Why won't my son talk?

Question

My son will be two in August, and he used to say words, after we would tell him to say it, but for the past few months he won't say anyword. I took him to a friends house and he told her son bye bye..and other things but when he gets home he won't say anything. He does not go to daycare, which other people told me that this could be why. I know I shouldn't pressure him but, he should be saying something.

the doctor just says wait until he is two then we will decide from there.

yep I do kind of give him what he wants when he grunts or opens my hands and places something in there.

Answer 1

Could be that he is shy and sometimes boys take longer than girls to talk. My son tricks his dad all the time. He says about 15 words when he is with me, daddy comes home and all he can say is mama, dada, and see. He also started walking for me a month earlier than he did for his dad. I live with the dad, but every time he comes home from work he stops doing all these things. My husband thinks I make things up sometimes. I think Zach is playing a bit of a game with it.

You are right not to pressure him, that will slow down progress. Just keep talking to him, reading to him. Talk all day long but try not to talk for him. When he wants a drink and just says "ugh ugh" (that's what mine does anyway) Say "drink" a couple of times and see if he will repeat it. Don't make him say it to get it but try to give him a second to say it before you give it to him. Make good eye contact with him while you talk and watch for signs that he hears you. Also make sure not to use baby talk.

My oldest didn't start talking until 2 1/2. She has no developmental delays; she is above average in most things, but is 5 now and still has articulation problems. She is smart as can be though, she is learning to read and write, she learned adding and subtracting at 3 and is now learning basics of multiplying and dividing. Try not to worry too much and just enjoy him the way he is. If and when a problem is found just take it one day at a time, they will give you instructions on how to help him. Good luck!

Answer 2

I noticed you said you give him things when he points or grunts. That is a very bad habit..that is probably the culprit right there. Make him tell you what he wants. My son is 14 months old and he's just starting to point to things..when he does we usually name what he's pointing at then wait for him to walk to it..THEN hand it to him...he won't learn unless you push him a little bit...and BTW as far as the no daycare thing my son currently doesn't go either and I have noticed a few things he's lacking behind on but once they begin day care they should pick it right up, and he may start to talk more then as well, so perhaps try to enroll him into a day care and see if that helps.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Does your son pretend play? Does he make eye contact with you? As long as he is developing normal in all other areas I wouldn't be too concerned yet.
Without alarming you, you may want to closely watch for repetitive behavior, lack of eye contact, being fixated on a item, like a toy for example. These could possibly signs of Autism. I have grandchildren (2) that have Autism.
If your son talks around others and not you, then, no worries.
All children develop at their own speed. Once he starts talking you won't be able to stop him! :-)

Answer 4

It could POSSIBLY be a speech or neurological snafu. If it were me, I would find a developmental pediatrician and make an appointment. If it is a speech or neuro problem the sooner professionals work with him the better! And your local Early Intervention office will provide in home therapies for him until he is 3free of charge. As I said, this is ONLY a possibility. But if it were my son, this is what I would do (and have done!) for piece of mind.
Best wishes!

Answer 5

Do you respond when he just points to things? Like if he points to some milk will you go and pour him a cup? My youngest son didn't want to talk, but when I stopped responding to pointing or little grunts when he wanted something, he was forced to say what he wanted out loud.

Answer 6

He may be going through a shy phase, maybe he's just taking it all in. If he has, however, had a regression in his language then maybe there is a problem. There could be the possibility of autism or something on the autistic spectrum.

Here's a website:

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm

Answer 7

i was told to make them use their words. My Daughter doesnt' speak much either, but the words i know she knows i make her say. also before i hand her what she wants i repeat the word a few times so she can catch on to it. and ask her to say it.

i was a late talker, and i am more than making up for it now, although quite annoying, you just have to push them a little to get it in the habit of using their words

Answer 8

I have a friend who's son was a late bloomer when it came to talking...she was always trying to get him to talk, I told her be careful what you wish for!!! Now he's 5 and talks like a mini-adult, but non-stop too!!

Keep trying, make it a game!! Try picture books...Make him tell you what he wants, don't give in til he does!! He will surprise you when you least expect it!!

Good luck!! : )

Answer 9

Maybe he has nothing to say?

Neither Einstein nor Edison talked until they were four years old.