Develoment Question for 18 Month Old Boy.

My son had maybe three words until about 19 months, then he just talked and talked. He was putting them together and I couldn't believe where all that language was coming from! The important thing is that he can make eye contact and understands most of what you say. Also, there is a program in NV that evaluates kids for free under the age of three, it is called Nevada Early Interention Services....maybe there is something like that in AZ? good luck.

i work in a daycare with boys and girls off all ages & they all talk when they are ready....for example theres a 2 year old girl who doesnt say but one word, juice.....nothing else,so im sure he's fine

Boys do typically develop more slowly than girls. However, I ask, how many words does he say? By the time kids are two, they should be saying about 50 words and beginning to put to words together, like please mama.

I would make sure you are modeling good language. If he points to his juice, say oh, you would like some juice. Don't just give it to him. Ask him, "can you say juice/cup?" Encourage him to use his verbal language to communicate.

To lessen any frustration, look into using baby sign language. Use the spoken word at the same time that you sign the word.

If you are still concerned, you can look into AzEIP, Arizona Early Intervention Program. They will screen, evaluate, and treat your child, if necessary until they are the age of three. At three, they will be able to start at your local school district pre-school, FOR FREE!

feel free to message me if you have more specifics. I'm a speech therapist. :)

Good luck!

S.-yes, that saying is typically true. If your son has been developing otherwise normally, and you don't see any other delays appearing, he is probably fine. Sometimes kids let their speech lag behind, especially if they are focusing alot on motor skills. If you are concerned, I recommend that you contact your pediatrician for advice. After that, The Resource Exchange (the local early intervention program for birth to 3)is a great place to get set up with and have an evaluation. I am a PT that works with them, and it is a great place to start if you have developmental concerns!

18 mos is young, I think at that age my son had like 5-8 words he said clearly. Then around 2 - 2 1/2 became a chatter box. I can say my daughter was born talking, a big chatter box to say the least early on. She didn't crawl or walk as soon as my son did though. So each child is different. More important does your son understand "bye bye", ball and things like that if you say them? Don't compare your son to other kids or you will drive yourself nuts. As long as your Pediatrician is fine with how he is developing try not to worry too much.

Our son was due the same day your's was born, so they're pretty close in age. Our son says maybe 5 words, and he doesn't use those regularly. He does use a few signs in addition. He has a lot of health problems, and none of his doctors feel there is any problem with the lack of speech. He is going in for a hearing test, but that's just because he is seeing an ENT anyway for something else, and we need to know ear function. The 50 words by age two seems to be what everyone tells us. I know it can be worrisome, though. Our first was such a talker in comparison. Hang in there, and have fun learning with him and teaching him. He'll sense it if you feel stressed.

Do you talk to him normally? Not baby talk. I have a 20 month old that repeats everything I say. Do you read to him. When he wants something, make him say the word. Try and have him repeat words. I sometimes make Kelub look at me and I say a word. That way he sees the way I form the words. I don't think I would worry about it yet. But it doesn't hurt to ask the Dr.

If he is not talking or putting at least a few words together by two, please talk to your pediatrician at his two year check-up! I didn't and I regret it! It is better to get help earlier than later. My daughter had over 100 words in her vocabulary at 18 months, but my son only had about 30. BIG DIFFERENCE! He is in speech now and is testing at the same level as other children his age, it just took him longer:) Good luck and continue to play with your son, that is the best learning he can get!