I Have a 16 month old. We have not taken him to the Dr. in many months. He has never been sick and the only Dr. accepting his health insurance, is VERY busy. The lobby is always full of sick kids and I think he'd get sick, just from going to do a normal check up. Because of that, we've declined taking him lately. I was just reading an article on speech and cognitive learning, in toddlers his age. I am now worried, that he is behind in speech. He is very bright and communicates very well with or without words. If we ask him to bring us something, he will. He mimics us often. If we are purposely teaching him a specific word he learns very quickly. He can say things like: thank you, birdy, yummy, snack, etc. He says what sounds like, "are you good?" We ask him this often and it sounds just like he's saying it. I don't believe everything I read, but I have used the site for good information in the past. The article, was saying a 17 month old, should be able to say short phrases, "I want" "mommy please" things like that. My son is not doing this and now I'm worried. I have never thought about this before, because he is always babbling and saying a word or two within the babble. Should I chill out and forget about the article, or is there something to worry about?
PS.
I never said, he's never been to a Dr. It's been like 2 1/2 months, geez! Yes, there ONE Dr. within a reasonable distance, that will except my crappy insurance. His next well visit isn't due until 18 months. I thought I'd ask some opinions, to see if I might need to take him in before then. There is no "well" child room. I have quite the amount of common sense, which tells me no matter how clean I keep his hands, not let him be near others, most childrens illnesses are airborne and communicable. (meaning, extremely easy to catch!) I do not need to take my child to the Dr. constantly, to ensure he is being taken care of properly. He has never been sick, always been right on target, or advanced in other milestones.
My gut has always told me he's fine. He talks just as much ormore then most of his baby friends around the same age and older. Canticles don't usually bother me, but that article seems to get to me. I think, because they made speech delays seem so terrible. (I truly don't believe he has a delay, though.) He has been pushing his 2 year molars and using his pacifier more for soothing. (he usually only uses it at night). We took the pacifier in the past few days and he's talking up a storm again. He even has a few new words :)
Thank you, to the person who mentioned the pacifier! We have an appointment with a new pediatrician next week a little further away and I'm sure they will tell me he's right on track. Thanks everyone!
It amazes me when someone posts about speech for a child under 2. Relax. He shouldn't have as big a vocabulary as you might think! While you're frustrated and concerned, there are mothers like me who have 2 and a half year olds that don't even say thank you or yummy!
He sounds perfectly normal. I would take a lot of those "milestone" articles with a grain of salt. Children that young have very different speech development, first, second, third, or tenth child. My second wasn't saying a whole lot at that age, but now we can't get him to be quiet. If he communicates and has no signs of hearing issues, I would not worry at all. I also agree--it is pointless to waste a co-pay to be told something you already know when there is nothing you can give you child anyway for basic colds. :)
My son didn't start really talking until he was around 24 months old. He is a very smart 8th grader now with A's and high B's in all of his work. I wouldn't worry yet, but continue to read to him and communicate with him all the time.
Every State, has an "Early Childhood Intervention" organization, for kids 0-3 years old.
It is FREE.
They do an overall developmental assessment on the child. THEN IF needed, they can provide services/therapists to help your child.
Just Google Search "Early Childhood Intervention" for your area.
My son, got Speech Therapy from our local organization.
It was GREAT!
My son LOVED it as did I.
Again, it is free.
You do NOT have to be referred by a Doctor.
I called them myself and requested an evaluation.
ALSO, don't worry... boys, are often later... in talking or articulation... and 'sounds' and speech articulation are age-related.
all the best,
Susan
I have 5 children (one's is a baby) and only one of mine was talking like what you described at 18 months. My others weren't really talking until much later. They are all older and talk just fine, now. I don't take mine to the doc very often for the very reason you said. I got tired of my healthy children getting sick at the doctors... I don't do pediatricians either. We all go to a family doctor... Good luck!! ;)
You should be able to get a free evaluation set up for hom through your regional center. I think the piece of mind is worth it. For us it did turn out that my son needed therapy, bit only for a short period of time. We absoutely LOVED the help he received, it was so helpful to us as well. We were very commited to reinforcing the skills he learned at therapy at home. They built his speech production up and also helped with his play skills at the same time. I often joked that it was pre-pre-preschool. An evaluation is just information. You can decide what to do from there. Best wishes.
