My son is nearly 2, and he does not speak a word.?

Question

My son is nearly 2, and he's a happy boy, but he suffer's with really bad ear infection's, which he's had for about 6 month's, the doctor says he had a perforated ear drum at one stage,he really suffer's from them, and he's going to see a specialist on june the 1st about his ear's.But we are worried, that he say's only mumma sometimes,and cannot speak, i only hope it's not autism, as some people might say. But i wonder if he's so frustrated with his hearing he's gone in tunnel vision mode and switched off, as his hearing is maybe muffled? He can hear a horn on the bike, and loud noise's, so maybe he's on the mend,but im worried,are these the sign's of autism also? or just a child who can hardly hear?

Answer 1

I've always heard the phrase, "walk at one, talk at two". Since you are going to see a doctor about his hearing, I wouldn't sweat it. But this is always a good time to ask for a referral to a specialist if you want an evaluation of your son's development. (He's probably fine.)

Answer 2

Our daughter, who spoke very well, very early, had one ear infection when she was three. The fluid hung around in her ears for more than 18 months afterwards. We were continually having her hearing tested and had regular follow-ups with our Doctor and an Audiologist, she would get better then get a bit of a cold and her hearing would deteriorate again.

During this time her speech was certainly affected. The best thing we came across was a nasal spray that reduced the swelling in the eustacian tubes (connecting ears/nose/sinuses). Given every night, the fluid would reduce and her hearing would return to normal. An added bonus was that when on the nasal spray she never seemed to get a cold! Now her speech is fantastic again - she even tells us that when she grows up she wants to read the news to people on the TV.

GOOD LUCK, you have certainly done the right thing going to a specialist, just remember, if you are not happy with their conclusions and don't be afraid to go elsewhere.

Our son was also a late talker, two simple courses of speech therapy and he was fine, as I am sure your child will be.

Answer 3

Well.... its a good possibility that his ear issues is causing his delay in speech. Obviously with all those ear issues his hearing was affected at times, and that is going to affect his speech. But with that said.... my son had horrible ear infections, perforated ear drums, has had tubes three times, all starting at age 3 months. When he wasn't talking by age 2, we did the same thing, kept blaming it on the ear issues.
Finally an audiologist suggested we contact early intervention, and they quickly suggested we have him evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. Anyways, long story short, turns out he is mildly autistic.

Its hard to say from what you wrote, because hearing issues can cause speech issues which can all have similar symptoms to autism. All I'm saying is don't brush it off like I did. Go and have him evaluated ASAP and if nothing else you may be able to rule it out and with simple speech therapy, he'll catch up. But either way, he needs therapy, and the sooner he starts, the better he'll do in teh long run. I wish you teh best of luck!!

Answer 4

My son just turned 2, and his only word is "No," and he just started saying that. We are in the same boat as you. Everyone is so quick to think Autism. If he has had chronic ear infections, then the Dr may suggest tubes for his ears. If that is the case, he may start talking almost immediately. If you are truly concerned that he may have other issues, try sign language. I know it sounds very trendy, since it seems everyone is teaching their babies sign, but it has really helped us. I was so concerned that our little boy wasn't talking that he may have brain damage, or some other disorder (he was over 2months premature). So I just started teaching him some very basic signs --- more, eat, etc... we have even made up our own. He learned 15 signs in just a month, and he uses them all the time. That put my fears to rest. He is obviously "thinking" the proper words. If your little boy is willing to sign properly, then I'm sure you can rule out autism. But it definitely sounds like the fluid in his ears is what is delaying his speech. Signing will give him ways to communicate, especially if he is showing frustration.

Answer 5

My son had similar ear problem and 1 month ago he had tubes put in. I really wish I would have done it sooner, it was a easy operation and by the time we got home he was walking in the house and heard the wind chime for the first time. It brought tears to my ears because I never realized he had never heard it before. He would go into this "tunnel vision" mode and would just sit and play by himself and didn't care about people or things around him. He is 19 mon and his speech is delayed. Before surgery he didn't say a word, now he says mama, baba, flower (bower), and no. Its a start. Try fixing your child's hearing problem first. My son is a totally different child, more inquisitive and personable. He actually interacts with us now like pointing out an airplane overhead. Good Luck

Answer 6

I've been working with children of all ages for the past five years now. The last three has been with toddlers. All children develop differently. I know of children who don't say hardly anything at 22 months, and by 25 months are saying two to three word sentences. Almost all children catch up by the age of 3, so unless you have noticed other signs of autsim (no eye contact, constant temper tantrums, does not like to socialize with others, etc) Either way, make sure you talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. I know most doctors will do testing if the child does not say a word after the age of 2. Good Luck!!

Answer 7

this sounds so much like my son , i know just how you feel, he also suffered with ear infections ( left perforated twice ) and didnt speak untill three . he is four now , talks all day n even in his sleep ! teacher says he has amazing vocabulary and i notice his speech more advanced than classmates . ear infections have eased off and his hearing is perfect , i think some kids like ours do a whole lot more listening before speaking , hence the vocabulary when they do start . im sure he will be totally fine n talking your ears off soon please dont worry about autism its not that . i know its tempting to push him to talk but i would choose your targets carefully starting with simple words like yes or no when asking if he wants something , but if he gets frustrated drop it . mine would laygh in my face , cheeky monkey ! all the best and id stake money you have a smart little guy there !

Answer 8

My son was 2 1/2 before he uttered a word. He has high functioning autism, which could be connected. What appears to be more likely though is that he simply did not want to talk until he could do it properly. We went from nothing at all, to full sentances and conversations. He just wanted to wait until he had something to talk to us about! Like the comment earlier, Autism is not something to be scared about, children can come in anywhere on the spectrum. My child is in mainstream school, is highly inteligent and very loving to those he knows and trusts. Good luck in June.

Answer 9

Your hearing specialist will refer you to an audiolgist if this is not what he is. If there is hearing loss than your son is probably just behind on talking due to this. I am surprised if he has chronic reoccuring ear infections they have not recommended tubes.

Other than hearing, you did not describe any other behaviors so I really cannot be sure on the autism question. I would need more information if there are in fact more behaviors.

Answer 10

Speaking as a mum of a child with severe autism, to me you are not describing a child with autism there is more to autism that just not talking, does sound as if his hearing has been affected by the infections, i would ask to be refereed to your local ear nose and throat hospital to be on the safe side,

Answer 11

well, there are many many other signs of autism other than being behind in speech. so if he isn't doing those, i would just blame it on his hearing. maybe he can hear loud noises ok, but has trouble hearing you when you speak or hearing himself speak. my stepson is autistic. i will just jot out some signs he showed at 2, and you can think about whether or not your son shows these signs as well. if not, i am SURE its just hearing/ear issues.
1. hand flapping
2. called everything daddy (toys, dog, mom, etc)
3. no eye contact (it seemed painful to him almost)
4. played alone (and with the SAME toy EVERY time)
5. spun his toys, opened and closed the doors over and over
6. didn't sleep much
7. could not understand short commands as in "no" or "give me that" or "come here"
8. didnt understand when you were pointing at something, for him to look. he just looked at your finger everytime.
9. completely unaffectionate (im not talking about not wanting to be held, im talking about he seemed disgusted to hug & kiss)

i hope this helps.