Our son is 15 months old. He's not talking yet, but does make sounds. He coos and growls and grunts and screeches and giggles, as well as saying some constanants like "mmm" and "nnn", and likes to repeat "dadada" and "nahnahnah". He doesn't call me or hubby "mama" or "dada".
We've been teaching him sign language since he was about six months old. He recognizes maybe two dozen different signs, and can do 5-10 signs on his own. I read something to him almost every day. He pays attention when I sing the alphabet to him and will try to sign the letters with me. He knows the names of some of his toys and will retreive them when asked (unless he's in one of those "I'm ignoring you" moods).
His pediatrician is worried that he's not speaking "with meaning" yet, for example, calling me "mama" and whatnot. I've read that children who are taught sign language may begin speaking later than children who are not, but routinely score higher on language assesment tests than those children who are not. He even suggested we have our son evaluated by a speech therapist.
My question is, when did your kids start talking? Does anyone else teach their child sign language? How did that affect your child's language skills, if at all? Should I be worried that he's not talking yet?
My daughter is 17 months, and talks a lot, however, we only taught her two signs, "more" and "please." despite all she can say, when I ask her to say "please," she still does the sign! Your son may just think that the signs are sufficient for communicating! All children are different, and it sounds like he is learning quite a bit. I wouldn't worry too much!
Hi! I have a daughter that is 15 months and she says about 8 to 10 different words regularly and then a lot i don't understand. My sister taught my nephew sign language and he really did not start talking much until he was about 21 months (except for ball, mama, dada). Her doctor felt it was because he did not feel the need to speak because he could express himself through sign. However, at about 2 years of age he just started to speak more regularly and stopped using the sign language (probably because he wanted to communicate with other kids as well). He is currently 3 and is now a chatter box. I hope this helps!
It wouldn't hurt to get him evaluated to rule out anything else that might not be quite right. It's also possible he may have some hearing issues, that could be a part of it, too. By a year old all three of my boys were at least saying "mama" and "dada". More words came along later, 18 months or so. But later all three of my boys were diagnosed with speech delays, they developed their full vocabulary a lot later due to emotional disabilities. If there is something to it the sooner you get him help the better. On the other hand, if he is hitting his other milestones I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Good luck - Merry Christmas!
My son learned some signs and as soon as he learned to say the word he often would drop doing the sign. I've found though that even at 22 months (he's almost 2 now) that he would do a sign that we hadn't done much with him.. like he did play if we didn't understand what he was saying fast enough for him. He says please clearly now, but still does the sign for it.
I wouldn't worry about it.. it seems like the students in my Kindermusik class that are 18 months are speaking a few words, but not many... it becomes much more clear and more often
Christina,
I have twin boys and they started talking at different times. One was a full month ahead of the other. Then - one of totally took off, and the other is still catching up. One is very easy to understand, and one is almost impossible. Every kid is different, even if they have the same learning experiences.
I wouldn't be overly concerned, but my only advice would be to listen to your ped. There's no harm in going to get him evaluated by a speech therapist. Why not take him? Then you can put your mind at ease.
My son didn't do much talking before his 2nd birthday. We also did baby sign with him which really helped him to communicate with us. There would have been much more frustration in our house if it weren't for the sign language!
About a week after he turned 2 he started talking. It seemed like someone turned a switch on! He's almost 2 1/2 now and he talks and talks and talks. He's using 5 word sentences and can communicate most all of his needs.
I was also worried when he was 15 months old and not talking. At his 2 year check-up the doctor reassured me that everything was okay and we agreed to wait until he turned 2 1/2 to have his speech evaluated. Thankfully, there's no longer a need for that.
Hi Christina ~ I am a mother of a hearing impaired son, so we use sign language. I commend you for showing your son sign language to help him communicate what he wants. You posting this question shows that you are concerned with his speech development so I would also recommend having him evaluated. If you are in Macomb county, they have a FABULOUS Early On program that offers free services and reimburses you for mileage to drive to and from class. My son attend for 3 1/2 years and we loved it! The program is offered for all children that qualify between the ages of birth to 3 years old. If you would like more information, please feel free to respond or call me ~ ###-###-####. If you are not in Macomb, I know that the surrounding counties also have Early On programs that you can use. Your pediatrician should have that information for you. Any early intervention you can get will only benefit your son in the long run.
Have a great day ~ E.
