Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

15 month old development

34 replies

Olaf14 · 13/05/2020 15:55

everyone

This is my first post sorry if it is too long.

My DS is 15 months tomorrow, he eats well, sleeps occasionally through the night although can be unsettled and I believe he meeting milestones on target or before (walking 10 months/ crawling 6 months).

He has been babbling since 8 months, can say mumma and what I think is ducks. He makes sounds all days some sound like words. That’s it for verbal communication.

Non verbal he can wave, clap hands, shake head for no and trying to nod. The last six weeks he has been pointing (full hand and more recently index finger) for interests, things he wants and pictures in book. He brings items/toys to show us this had been happening for 5 months.

He pretends to talk on phone, drink from empty cup, fed teddies and me. He plays with toys well and plays with our dog. He likes peek a boo and chasing games.

He can feed himself with loaded spoon/fork, finger foods and drinks well from cup. He can turn pages in book, make marks with crayons and press buttons on toys.

He can run, walk, climb on couch and stairs.

He responds to his name most of the time, give reasonable eye contact, points at me if you ask where’s mumma and points at our dog when asked. He gives me kisses when asked.

As you have probably guessed I am concerned about speech development and possible links to autism. Do you think he is developing on track or should I seek help?
Thank you

OP posts:
Olaf14 · 13/05/2020 16:30

Just to add he can follow a point.

brings toys/items to show us.

Raises arms to be picked up.

Give lots of cuddles and smiles lots

OP posts:
ScarfLadysBag · 13/05/2020 16:33

Sounds totally normal. My DD is same age and only has a handful of words, and some are more just sounds she uses to mean certain things.

You should still be getting your usual developmental checks from HV anyway, albeit over phone, but they will let you know if there's any intervention needed.

These are helpful and what the HVs here use to chart development:

steeplechasepedi.com/patient-corner/forms/ages-stages-questionnaires/

Just make sure that you do the one closest to his actual age - some span periods of two or more months so there will be a big difference in what a child at the start is able to do v the ends

MaggieTheFrog · 13/05/2020 16:35

I think everything sounds great, please don't worry. However, if you have any concerns I would speak to your GP and/or HV.
They would be better placed then an internet group chat Thanks.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

fuuuuuuck · 13/05/2020 16:38

Totally normal, your mind is running away with itself!

Thesearmsofmine · 13/05/2020 16:39

His development sounds absolutely normal to me!

PippinStar · 13/05/2020 16:40

DS is also 15 mo. They sound very similar. I think they are both doing great and wouldn't worry at all!

2catsandatoddler · 13/05/2020 16:40

Sounds absolutely fine OP. DD was quite slow to talk and at that age was almost exactly like your DS speaking wise. She's now 2 and a half and does not stop talking. She began speaking in semi sentences just after she turned 2. I really wouldn't worry Smile. If you're still concerned I'd speak to your HV as they'll be able to put your mind at ease Thanks

Puddlelane123 · 13/05/2020 16:45

His development sounds absolutely bang on target OP. Doesn’t ring any alarm bells with me whatsoever OP. Is there a family history or something that is triggering your worries?

myangelalex · 13/05/2020 17:10

Normal. What makes you so anxious re autism?

Olaf14 · 13/05/2020 17:50

Thanks everyone for getting back to me.
I think my main concerns around autism was his lack of actual words and when he is pointed he doesn’t always check back to see if I’m looking. Is this concerning?

OP posts:
BlueGreenYellowRed · 13/05/2020 17:57

He sounds very similar to my 15mo DS

BlueGreenYellowRed · 13/05/2020 18:00

when he is pointed he doesn’t always check back to see if I’m looking. Is this concerning?

Totally normal

SirVixofVixHall · 13/05/2020 18:01

He sounds totally normal for his age, no flags for autism there , why are you worried ?

empireants · 13/05/2020 18:20

I work in this field and your son sounds like he's developing really well and that'll mainly be as a result of great parenting. No indicators of autism there to me but, if you're really worried, speak to your Health Visitor or GP.

SqidgeBum · 13/05/2020 18:24

My 17 month old has no words yet bar 'toes' which still isnt really toes. 15 month olds shouldn't be talking. They all babble. He sounds completely normal to me.

ElizaCrouch · 13/05/2020 18:31

My ds was like this at 15 months. If it helps, he didn't actually start talking until nearly three, so he was certainly at the later end compared to most kids. I was worried about autism too, but he's fine. I went to see the gp when he was nearly 2 and he was referred for speech therapy, so if you're still worried in a few months then consider talking to the gp about it. For what it's worth being a late talker didn't hold my ds back. Whilst he may not have been talking, he had still been listening, and knew and understood plenty of words. By the time he got to 3.5 years he caught up, and in some cases in overtook his peers in terms of speech and language. No one would have ever guessed that he had only been talking for 5 months.

worriedmama16 · 13/05/2020 18:33

Sounds good to me! My dd could talk very well at that age, looking back at videos I'm awe struck, but she didn't walk or even try to till 18 months! And then she just did! They're all different but the communication your son is showing says he is right on track!

Sunshinegirl82 · 13/05/2020 18:38

My eldest didn’t say any words at all until he was 17 months (first word was duck!)

He is about to turn 4 and in the bath tonight said to me “mummy, you be the deinosuchus and I’ll be the plesiosaur, ok?”

I’m pretty sure he is neurotypical.

I think your DC sounds like he is developing completely normally, nothing you’ve said sounds like a red flag at all to me.

TeddyBeans · 13/05/2020 18:42

DS has just turned two and still doesn't talk. His understanding is on point though so I'm not worried. Your DS sounds like he's hitting every milestone - I wouldn't worry. Just keep talking to him

mommybear1 · 13/05/2020 18:56

Hi OP my DS is 2.5yrs he's only just started saying a few words I was very worried and got a referral for hearing and speech therapy but in the meantime I taught him Makaton from various YouTube vids etc he's come on brilliantly with it and I've found his speech has improved as Makaton isn't a verbal replacement you say the word with the sign. I'm still going through with the hearing test and speech therapy referral post covid but I'd recommend trying some signs with him to see if it helps - his communication to you seems good with pointing etc - my DS was the same. Best of luck feel free to DM me Thanks

grey12 · 13/05/2020 22:16

My mum always says walk at 1 talk at 2

Btw, DD1 is speech delayed but seriously no biggie!! She's now almost 4 and talking pretty well. Another few months to reception, she'll be fine

Unless you suspect greater issues, then your child will catch up

glitterbiscuits · 13/05/2020 22:21

Im a portage teacher. He's fine.

grey12 · 13/05/2020 22:29

@mommybear1

At this age hearing test doesn't really work. It might work for your child but don't get your hopes up. YOU know whether your child can hear well or not. For DD1 doctor suggested she could have autism Hmm crazy guy.......

Embracelife · 13/05/2020 22:33

Nothing in there to worry about

Maybelatte · 13/05/2020 22:35

Totally normal. My DS is 18 months and can only say mama, dada, go, gone and goal (when he scores a goal, he absolutely loves football!). I’m not worried in the slightest, I have older DC though so I have a grasp of what’s normal.