My son is 25 months old understand EVERYTHING but does not talk much. Only really says ma-ma da-da and yaaahhh - he can repeat every single sound he hears but the actual words just don't come. My husband does not want to call a speech patholigist to come and talk to him. He thinks it is to soon. I just want to make sure that even if I wait until maybe he is 21/2 or so I won't be doing any harm to him. I am wondering what other mom's experience has been?
Thanks everyone! I think I am just going to go with my instincts, I know he is fine I may just have someone evaluate him in a few months just to get the Peds office off my back!
25 months with just a few words, I think you should definitely call a speech pathologist. Even if you get services, I understand from some District 203 staff I spoke with, you don't have to even tell the school district unless you want to. I personally think with speech, the earlier you get there the more effective it is... and I know a lot of folks who had speech services for a year or so and then never needed anything again. Good luck!
Hi, I am a Speech/Language Pathologist. I just wanted to let you know that it would be a good idea to take him to a Speech/Language Pathologist just so you know if there is anything else going on with him. They will most likely do a play based assessment and other tests. Also, make sure a hearing test is done. If he knows a lot of words and is using nonverbal gestures to communicate (such as pointing) than it is more likely that he will be talking soon. If he wants something, make sure he tries to ask for it using his words. It is good that he repeats sounds. Some kids just don't talk for a while. Also, boys usually develop later than girls. I would take him just so you know he doing well or so you are reassured. The hospitals and universities have Speech/Language Pathologists. The universities may be cheaper for an evaluation.
Our daughter was this way -- and now our son is too -- but basically what they told us is if the sounds are there they are on track and fine! Some kids words just dont come until later. :) If he is mimicing what you say then I would not worry -- it is only a matter of time before the words start flowing and you will giggle about every worrying if he would talk!!! :)
My advice is don't worry yet. My second son was 32 months old when he started to talk. He also understood EVERYTHING we said, and I KNEW he could talk - he just chose not to up til that point. He did use sign language (as I've done w/all my kids), but no spoken words. He's done EVERYTHING on his own timetable (all of mine have, actually) so I just let him be and sure enough one day he started speaking complete sentences out of seemingly no where. I'm sure your son will do the same.
We had Sooner Start evaluate J at 22 months because he wasn't talking yet. They said his speech was behind but they didn't see anything to worry about until he was older. He started talking in complete sentences just a few months later. If you are worried then by all means talk to your pediatrician, call your local social services agency, ours in Oklahoma is called Departmant of Human Services, I don't know what yours is. They may have resources you can contact about getting the evaluation done.
My son is 22 months, and has been slow in this area as well. My dr said (at his 18 m appt) that if he was still behind at his 2 yr appt that we should look into getting him evaluated. I am not sure where to call/go but I am surely going to do this. It is so important, and the sooner you get him a little help, the less likely he will continue to need speech therapy as he gets older.
My daughter, now 27 mos. JUST started talking actual words. She's been in EI since about 17 mos. of age, and working with a Speech Therapist. I would also say go with your gut instinct. If your son is understanding ALOT, I would wait a little longer and see if the words start coming. One problem I had with my daughter was, I would do everything for her so she didn't have to talk to tell me what she wanted. Once I stopped doing this, the words have started to come out of her. If you decide to get him evaluated by Early Intervention, know that when he turns 3, if he is behind in his skills, he can go to preschool through the school district with no out of pocket expenses to you. Good luck to you, I know it can be worrisome & confusing hearing different things, just know your son will develop at his own pace & will talk when he feels like it, with our without therapy.
well, I think it just depends on the child and only you know your child well enough. My son didn't start talking til after his second birthday and then suddenly took off with complete sentences. My daughter is 20 mths old and just now started saying "mama". Her doctor was concerned and tried to start talking to me about it but I just cut her off and said she's fine. lol I knew that since my son was a "late" talker she probably would be too. The other reason I'm not concerned about her is because like you said - my daughter also understands everthing we say and the couple words she does say are clear. So I think you should follow your own gut instincts. If the words he IS saying are clear and understandable, I would just give him some more time. Some kids just wait til they have it all figured out in their head perfectly before vocalizing it. :)
I think you should get him checked out. My son is 22 months, and is in the same boat--I know he understands everything, but he just isn't getting the speech thing. Early Intervention is a federally mandated program that costs nothing to you except if your son needs services, and even then, it's on a sliding scale based on your income. You really don't want to gamble with a future of always being behind the other kids if you can intervene early and get him the help he needs to catch up. I'd check with your county health department to see about getting an evaluation done.
