Do I go speak to HV, GP or SALT about a non talker?

[olivo]

DD2 is 20 months and not talking. She babbles and her comprehension is good, but she only says 2 words plus some animal noises, and only occasionally. Do I have to go to HV ( not keen), or GP, or SALT? I will wait a month or so, but dont want to leave it too late; will happily be told to wait and see if that is what they say!

This sounds very familiar to me .

I've got a list of "words" that dd could say at 21 months. It is a list of animal noises, and a few made up words of her own (consistently used, but made up nonetheless).

However, her comprehension was great. I spoke to a friend of mine who is a Speech and Language therapist who reassured me that the comprehension and babbling was great and that the speech would come.

Within 3 months, dd was talking in sentences. She never did really do the single word thing - apparently I was the same. Once she got started, it was impossible to stop her!

It's entirely up to you, of course. You could always go to the HV just to get some reassurance, and have it logged on file if you wanted to, but I don't think they'd do anything yet.

I had a similar situation DS2 could understand but was just not saying anything. I spoke to my HV at his two year check and she noted it all down.

Came out again 3 months later to re-assess and couldn't have been more helpful. He was saying some words at this stage but not putting them together but she wasn't overly concerned as he was progressing.

Came out another 3 months later and we can't keep him quite is nattering all the time now. He is slightly juvinille on certain sounds but we are just keeping an eye on it.

All children develop at different speeds but it set my mind at ease to have the HV on board.

My 22 month old DS is not talking, although he understands plety. I have taken him to see a SALT privately and she has been very helpful. He seems to be progressing a little although no consistent words yet. Look at the thread I started called "22 month old speech delay". You will see there all the recommendations for a book called "It Takes two to talk", and I would highly recommend it too.

HV - she may only advise waiting but at least you will be in the system and you can approach her again in a month or so with more confidence if the problem has not resolved. Is her non verbal communication - pointing, gesturing, sharing attention ok ? This will affect how seriously you should think about the speech at this age.

thanks littlefish, it is encouraging to hear that it came eventually. I might just check with DD1 s SALT this week as we have an appt, and ask at what age I should do something about it. I'm not a big fan of my HV so would prefer not to have to go to her!

Oh, if you're seeing a SALT this week anyway, definitely mention it to her/him - what a good opportunity.

D'oh,sorry, phone went midpost! thanks everyone, may help to 'get her in the system' then. I'm pretty sure her hearing and understanding are ok; she shakes and nods her head, points, leads me over to something if I dont understand what she is after, and can go and fetch things I ask her to get - put your coat/shoes on, go and close the door, put it in the bin, wash your hands, that kind of thing. she does hot -ooooh, or blows, and does where with her hands and a noise to go with it. shge calls her sister by her own version of her name, and understands the closer memebers of the family - DG, GPs etc.

That all sounds re assuring and normal, hopefully when you see the SALT, she can give you ideas on expanding the communication on into verbal expression. You don't have anything to lose by asking for as much help/advice as possible.

Op she sounds exactly the same as how my DS2 was, even with the own name for sibling. He is now chattering away like his brother.

I was worried because I was comparing him to DS1 which I know you shouldn't but its easier said than done.

yes talk to your SALT and if needed ask HV for referral

I took DS to the GP because he seemed to get stuck with little verbal progress between 16mo and 23mo and only had about 6 words. We think he might have glue ear because he had a series of colds and infections (including influenza) and went almost silent for a while. I assumed at the time he had a sore throat but it went on for ages and you had to shout to get his attention.

He also snores so might have problems with his adenoids.

He now has a referral to an ENT and I bought a copy of It takes two to talk which looks very good. I have to make a mental effort not to say things like "oooh, look DS a bird! Can you say bird? Burr-d. Bird!" He just looks at me like I am mad. Which is quite right!

thank you all. I will speak to the SALT at the appt, it may be that they refer DD2 at least for a hearing tests- i have a hearing impairment, although it was caused in later life, i know they will take it seriously. Depending on what they say, I will approach the HV when we return from our holiday. I will also keep a look out for the books mentioned.
dudesmummy, i have read your thread, thank you, some useful tips.Hope your DC continues to make progress.