To think this isn’t normal for a fifteen month old?

[Fllorqip]

My baby can only say ‘cat.’ That’s it. He does make other noises like dada but no other words. My niece could say around ten words by 14 months! I have been to the gp and they just dismissed it as him being too young still. I don’t think it’s right?

I’m also not sure if he even knows what cat means as he doesn’t seem to associate the word with actual cats?

It’s totally normal, boys tend to be behind girls as well. Does he understand and can he follow basic instructions?

Your GP is right - this is still in the range of normal.

@Excited101 he seems to understand if I say no, or point to something etc and he knows where his nose and feet are.

My 14 month old dd can’t even say cat! She can make a horse noise and woof like a dog but as for actual words, nothing yet! I’m not worried, I’m enjoying the peace as ime with my older one once they start talking they don’t stop!!!

Very normal. My son didn't start saying more words until 18 months. Now he's 5 and doesn't stop talking haha

My son only said 2 words by the time he was 20 months. Mumma and Dadda.
Between 20 and 24 months his talking just exploded and he rapidly starting saying more.

He's now 5 and never stops talking! Lol.

Nothing to worry about.

@Flatleak ok so it’s normal but he’s just likely not as bright as those already talking?

Mine was a slow talker, even at 2 he had about 10 words when others had 50.. now he doesn't bloody shut up

I’d stop comparing him to other children and just enjoy him, he will meet his own development milestones.

all kids develop differently. Some walk quicker some speak quicker. It’s a non issue.

That is normal.
6 appropriate sounds by 18 months is what you're looking for. An appropriate sounds is things like him for a car or an animal noise.

You took him to the GP ?
isn't this an issue for a health visitor ?

Ok thanks everyone, I feel much more reassured now as the gp was quite dismissive. Thank you

No reason to think that. My second son had extra help as he talked late. He now has a PhD and works as a writer.

What do you mean by bright??

a child having more words at this age does not guarantee they will be the successful, able child.

children just develop at different rates.

the kids who were late to walk aren’t shit at walking as adults, tripping over stuff and flopping over the floor.

Don’t think that !! He’s a baby, his whole life ahead of him, don’t go thinking he’s “not as bright “ as the next child. You’ll both end up depressed.
Enjoy your little boy, you never get these days again.

DS1. Loads of words by 18months. DS2 pretty much 10 words at 2years.
DS2 is academically much sharper than DS1 and reads and spells better than his brother at the same age.

My HV was fantastic and did a 1 hour assessment as she has worked closely with special needs kids. She directed me to SLT helpline and I spoke to a therapist we started a SLT group. But HV said he is engaging and doesn't show any signs of problems.

I was concerned becuase he started talking at 9 months he could say 6 words but at 11 months stopped and in the enr all was clear for him he just took a break and started again at 19/20months.

We cancelled his SLT appt as he surpassed what was ideal for his age. And now he is 2 years he sings whole songs and speaks in 10-15 word sentences, ABC in 2 languages and counts to 30 in 2 languages. So yeah I had nothing to worry about. Stressed myself so badly.
But from 11 months - 19 months I was so worried and googled and watched every youtube video. But everyone all the HCP said he is fine.

Gps pretty useless contact SLT helpline and speak to HV for assessment referral snd see how things go.

@Fllorqip

nope that's not correct either.

He's well within 'normal'

what age did he start walking?

my Nephew started talking, when he was almost 3, not a single word before then.

'First word' was a sentence & he's 17, didn't stop talking until he was 14 & teen grunt kicked in, we are waiting for actual speach to resume!!

They're all different & it really doesn't matter or indicate anything.

just keep talking to him about everything around him and reading

Congratulations you just wasted a doctor’s time and stopped someone else getting an appointment. No wonder people think GPs should charge.

I thought the same. But now he has surpassed his peers the same age.

SLTs don't really get worried until 18-24 months.

I'm going to go against the grain here. Everyone reassured me that DD not saying much at that age was within the range of normal and she would catch up.

I think you'd be better seeing the HV rather than the GP.

Book on with her and fill out the 16 month Ages & Stages and the 18 month Social & Emotional Ages & Stages and ask your HV to score them.

If the communication sections are in the grey or black ask to be referred for a hearing test and some SLT.

It's pretty normal for them to score grey in a couple of sections in the first one, if he's scoring grey in more than 2 or blank on any then insist on a referral to a Paediatrician. If she wants to adopt the "wait & see" approach make sure she books an appointment to see him again at 18 months.

DD1 had 5 words at her 2 year check. She was diagnosed with severe speech delay and selective mutism by the time she started school.

Not shes 12, in Yr8... performs in the school musical and drama clubs (plus a member of film club), is in top sets, and generally doing well.

Being able to say cat at 15 months is not a signifier of intelligence. Its a marathon, not a sprint.

My son is nearly 25. He got 11 GSCEs, several A*, got a Masters & in his “proper” first job-had two payrises in less than 12 months. I suppose he would be considered conventionally “bright”. He’s loving life.

His first word was car at about 14 months. I wouldn’t worry about it if this is your only concern.