2.5yo still not talking. Is this ok?

[DrunkenDaisy]

Hi.

I'm posting on behalf of my Mum who's worried about my sister's 2.5yo DS who doesn't speak - maybe a couple of words now and then. I wasn't worried as he has an older brother and sister (7 & 5 yo), so just thought they were doing the talking for him.

What do you think? Should she be worried? Advice and opinions appreciated. Thanks.

I think your sister should seek the advice of her health visitor, practice nurse or GP . If it were me I would be a little concerned but not worried IYSWIM.

My 2.5 year old has just started to talk. We've been referred to speech group at sure start, and an initial consultation with speech therapist. It's not unusual but problems do need to be ruled out. We have also been referred for a hearing test.

yes, i would be worried

my ds2 was like this, at 2 he was saying a few words but they were unclear and he wasn't stringing any together.
HV said keep an eye on him

at 2.5 he wasn't saying much more so we saw HV again who referred us for hearing tests and SALT

turns out he has glue ear which has affected his speech. SALT said he is keen to communicate (non-verbally) which is good

he's had 3 lots of cranial osteopathy which has either helped dramatically or it has just been coincidence! but on his last hearing test one ear was completely clear and the other was vastly improved...

but anyway yes, iw ould be seeking help and i would be a bit concerned
he may just be late talking. but there could be an underlying problem and given that you're likely to wait ages for an appt to see anyone it's better to be on the list sooner rather than later esp given that he'll presumably be starting nursery soon too

DD was like this and was referred to SALT.. on the day we went, she spoke her first full sentence and never stopped, but there was concern she was not speaking , certainly not recognisable words. I would ask for a referral via HV or doc. it's probably within normal but needs monitoring

I don't really go for this myth that younger kids don't talk because older children don't speak "for them". My older 2-3 DC couldn't (can't) understand the poorly talking 2-4yo in our house any better than I can.

There are lots of other blanket statements made about late talkers that I would equally like to demolish!!

I echo what Fruity said, best to take him to a professional to see what they think.

Defo speak to hv or your childrens centres, the chtterbox type classes they have for 2 yr olds have SALTs there

Thanks everyone. I'll tell my Mum.

llJKK my DD2 did not speak until she was 3.5 when DD1 went to school.

DD1 would always tell me what DD2 wanted, so it does happen.