My son communicated GRANDLY at that age, just not with words. The quirk of an eyebrow and a smile was one kind of question, head tilt was another, arms held up to be picked up, deep sigh and a smile a thankyou, pointing, laughing, frowning... the human face is VERY versatile, and when you can add in full body motions (like pointing, leaning, walking, etc.) it's even more descriptive. English isn't super necessary. Especially when they understand YOU. Watching their face will usually give you the answer.
My son spoke VERY few words until he was 2. Then he had a language explosion. The squirrels were mocking him, one more if you please, etc. I wasn't worried about his speech (thank god I had never looked up how many words kids are "supposed" to be saying), because there was no problem communicating. So he didn't speak more than 5 or 6 words until 2, was reciting all the poems I'd been reading him from memory at 2.5 (Eugene Fields, mostly, like Wynken, Blynken, & Nodd... and the Gingham Dog & Calico Cat) and was reading fluently by 3. No biggie.
Milestones have a LARGE range on purpose. Kids develop different things during different times. My son was working on large motor like crazy between 14-20 months (how many different ways CAN one hurl one's body through space), and interspersed it with a lot of fine motor.
My adv is that if something seem "off", take him in... but if not, to just delight in watching him learn and grow. It all goes by SO fast.
Sit him on your lap and read and talk to him more. They learn language by example.
It sounds like you've got a very healthy, happy baby!
I wouldn't worry about this at all. Talk to his doctor at his next appointment and realize it really is true that boys often do things later than girls.
My son was right on target for everything while my daughter did everything really early. I'm so glad I didn't worry about every little thing that he didn't do just like her.
Relax and enjoy your little one.
Best wishes!
He sounds fine to me. Different kids develop at a different pace. At 19 mos, DD was only saying a few words (10-15), but clearly understood everything we said, would do what was asked, and was still using some babysigns. Our daycare provider suggested we get a speech therapist in to see her--we said we'd wait another month or so (this was just before Christmas, and we said we'd see after the holidays). Sure enough, at 20 months, DD started talking in paragraphs--BAM--all of a sudden! Some kids just do that--they wait and save up until they figure it out in their heads, THEN start talking. DD is now the most talkative kid you'd ever hope to meet, with a huge vocab (she's now 3 years). So I say, don't sweat it. As long as he's progressing in other areas, and seems to listen and understand (so you're not worried he has a hearing problem), give the kid more time and I bet he'll be fine! GL!
Every child progresses differently and girls tend to talk sooner than boys. I too was worried about my son when he was that age. My gut also said nothing was wrong so I didn't press it. He is now 4 and talks just as well as the others. In fact I think he talks more. Sometimes I want him to just shut up :) lol.
That being said he needs to be going to his well checks when they are recommended.
If there was something bad wrong with your son, he would be behind in 3 or more global areas, not just speech. As others are saying, just because he is not doing short phrases right now is no reason to rush him to a doctor or speech therapist.
Examples of global areas that would indicate a disabilty or learning disorder or something would be his large and small motor skills, his ability to understand and follow directions, his communication. Check out this link:
http://www.babycenter.com/0_milestone-chart-13-to-18-mont...
If he is behind in all of these areas, I would consult a doctor, but is sounds like he isn't.
my son didn't say much at all at that age. He could obviously understand most of what he heard. At 18 months it is like some kind of speech faucet got turned on, hasn't shut up since:D I wouldn't worry, he sounds like he is doing great:)
sounds perfect to me.........
sometimes the best thing for helping helping them to learn is to talk to them as adults! i did that with my son and he actually tool a minute to wak and talk but once he got started that was it! lol but i never switched back over to baby talk i just kept talking to him like an adult and he caught on. and when you get to the doc ask him his opinion on his devolepment. goodluck
s/n you have to excuse the busy bodies who have appointed themselves gods, the judge and the juries on here. hmm make me wonder about their devolpemnet! ha!
I know you have already gotten a lot of responses already but I just wanted to throw my two cents in quick. First of all, your child's development on speech sounds just fine to me. I have three kids, one that was at full sentenced by 1 1/2, one that didn't say a word until two and one that was where your son is and they all have turned out advanced. I wouldn't worry too much. They really do not take speech issues too seriously until after three.
