I have a friend who has a 20 month old son and he knows how to only say 5 words. The pedi told them he needs to be saying at least 15 and to spend more time being more vocal with him. They have this"nothing is wrong with my son" attitiude and were upset when the doctor told them about no knowing enough words. We have know them for a long time and are good friends of ours. My concern is for the child whom I love dearly, shoud we sit down and talk to them?
Wow, that's harsh of the doc to say that. My son didn't really start talking until he was about 2 1/2 to 3. He went from some words to 2 word sentences fast. 20 months is still early...they need to wait.
At my daughter 15 month visit my Ped told me the same exact thing! We were sent to ECI and used them for 3 months. It didnt make a difference so i switched to Therapedia when she was 19 months and still only saying 5 words. After 3 months of Speech Therapy my daughter trippled her word base. She is now 2 and says about 20 words. We are still very much behind a 2 year old can say about 50+ words. But she picks up about a word a week or every other week. It is progress..
My DD is Speech Delayed, has some motor delays but nothing people would notice just us...so she does go to Physical Therapy as well. We found out that she has some Sensory Problems which is causing her delays.
She hates loud noices - a loud laugh, sneeze or cough will set her into tears. She loves strong sensations and flavors, Tight spaces, and toys that light up and play music.
A child with Sensory issues have a hard time picking up the developmental skills it takes to learn. They learn by their senses and if there is a prob in that area it can lead to delays. So she also has Occupational Therapy as well.
It is a lot but it has made a huge difference in communicating with my child. She is no longer learning words and loosing them. The words she learns stick and are clear to understand when she says them.
Early Intervention is the key!!! The longer they wait to get help the harder it is for him to pick up these skills. My child has not learned the skill of mimicing (sp?) others. Which is important in the speech learning process.
My advice is to just tell her that yes every child is different and each child will pick things up at their own pace. But, some children need a little help and it might be a good idea to get him evaluated by a Speech Therapist who might be able to give her ideas that can help him.
20 months is still a little soon. Are there any other signs that state something could be wrong. Are the 5 words he does say clear? Does he follow directions when told to do something?
If he is understanding direction, he may still be okay. At thsi point, it really could go either way. If they aren't receptive to the doctor, they may not be receptive to you. Sometimes people are sensitive to someone telling them there could be a problem with their child. I'd tread lightly. This is a touchy subject.
Stay close and watch the child. Sometimes when a little time has passed and slow development is noticed by the parents, they may be more receptive to listening to others about what is going on and what to do.
Wait for the to open the door to talk about it and then offer your opinion. I wouldn't bring it up...unless you feel that comfortable with them.
he's fine as long as he's understanding receptively. Give him about 6 more months...i'm sure he'll be saying more words and 2 word phrases by then. (i'm a speech therapist...and wouldn't worry about it right now)
hope that helps!
D.,
My friend had this problem with her daughter, who did test 4 months behind her age. The therapist said that she was still young enough to catch up to her peers and for my friend not to worry; just to keep working with her on her words and speech. (She sort of slurred her words/letters.)
When she would come to my house for "school" (that's what she called it when I would babysit), I would go over some words or letters in ASL (American Sign Language) with her and my kids. She was EXTREMELY interested in it, and when my kids tired of it, she was still interested. She was really good at forming the signs with her fingers, and for some reason, she spoke TONS more clearly than usual. I don't have proof, but I think it's because she was actually concentrating on the words and letters. Anyway, she continued to speak a LOT better, and I mentioned this to her mom. She is speaking much more clearly now, and she will be starting Pre-K at a Montessori School this Fall.
Maybe this could help your friend's child learn more words, using ASL. There are a few books written especially for kids in ASL (pictures of the characters making the signs.) I would look at Half Price Books, if you can, to find some discounted ones first. Or, just check your local library system for any children's ASL books.
Best wishes on speaking with your friend about this, too. It's not easy talking to someone about their parenting or kids, but you seem truly concerned for the child; so, I'm sure your warmth will show through. :)
