How much does your 18 month understand and is it consistent?

[Clare123]

My lo does not say any words yet, and now I'm questioning how much he understands! Some times it's obvious he understands, I will say do you want a snack and he walks to the snack cupboard or I'll ask for a kiss and he will kiss me. Other times he completely ignores me as if he hasn't heard. Because of his speech delay I'm now starting to worry about everything! Normal or should I be concerned?

[Heyonino]

Is that 18 month old or 18 year old? knowing where the snacks are could it could be either. I wouldn't worry it sounds like he hears what he wants to hear. I am afraid you will have to get used to that.

[milkysmum]

I have an 18 month old and often wonder the same!! I think he is just starting to say 'yeh' but no other actual words that I can make out. Like yours he will wonder through to the kitchen if I ask about food!!! I think this is still quite young and they will all be different so try not to worry too much I reckon

[rrreow]

I think they definitely have selective hearing at that age (at any age probably ). Also I think toddlers really have a one track mind, so if they're doing/thinking about something else they might just not have heard it, rather than not understood it.

Why do you say he has a speech delay? Has he been assessed professionally? My DS had 1 word by 18mo. Now at 23mo he has about 20, which although on the low side is still within the realms of normal. However, if you are genuinely worried about his hearing do get it checked out as it can contribute to being slow acquiring language.

[PebblePots]

My dd is 16mo & a lot of the time she ignores me too. My theory- I ask if she wants a snack, she will respond if hungry but ignore if not bothered.

Also I don't think she yet knows how to respond to certain questions. Or if it just doesn't interest her, again I get ignored.

[Clare123]

I think he has a bit of speech delay, in that the "average" 18 months is usually saying a couple of words by now. I haven't had him assessed as I'm pretty sure he is just taking his time. I am getting his hearing checked - just to make sure. But, I have a strong feeling my little man is just doing things at his own pace.

[Misty9]

When you say he has no words, does he make any animal sounds? Mama or dadda? They all count if so.
My 19mo has only started saying a handful of words in the last month or so, but his receptive communication constantly surprises me and he definitely understands two stage instructions now, as well as picking up on key words like 'snack', 'highchair', and 'peppa' (!). All children are so different but if you're worried I'd bring it up with your hv or gp. I don't think professionals tend to get concerned until 2yrs+ with no words.

They won't stop once they start! :)

[Chubfuddler]

I think 18 months is a bit young for you to decide he has speech delay.

He's probably ignoring you! My toddler does it to me.

[candr]

My (just)19m old understands a lot more than I give him credit for sometimes. I will give him an instruction thinking he won't get it but he does which makes me think I under estimate his abilities. He does have very selective hearing and will ignore me when I am right next to him but can hear me getting cheese out of the fridge over the sound of Cbeebies. I just wish he would understand that 4am is SLEEP TIME! He does chatter away alot but most friends his age only have a handful of words.

[Misty9]

Oh, and the other thing to look for is whether he's making lots of different speech sounds. Gobbledygook in other words! I swear ds sounds like he's learning to speak Russian before English sometimes...