All that being said, I understand your worry about your son getting sick at the docs office but you need not worry there either. Kids need to get exposed a little so they can build their immune systems up. You will totally get what I mean when your baby hits preschool or kindergarten. They will be living in a germ-filled petri dish and bring home everything on the planet. Kids get exposed to every sickness out there just going to the grocery store, playing outside, or shopping at the mall (maybe even worse then the docs office, at least there, they clean and disinfect regularly).
I wouldn't worry too much, he is going to get sick eventually and all will be fine. I must add that I am a bit surprised that the docs office doesn't separate the sick from the well. My docs office even has different rooms for sick and well.
One last thought I would see about checking with other offices as well, a lot of times if you give them time they can sign up with your insurance. Since you have two months before the well visit why don't you start shopping around?
Good luck!
If your son is understanding what you are saying, receptive speech, it sounds like everything is fine. However if you are concerned it never hurts to speak to a pediatrician or call Early Intervention to be sure. My son was saying words and two word phrases however he did not seem to have the receptive speech - I heard SO many people tell me I was over reacting and "boys learn slower/mature slower, etc". Turns out my intuition is correct - my son was diagnosed PDD-NOS (he's high functioning autistic). Please don't let me scare you - I'm not saying I think that's what's going on with your son - I am just saying that if you feel something in your gut isn't right go with how you feel. I did and turns out my feelings were right.
At my older son's 18 mon checkup, the dr said that the next milestone he would hit is putting two words together. it sounds like he is doing some of that like "mommy please", "thank you", and "are you good". My son was 18 mon back in Dec 2007, I'm sure nothing has changed since then. Babies are babies.
I have taken my daughter to the doctor for the sniffles and from the time she was in the waiting room, to the time she was seen and then the drop off and pick of meds, she threw up. I believe she picked something up in the sick room.
Sometimes I wait outside, if the sick room is full.
As for the milestones, of course a doctor would be best to give her final opinion, however, as long as he is moving along and improving, I would worry much. If he is not continuing to learn, then I say you have a concern.
The important thing is that you said he is able to communicate his wants. Words/phrases will come in his time, when he is ready. If you are not already doing so, be sure to use the words that you want him to use when he is communicating with you. For example, if he points to an apple, say to him "Apple. Do you want an apple? Say apple." If you do this throughout the day, he will be using words in no time. Sometimes, parents are too good at anticipating what their child needs, that words aren't necessary. If he doesn't start using words (at least 10 or so) by the time he is 18 months, you may want to consider sharing this with his dr at the next visit....you know he will probably go in during the winter for some sort of sick visit.
sounds perfectly within the normal range to me. STOP WORRYING ;-)
I don't think he's behind at all. My son hardly said anything until he got closer to 2 years old and now at 2 years and 3 months, he speaks in complete sentences! My daughter was an early talker (full sentences at 17 months), so I thought my little guy was never gonna say anything and one day, he just did. He could say a few words (maybe 10) at around 18-20 months old, but it was definitely closer to his 2nd birthday before he started really talking. There is always such a wide range of "normal" that it's hard not to be worried, but I wouldn't at this point. I don't know what article you read, but I definitely don't think all 17 month old kids are saying phrases, so please don't worry yet. I think, at the very least, you can wait until the 18 month checkup and mention it then (the pedi will likely ask you how many words he's saying anyway) and ask then. I truly believe that all kids develop differently in this area. If he was over 2 and you were asking this question, I would be worried, but not at this age. Once they start talking, you sometimes wish they would stop! LOL!
Your son sounds fine. I just wanted to add that I don't take my kids to the doctor very often either unless they are really hurt or sick and they have actually stayed healthier. And, like you, I have enough sense to know when my child needs a doctor and when it is something I can take care of at home. Plus, I hate giving my children antibiotics for every little thing- I think they will have a stronger immune system when they can fight off the little things themselves.
Kuddos to you!
~C.
