Is my son behind in his age? Any Ideas?

Question

My son is 16 months and I feel that he is not doing everything he should. I know that boys take longer on somethings. I Have ADHD and I think that he might end up having it also. He is hyper all the time. He can't concentrate on just one thing. I know babies wonder about everything but he has a very short attention span. I give him a toy (which he don't even like toys like pot's pans, shoes, papers, etc) and he can't even keep focused for like a few seconds. I try to read to him but he won't let me I can't even get threw a Sentance without him wanting to get down. He only says a few words. Mama, dada, Josh, Yes, No, Bye bye. He tried to say others but can't get them. They say at his age you should start to learn where your nose is or ears. He won't learn that. I just feel as if he is behind in his age. Is there any idea's anyone has that can help me? I read today while he ate in his highchair. That seem to work think cause he actually had nowhere to go.lol But if anyone could help plz

Answer 1

He sounds like a typical, normal, happy, energetic 16 month old to me! =0)
My son was probably close to 3 before he would sit down and let me read a whole book! He also may know more than you realize but isn't interested in playing "here is my nose" I honestly would not worry about it. He may not focus his attention on anything for a long time and its still ok. By around 2 1/2 or 3 he will probably sit and play with one toy for a while. I wouldn't worry about ADHD either. That wouldn't enter my mind till age 6 or 7 and even then, babies and kids, especially boys, need to run, jump, play, hop, skip, bounce, wiggle, squirm, and then run some more! They have lots and lots of energy and need to use that energy on something. We go outside everyday and when we are inside I have my son run races down the hallway to use up some of that energy.
best of luck

Answer 2

First of all, take a deep breath. Just because you have ADHD, doesn't mean your son does and from what I understand children can't be diagnosed for ADHD or ADD until they are 7 years old. If you have concerns, ask your pediatrician. Until then, enjoy your baby. Keep in mind that a 16month old is going to have a short attention span, he is trying to absorb and learn about EVERYTHING around him. Since you say he is high energy, try and make 15 minutes of your day "quiet time". Play classical music (quietly) and read to your son. He doesn't have to sit still while you read, just read aloud in a calm manner. At bath time, try some lavendar shampoo and quiet music, maybe dim the lights. Throughout the day, encourage him to play and explore! Go on walks, talk about what you see. Good luck and enjoy your time with your son! Remember, every child hits milestones at different times!

Answer 3

The first thing to remember is that not all kids are text book kids. It takes some kids longer to do things but they end up doing just fine. Short attention spans come with the territory. But if you are really concerned, get in touch with an early childhood intervention program. You can ask your pediatrician for the info or call a hospital. The early childhood people will come out and evaluate your child and let you know if there is any concern and if there is an issue, they will help you until your child turns 3 and then they will "transition" him into preschool.

Answer 4

I know many others have probably told you that every child is different, and I have two children that are poster kids for just that very saying!

My oldest was born wanting to know everything! As a very young toddler he would be thrilled to sit and watch Barney, read stories or bang away on pots and pans for lengths of time. Around 4 I started to notice that his attention span was shortening and he couldn't sit still--not even to eat. I was pregnant with my second child at this time and just thought he wanted attention (I was wrong, by age of 6 we were diagnosed w/ ADHD)

His brother on the other hand never wanted to sit still to be read to. Has never wanted to play w/ 'baby toys' preferring instead to play w/ shoes, hats, or his brother's 'big boy' toys. He is, however, not at all hyper. He just doesn't like to sit still...he's got too much playing and exploring to do. His language abilities were behind his brother's--but I believe it is linked to multiple ear infections for the first 2 years of his life. My second (and baby) is now in PreK and doing wonderfully. His teacher always brags on him, and he listens very well in class.

I only said all of that to say this: every child is truly unique. Be patient, and don't worry too much. If nothing else, just bring this up as a concern at your child's next doctors visit. I hope this helps to calm your fears.

Answer 5

Hi, I wouldn't be worried about the ADHD at his point because you wont' find anyone in the field that will diagnose him at 16 months old. Although, the ADHD is something to keep an eye on as he enters pre-school. Regarding the short attention span every child is different. If having him in the high chair works as when it comes to being able to read to him then I would do that as long as he isn't crying or misserable because then he will see the high chair as punishment and relate the punishment to the book and you don't want that. I find that with kids that young touch is the most appropriate method. For example: Lets say you sit down on the floor with him to begin stacking blocks and he wants to get up within three seconds. You will then gently secure your hand to his arm and guide him to the floor by stating lets sit down and build blocks. Even if you have to redirect him with touch 2-4 times that is fine and if he can stay on the floor building for less than a minute that is good. As he gets older around two years old his attention span should be 3 minutes or more-basically enough time to read a small book without interuption. Also if he likes playing with pots and pans try getting him to pretend play such as giving him a spoon and teaching him to stir. Interactive toys are good such as toys that sing sons and getting him to sit through a song. Also kids learn from their parents and you mentioned you have ADHD. Are you being treated? the reason I ask is if he sees you going from one thing to another he will pick up that behavior. Children learn by what they see not so much what you say. Another thing is you can always discuss your concerns with your childs pediatrician and if the pediatrician is concerned about developmental delays with your son than he/she can refer you to the county mental health which usually offer a vast amount of developmental services for children such as physical therapy, speech and more. The County services are usually free or they sometimes try to bill your insurance company. Either way it won't cost you anything if you go with the county. So first I suggest taking your son to the pediatirican and expressing your concerns and see how things go. You can always contact the County yourself if you feel the pediatrician isn't helping. But either way try the touch method and redirection. Good luck and regarding the touch method you have to stick with it and as he gets older increase the amount of time you want him to stay focused on a play activity. As I mentioned by the time he is two he should be able to sit through a book and at least two minutes of a play activity.

Answer 6

My daughter is 18 months old and I still can't get her to sit while I read her a book either. I think it is normal... babies are busy bodies and want do be doing what they want to do. My daughter also just learned to point to her eyes, nose and mouth..... I would try to work with her on that and she wouldn't do it for me. I think she learned to do it at daycare. And as far as words go, my daughter doesn't say much more than your son. She is slowly learning more words everyday. Every kid learns at a different rate and if his pediatrician isn't worried about him, then I wouldn't be too worried.

Answer 7

my nephew is almost 3 and dont sit for a story. he should be saying a few more words but maybe he just doesnt feel like it he will talk when he is ready too.

Answer 8

Did you check to see if he has down syndrom?