on meds!

Answer 2

As scary as this is, you should call his pediatrician and have tests run...I worked with Autistic children for years and some of the things you mention sound like some of the things we encountered. It might be easier to hope that it will go away on it's own - but IF he needs extra help (big if!) then the earlier you can get treatment and intervention the better. Don't let people tell you to wait and see if he grows out of it...a year can make a huge difference in how effective treatment can be. Also, IF he does have Autism (again, another big if) there are such varying degrees...don't automatically assume the worst.

Answer 3

ADHD is Attention Defecit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD kids have no concentration span and are hyperactive. A 20 month old with ADHD would not be able to show definite signs of hyperactivity; he would be frustrated, and this sounds like what your son is going through.
ADHD can be controlled, autism can't. Get him checked for ADHD, there would be bigger signs of problems that you'd notice if he had autism.

Answer 4

Hi Vicky, do not measure one baby against another ,we are all different. Your boy is obviously aware of his surrounds. Speech is learned, as is any language, at this time he should say mama, dada, no, this is speech for this age. No speech, have his hearing tested, also have his ears tested for chronic infection, which may impair hearing.This may also cause him to head bang. Grinding teeth may suggest teething pain, his back teeth are on their way now, and can be painful when cutting gums. I suggest a check up at your doctors, bet he is a lovely wee boy. lol.

Answer 5

Get a professional opinion.
He could have behavioural issues or an underlying problem (such as adhd like you say) or he could just be entering the terrible twos!
Every child is different so the only way to put your mind at rest is to get advice off a professional - like a health visitor or GP. the sooner you do it, the sooner you'll know.
Best wishes

Answer 6

My grandson was exactly the same, blew a fuse for no apparent reason, and banged his head off the wall, floor and sofa, it turns out my daughter was giving him juice and food with E Numbers and Additives and high in sugar which made him hyper and aggressive, she changed his diet and the difference in him was amazing, happy and play-full and importantly getting a proper nights sleep !.

But as you know what might work for one may not work for another ?, so always check with your doctor !!.

Hope this helps a little.
Good Luck !!.

Answer 7

He could be behaving in this way out of frustration of not being able to communicate a need or want. I would suggest contacting a speech therpist or your GP. They will be able to look into it further. Does your child sleep through the night? Take naps? Play with his toys well etc? Just because a child has behavioural issues wont make it ADHD!

There is a communication technique called Makaton, its worht checking it out as its a form of signing that is used to help children find a way to "talk" to adults and other children. Its not a replacement for speech as the adult signs as they speak, and you encourage child is speak and sign when they begin to form sounds.

Look Simple gestures such as pretending to take a sip out of an imaginary cup=drink, want a drink?

Pointing to self=say own name
Point to son=say his name.

"Do you want mummy/daddy to give you this?" You'd say the words but when you say YOU and MUMMY /DADDY point to child and yourself and hold out item. Makaton is along these simple lines-not a sign for EVERY word, just key words.

Encourage his tongue and lip strength by activities such as blowing bubbles, sucking straws, making funny faces, singing to songs. This all helps with speech development.

Answer 8

First of all, I will pray for you. This might not be ADHD.

From what you describe, your son might be showing early symptoms of autism. I am not a doctor, but I do have a lot of experience dealing with it. Take him to a developmental specialist to have him evaluated.

Take care and let me know what happened. I have a lot of resources for youif that is the case. It would not be the end of the world.

Answer 9

It is best to get him tested. Talk to your doctor and get a referal to a specialist. My GF had the same problem with her daughter when she was two, had her tested and found out she is just stubborn. It is best to know for sure and if it is an ism or itis at least you can deal with it heads on now instead of waiting till later. Good Luck!

Answer 10

please take your son to the drs as it could be autism and you need to have it confirmed theres allot of help you will receive and groups too autistic children are normal and need routine with everything and appear angry to other people whens its frustration the fact he doesn't speak is classic to the condition. its not the end of the world its a new beginning to your relationship pick up the phone and book him in today good luck