to think it's unusual for a 20 month old to not be talking?

[alificent]

My niece is 20 months old and doesn't have any words at all. I know all DC are different but I'm sure mine were starting to speak in 2-3 word sentences by this age. My sister thinks she'll just get it one day and hasn't mentioned, nor does she plan to mention, it to her GP or HV. I agree that she will very probably just start talking a bit later but I do think it's worth mentioning to a professional because waiting lists for SALT are so long around here so it does no harm to already be on it.

I've broached it in a non bossy or judgy way but DSIS thinks it's common for children of this age to not be speaking yet.

[Familyof3or4]

They should have a few words at that age, and at 2 should be putting 2 words together.
If not there may be a problem.....but there might not be.
My DD is 21 months and has no words. I'm not worried about her at the moment as good non verbal communication. I will get a referral if she hadn't progressed from this by over 2. (Am a healthcare professional btw)

[mrsmalcolmreynolds]

I was catching up with a friend the other day whose 18mo DD has been referred for a hearing check because she has no words at all yet - not even "Mama" or "Dada". I have to say I wouldn't have thought anything much of it myself but it appears to be a low level prompt to get them checked out (round here at least - Surrey ).

2/3 word sentences at 20mo = towards the other end of the range IME .

[Familyof3or4]

Oh yes, sorry, all not speaking at this age should have a hearing test- a must.

[allowlsthinkalot]

Not unusual. Normal is a wide range. I have four. One dc said nothing at that age, another spoke in full sentences.

It used to be that having less than ten words at the two year check triggered a referral or further investigation. And these didn't even have to be correctly pronounced, approximations or noises with meaning were fine. A lot of two year olds will be saying a lot more but some won't and won't have a language delay.

[morethanacondiment]

It's not unusual, and the important (and positive) things are that "She does point and gesture and have good comprehension. Her hearing seems fine"
A HV might suggest a hearing check, and would share advice about developing early communication skills. If, at 27m, she still has no words, the HV can do the ASQ3. Mention that to your sister if you don't see any progress in the next six months.
No need for concern right now, and nothing worth triggering a referral but definitely expect to see progress and nudge your sister if nothing happens.

[mimishimmi]

It's worth getting checked. I expressed concern at that age for DS because not only was he not saying anything, he had actually regressed from the 12 to 18 months stage. He was diagnosed with severe speech delay at 3.5, then disorder then PDD-NOS. He's light years from where he was at 4 but still attends fortnightly therapy at 10 years (was weekly up until last year).