My 19 month old other than saying dada and mama does not say anything. My pediatrician told me she should be at least saying 7 words. She is having someone from First Steps (?) come out to our house to observe and evaluate her. Has anyone had this done and what should I expect? Has anyone had any "late" talkers? Should I be worried?
2 of my best friends have children who are one month apart (now 19 and 20 months) and neither of these kids says more than 5 words. Their development is normal, but they just don't talk much. My daughter was speaking in full sentences at the same age (which is great, until they won't be quiet!) The point is, every kid is different and as long as you see signs that your child understands you, I would not be worried about this.
My first son did not start talking til he was over 2.5 years old. He is now four and won't shut up. My second son turned 2 in June and says only ball, ma ma and no. I too had a speak eval done on my first son and after a month I decided that it was silly. To me he was only 2. If he were 3 and not talking then I might have been concerned. I believe when they are ready to start talking they will just like when they are ready to be potty trained only they know. All we can do is encourage them.I too am an "older mom" I had by first son at 38 and my second son at 40. Hang in there when she is ready to talk she will. Enjoy her.
Hi C.,
I just posted a question on 8/13 similar to this one except my son is 15 months old. I got a lot of reallly helpful responses. Take a look at what I received. Many moms told me about their children and what happened with them.
Thanks,
S. C
Don't panic yet - but it is good you are aware. We did not have my son evaluated until 2.5. He did have a problem and received speech and occupation therapy through the Early Intervention program and then after age 3 through the school. I think it is too early to go into panic mode - keep encouraging her to talk but don't make her or yourself nuts.
Be aware - any and all evaluations and services should be covered by the state until age 3 (Early Interventions in Illinois) and through the school district from age 3 to 21. My son received speech therapy through kindergarten and OT until mid 4th grade. BTW - He is almost 13 and I sometimes wish he didn't talk now!GOOD LUCK!
My daughter talked very early but my niece who is only 5 months younger didnt start really talking til she was already 2. I think every child is different but i think that it makes a difference how you talk to them. I never talked baby talk with my daughter, I always talked to her in my normal voice. Something to try is sitting down reading or watching an interactive program with her and trying to involve her by encouraging, her to answer questions like what is this in the picture or what color is this. She will start to vocalize herself when she is ready. I have a 3 year old that never stops talking and trust me there are times when i miss the days of quiet lol. Dont worry, and good luck.
It doesn't hurt to have an evaluation done. It could help. My youngest is 27 months, and at 2, he still wasn't talking. We go to Speech therapy once a week now, and the difference is AMAZING. He's still not up to speed, but he is "talking" up a storm now.