My son recently had his 2 year visit and the doctor said at this age they are looking for 2 word phrases. From what you say, it sounds like your son is doing perfectly fine - he's already using some 2 word phrases and expressing himself and understanding and responding to what you say. I would take that article you read with a boulder of salt! :)
CALL ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The worst they can say is that he's perfectly fine:) My ODS is 3 years old and currently in ST with the school district. I did the dumb thing...listened to everyone else, and his dr, tell me to wait til he was 2.5 and that he would "catch up". Guess what? He didn't. That was precious time that he could have been in ST. I should have gone with my gut rather than listen to anyone else. He was only with ECI for a few months before he turned 3 (they only help birth-age 3). Then he went 2 months with no ST, and started in September once school started up.
So I tell anyone and everyone if you are the least bit concerned, get an evaluation with ECI, and they can tell you what's going on and if therapy is needed. The eval is free, they come to you. And the treatments are based on a sliding scale (we ended up not paying anything). No dr's referral is needed.
Well... I never experienced any of my four children getting sick from sitting in a doctor's waiting room. They were perfectly able (and sometimes even willing) to catch the germs outside the doctor's office.
And you don't need to take a child to a doctor constantly - just periodically. Doctors can zoom in on things that even the most dedicated mama reading all the books might not catch. (Books - and especially magazine articles - can contradict each other, anyhow.)
But when you take your son in for his 18-month checkup, you might ask the doctor about the speech issue if you're still concerned about it. It never hurts to ask questions! Perhaps there's a problem and perhaps there's not. My younger son seemed delayed in his speech, and it turned out that he needed tubes in his ears. He was speaking well according to what he was hearing, but he wasn't hearing well. His speech was improving within hours after the surgery.
It's too bad that money and insurance issues have to be such a nuisance, and it's sensible to do the best you can for your family to keep them healthy. Be sure, though, that you don't make your son worried about doctor visits through your own worries.
My son is 14 and has been to the doctor 4( 2 for broken bones) times in his life that were not well visits. When he was an infant/toddler, I followed the doctor's schedule for well visits. He now goes once a year for a check up. If he is not sick, there is no reason to subject him to the doctor. They will acccess his progress at his next well visit. Boys are a little slower on their language development. Don't believe everything you read in every article. My pediatrician thought it was amazing that my son spoke in 3-5 word sentences at 15 months. He was very early with language. My pediatricain said the goal for boys is 24 words by 24 months, just words, not sentences or groupings. Don't stress out about that stuff this early. The doctor will let you know, each step of the way, how he is doing. Sounds like you are lucky and have a healthy child!
Definitely chill out! He sounds like a perfectly normal - and bright - kid to me. My son was 2 before his speech really took off. He's now almost 5 and everyone is always impressed with his vocabulary! Your boy is just fine, nothing to worry about at his age.
he sounds just fine to me especially if he is the first/only child. keep up the good work!!
My son wouldn't even say mama at 17 months...and at 3 he literally doesn't stop talking, ever! His preschool teacher said that most of them don't start really jabbering till after 2 years. He sounds right on track to me.
kids develope at their own pace. my son started walking at 8months, thats when my niece started pulling herself up. my niece is 7 weeks older than my son and can talk in almost complete paragraphs, im lucky to get a full sentence from my son. he would rather be running andplaying. unless your son is drastically behind developing skills i wouldnt worry. hell be ok :)
oh please, i am like you. i hate going to doctor's office because we go in healthy and come out with gazillion things we then need to treat. if he didn't need to go, you shouldn't have taken him in. his next visit is in 2 months, so don't worry until then and then bring it up with his doctor. articles say usually by this age...which means not all kids to the same things by that age. so i wouldn't worry.
Usually when I see questions like this I think the wait and see attitude is just wrong. But seriously, your son is not even 1 1/2 yet!! Lots of kids don't say more than 4 words at that age. By 20 months, he should be saying about 10 words and should be improving every day, interested in you and the world around him. At 2 they should START combining words. I don't know where you saw that they should do that at 16 months. It annoys me a litttle that some people would suggest getting him evaluated at this point. First, it needlessly worries you. Second, if you explain to them what you have told us here, they wont even come out! I called EI when my son was 2 because he has less than 20 words and was very self directed. In your case, at this point, you have nothing to worry about. Keep a watch and if he is not improving or regressing, then make that call.
