Almost 2 year old doesn't talk

[Purpledragonz]

Hi everyone,

Just seeking some advice as my son, who will be turning 2 in May, still doesn't talk.

The only sound he makes is "mamama", which he doesn't associate with me. He also hums with his mouth closed a lot, I can see he tries to communicate, and shrieks.

He also doesn't point, look at where I point, or wave.

Should I be worried? Or is he too young for that?

Thank you

How’s his comprehension ?
Does he appear to have good hearing ?

There is a massive variation at this age. My boys weren’t talking at that age but they could understand simple sentences or questions that I said.

I wouldn't worry too much about lack of speech if his receptive language is good. So if he demonstrates understanding such as bringing you his shoes on request, or indicating the red car rather than the blue one when you ask, it's less concerning than if he doesn't understand.

His two year check should be coming up, if you haven't been notified of that then contact the health visitors to arrange it and let them know you have concerns.

Does he have alternative ways of communicating, such as leading you by the hand to what he wants?

The significance of pointing by the child shows that they understand that you are a separate individual from them and they realise that although they have seen eg the aeroplane in the sky, you might not have, so they are letting you know about it. Babies and young infants don't realise this to begin with, it's a stage of development that is reached in time. Some children get there sooner than others and if the theory of mind isn't grasped when the child is older, it indicates a weakness in that area of development. Which might indicate a neurological issue, but at that point there will likely be other indicators as well.

Try not to worry but I think its good you are aware of this. He is very young for red flags but if he doesn't progress much in the next few months I think you should look into it. Not following a point can be an indication of poor communication. Also not associating the sound with the person.

Does he follow direction, recognise words you say, mimic you at all? Does he make eye contact with people and smile at them? When you call his name does he turn his head? If he doesn't do any of these things maybe start looking into assessment just to get the ball rolling as waiting periods are long, and book a hearing test too just to rule it out. I'm not an expert but that's what I would do.

Hey I know this is old but was wondering how your LO's speech turned out?

My son is 2 on Sunday and you described him to a T with the mamamama just being a sound.

My son didn't talk well at 2 but his hearing was awful. He had tubes put in and he was better. Maybe take him to a foo and explain your concerns

Call health visitor

It's less than normal

My health visitor has been beyond useless in this! I mentioned my concern when he turned 1 and wasn't meeting the milestones they said.. he didn't babble let alone attempt any words. The HV said they wasn't concerned until he turns two. She told me if there has been no progress by 22 months to contact again and they will do a early 2 year review and send him to a speech therapist early as it can take a while. Around 18 months I contacted again to say there has been no progress and asked to set up an early review like she previously said and suddenly she changed her tune saying they are not concerned until he is 3!

I waited a whole year for them to intervene fot me to be told to wait another year! Annoyed I contacted the GP and asked for a referral and explained the HV isn't planning to help or do anything until he is now 3! I feel like when he gets to 3, if there is still no progress while I waited for her, she would likely move it up another year!

She kept telling me the importance of early intervention too!

Hos hearing seems to be really good! He hears even the smallest sounds i miss (broken door buzzer i miss but he will somehow hear and alert me). You can whisper a song to him and he will start doing the actions to them, and if you ask him simple questions like where is .... he will point to them etc. Funny enough the dr didn't mention checking his hears when we went for the referral so maybe I need to contact them again and ask for that to be looked into just to rule it out.