My son is 20 months old and only says about 7-8 words. He "talks" all the time and uses several consonant sounds, and he does understand everything. When I ask him something, he points or nods/shakes his head. When he wants something, he takes my hand and takes me to what he wants. I read to him, and we sing songs a lot, but I'm starting to get concerned. He had 6-7 ear infections when he was between 7-16 months, but hasn't had one in over 4 months. At his 18 mo. well check, the dr. said as long as he said between 5-7 words (he could say 5), that was fine and I shouldn't be concerned, but he hasn't said many new words since. I just read online that a child between 19-24 mo. should be saying 50-70 words, or learning 10 words a month. That seems like a lot! How concerned should I be? Should I make an appt. with his pedi just for this? Or wait til his 2 yr. well check and discuss it then? I don't know if I'm concerned over something that will just develop later for him, or if it's a real concern that might need help. Like I said, he does understand everything (he can identify many body parts, people, and things in books; he can get a book or toy when I tell him to; he follows direcions...as much as a toddler will, anyway). Thanks for the advice!
Honestly, I would tell you to relax. He apparently knows the words, he's just not saying them. He may be the quiet type. They all work at their own pace and with what you are saying, he is doing just fine. I also think girls talk faster and more than boys.
Just wait...within a few months, you will be wishing he would be quiet! He sounds just like my son! My 2 older girls were talking tons by 20 months, but not him. However, right around his 2nd birthday the flood gates opened. He was far more physically advanced than they were, and I think he just focused on that. He did not talk until he could really do it...now at 2.5 I think he is afraid he is going to disappear if he is not saying something...often times very loudly! So, for now, I say count your blessings:) ~A.~
My son is/was the same way. At 20 months he wasn't even saying "no". After watching this for a while we decided to contact Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). They came to our house for an evaluation and based on that they are now coming weekly to work with my son to get him caught up. We are in Collin County and use ECI of LifePath Systems. The evaluation is free and so is the first six months or more of therapy. If you are truly concerned contact them and put your mind at ease.
i had the same problem with my son. my pediatrician referred us to eci and it was the best thing for him it was amazing how he just blossomed so quickly. they teach you exactly what to do to help his speech develop and the speech therapist we had was so caring and patient with him it was a great experience.
Honestly, I would hold off a bit too. It sounds like he's on track (or ahead) in everything else. The fact that he understands and makes noises, etc are really good signs. Have you considered signing with him? It was really helpful for us and does not delay speech development.
If your Dr is not concerned, I wouldn't be. They've seen it all and usually have a good idea of the range (and it is a range) of what behavior is considered normal at this age. It sounds like he understand and that is the hardest part. Talking will most likely come. I waited until about 27 months before having my son evaluated and that was still considered fairly young. Many prefer to wait until about 2 1/2 since that is pretty typical for a lot of speech to come in. And wouldn't you know it. He started really talking at 2 1/2!
Hello B.,
I don't have this problem my self but I have a niece and several cousins that did not speak more than a few words until they were in kinder garden, if you have ruled out hearing problems I would imagine that he probably isn't talking because his needs are being met. My niece graduated as a valedictorian at Aledo High and has a full ride to A&M before attending Medical School. I know this post does not offer much advise but maybe it will ease your mind. Good luck and congratulations on the new baby.
My 20 month old says 4 words , but can understand almost everything I say. I wouldn't worry about it for now.