Please ignore people that comment about you not taking your little guy to the doctor. I have been through a similar situation when my kids were on CHIP and the only place accepting patients didn't take appointments....it was walk in only. It was so horrifying to walk into the waiting room that was cramped with people (even people outside) that I knew we were healthier just not going. The 2 times my son had a cold and suspected ear infection I just took him to a minor emergency place. Okay...enough about that!
Your guy is okay. There are so many posts on here about moms worried about their kids not talking and it seems like there are lots of boys that don't even talk (at all) until after 3. My son will be two on the 15th and I will admit I freaked out a little when a parenting magazine said that by two they should be combining words and my son is not. But, in the past month his words have probably tripled and he has started adding two syllable words to his vocab. So, I figure he is just taking his time just like he did with crawling and walking. I'm guessing your little guy is right on track, also.
Good luck!
you can't always go by the words "should be". your son is going at his own pace and every baby is different. don't fret about the article and keep up the great work you are doing with your son! :D
Boys tend to be slower in speech than girls. 17 months is still very young. It sounds like he is doing really well, so I wouldn't worry about it at this point. If by 2 he is not speaking much, then perhaps I would look into it. If your child is not sick, why do they need to see the doctor? The reason they schedule so many appointments is to get their vaccinations. Otherwise, why would the recommended schedule of well baby checks coincide with their shots?
Forget the article. I think the article is just trying to give basic ideas of what is "normal", and I think as long as your son mimics and knows a few phrases ("are you good", "thank you" and "yummy snack" qualify), he fits in the wide range of normal. You might ask your pediatrician about it at his 18-month checkup if you're concerned, but if I were you, I'd stop stressing about it. There's lots of other stuff to worry about with kids. :)
Your son is NORMAL!!! Keep being a great Momma. There is no reason to rush him into therapy, treatment, or even unnecessary doctor's appointments. My son is 22 months and not using too many two word phrases yet...I'm not worried about him at all.
I have a soon to be (like in a week) 2 year old who just started using two word phrases. He's very bright and right on target in every area, and I've never worried about it. If he's not using words a lot and communicating well by age 2 with a number of ways, then have it checked, but every kid is different and boys usually do take longer to talk than girls. Just wait until 18 months.
Chill out and forget out it! Sometimes those articles are cause more harm then good I think, because all of our 'normal' children don't ever do the 'normal' things they say! My daughter is 2 today, and didn't start putting two words together until this month. If he's understanding and mimicking, then he's probably fine. When you do take him to a normal check-up, you can ask then, but don't worry before. Neither one of my kids goes to the doctor more often then the recommended check-ups (birth, 3m, 6m, 9m, 12m, 18m, 24m, yearly). Unless they're really sick and I think they may need a prescription, otherwise I just keep them home.
One thing I noticed helped my daughter a lot was when I started taking her to playgroups. Seeing other kids around her age talking made her think 'oh I can do that to'. You didn't say if he went to preschool or stayed home, but if he doesn't spend time with other kids his age, you might look into play dates or something so he gets some social interaction. They may make some more words come out.
Relax, take a deep breath. I'm sure you dont have anything to worry about, with some kids it just takes longer. Give him a little more time to learn these things and if you're still worried in a couple months then talk to the dr. just make sure you keep him away from all the sick kiddos in there so he doesnt catch anything. I do understand your worry about that though, my daughters drs office is the same way, they recently put up a wall dividing the waiting room into 2 areas, sick kids on one side, kids there for check ups on the other. lol.
You should chill out and forget about the article :)
My daughter didn't really start to talk well (short phrases/sentences) till after her 2nd B-Day.
I say you try to relax...take him in to see the Doc at his 2 yr "well child" visit and take it from there.
If it gives you any comfort, most of us Moms worry about our child's speech and developmental progress, usually right around this same age too!
B.,
If your child has a good immune system then you shouldn't worry about taking him to the Dr. where there are sick kids. Kids will get sick occasionally and this helps them to build antibodies which in turn attack germs. If you are still worried about him getting sick you could always check in and then wait outside for your appt. All kids learn at different levels. If he is saying words then he is hearing okay which can be a reason for delayed speak. I think you have to follow your Mother's instinct and if you are really worried about his speak then make an appt to see the Dr.
