Another speech delay query

[Amber76]

Hi - my 22 month old ds has very few words. He can say mama, dada, cheers (when clinking drinks!) and that's about it. He says gaga for dog.

His understanding is very good. He'll point to body parts when asked but won't try to say the word. He'll get something such as a toy if asked but has never asked for a toy. He'll get his jacket, shoes, etc.

I have spoken to public health nurse but they said they'll see him again when he is 2.

I think his hearing is okay. I said his name quietly while he was distracted a while ago and he does turn around.

I am mainly worried because he doesn't try to say anything - he never mimics me when I repeat a word over and over. Usually he just smiles and laughs.

Is this normal?

[MrsNextDoor]

Does he babble at all? Has he historically babbled? Is he happy and sociable and does he play appropriately?

[Buttercup27]

Sorry to keep repeating myself on these threads but ask hv to have his eyes checked at 2 year check. My ds had very few words like yours at the same age. He was referred for an eye test at 2 year check due to family history.
It turns out he has extremely poor eye sight. Since receiving hos glasses his speech is unrecognisable. He has worn them for about 8 months now and can now speak in simple sentences and us using new words daily.
No one ever questioned his eye sight as he never bumped into tho gs or had problems, although he was a late walker. It's amazing how well he coped as he knew no different.

[Amber76]

He does babble - but there would be no clear words in it. If he wants something he points and says aaaaahh. I'll say the word (such as out, milk, banana) but he won't even attempt to say it.

He's a very happy, smiley, sociable little guy. He does play well with his sister and is interested in other kids. Eye contact is excellent. I have no worries about him other than his speech.

I never considered his eyesight. He can see the TV - he'll always say gaga if he sees a dog on it. He can see birds in the garden - I think his eyes are ok but I'll mention it at his 2 year check up.

I'm just worried that he is going to get frustrated if he can't communicate effectively. And I'm worried that there is something amiss and I'm overlooking it. I know you shouldn't compare kids but some of his male cousins of similar age are speaking in clear sentences.

[Buttercup27]

We ways thought my ds could see the TV etc but it's really amazing how well he coped. He has a really strong prescription so I'm guessing most things he actually saw was really blurred etc. But because he knew no different, just got on with it.

[Jellyandjam]

He's still very young yet and what you describe is normal for his age. I know how hard it is when you hear others who are much further along but a lot of children have a big word explosion at around two and a half and they really are all different.
Do keep an eye on it though and mention your concerns at his review. I had the same concerns when my DS was this age. He did have problems with his speech and needed therapy but not all children will be like this so don't worry too much. Carry on saying the words back to him as he points etc and just enjoy your LO.

[Foxongiraffe]

It might be good to start some sign language to help him to communicate with you. I used about 20 different signs with my son for a while and it was really useful. You can get quite good sign books. It is not a replacement for words - it has been said to "add pictures" to speech and should help his speech improve not replace it.