21 month old not talking

[serotoninbutterfly]

Before people get all over me, I know it's not an issue yet, but my DS is not interested in talking and I wonder if I am doing something wrong?

He walked at 9 months, tested at 6 months ahead developmentally at a check he had at 18 months, in everything but speech.

He understands instructions, knows what 'hot' means and can point at various body parts when asked, so I don't think a lack of understanding is the issue.

How should I be encouraging him to talk? I feel like I'm letting him down

Bump?

You don't mention if he is your first?
It is common for DC2 to take longer to talk for various reasons.
Otherwise, I would just hang fire and see how he does over the next few months.
My DS2 was a slow speaker and I didn't really get anywhere with HV until he was about 2 1/2. He then had a hearing check (fine) and was seen by a SALT who thought he was a bit delayed, but that there was nothing specificly wrong. Fast forward 1 year and he still wasn't speaking much, so re-assessed and was found to have verbal dyspraxia. He then commenced on speech therapy for several years. He's now 7 1/2 and speaks pretty well, but it's been a long haul getting there. I think he still has issues relating to this as he finds it difficult to socialise.
Sorry, bit of a ramble but what I'm trying to say is don't worry unduly yet as he's still young and everyone develops at different rates, but if it doesn't improve, then make sure he does get seen by the right people.

Thank you, he is my first so everything is new, and boys younger than him seem to be developing much quicker I just want to make sure I am not doing anything wrong!

I'm sure you're not. All children are different. I bet your DS can do some things that other boys the same age can't.
You should chat to him as you spend time together and he'll gradually join in.

How does he communicate with you ? I think you are right to be concerned as it is late (meaning could just be late side of normal) for first words - but if he is communicating, pointing and sharing attention then there should not be a long term problem. You are not letting him down by having concerns that are appropriate and reasonable - you wouldn't apologise for worrying about a high fever and spots.

You are not letting him down - you sound like a concerned mum. My ds wasn't talking so at 20 months I took him to a drop in session at my local children's centre with speech therapists there to talk about concerns with speech. Like a poster above my ds turned out to have verbal dyspraxia -he is 4 and needs a lot of speech therapy but is progressing. My advice is to try and find some help - don't hang around - it can take time finding support and he may just be a late developer but he might also have a speech problem which you can be helped with

If you are worried could you go to your GP? You are not letting him down, it is obvious that you spend time with him as he follows instuctions etc. Just carry on with what you are doing,spend time talking to him and giving him a chance to respond. Point the things that you see when you are out.

Hello serotoninbutterfly, two late talkers here, one absolutely fine, one more or less fine (a bit wonky on the social side though not too bad).

Hearing test is appropriate here I think
Also buy the book "It Takes Two to Talk" published by Hanen, available for £32 from Winslow publications. Do a search on mumsnet for the many many endorsements you will find for this book which, whilst it may not have your lad nattering within the month, will show you how to improve your own techniques until you talk to him as if you were a professional speech therapist, and all without any attempt to scare you or make you read nasty milestone charts.

Seriously, spend the £32 on it - you can't change your child but you can make sure you're doing the best for your child and this is a really safe way to start.

I second it takes two to talk.