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Original poster

18 month old speech

16 replies

slowlygoingbonkers · 28/04/2012 08:45

My son is 18 month old and can only say one word, which is yes. He doesn't always use this in context either. Should we be concerned? I'm sure our older two were saying more at this age. He can't follow simple instructions either like pass me the ball etc. he does have tongue tie so not sure if this is a contributing factor.
Tia

OP posts:
ZenNudist · 28/04/2012 08:56

I wouldn't get worried just yet. They pick up language very quickly around this age, you might find that in a few weeks he will be using more words and keep talking to him like he understands and he will surprise you by doing what you ask eventually. There's a lot of variation in ability at this age and inevitably some have been saying words from ridiculously early and others are much less advanced. In the long run we all learn to speak don't we!!
At 18 mo my ds had phases on words and would use one word a lot. A month on he's got a longer list.

AngelDog · 28/04/2012 09:06

It varies loads. At 19 months DS was saying 500+ words. Other friends were saying 5 words or even none at all. Now they're 2.3 and you can't tell the difference.

DonInKillerHeels · 28/04/2012 09:07

Next week the language thing will kick in and he won't stop talking. I promise.

Original poster
slowlygoingbonkers · 28/04/2012 09:13

Thanks, I agree, in a couple of months I'll be begging for a bit of peace and quiet. Was just used to my older 2 who never shut up talkingSmile dc2 even talks in her sleepGrin

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Maccapaccawacca · 28/04/2012 09:15

I'm sure all is fine, but my DS isn't meeting any of his speech milestones and it's because he had undiagnosed hearing loss. Do you think your son hears ok?

Original poster
slowlygoingbonkers · 28/04/2012 09:30

To be honest I'm not sure. We had his hearing checked at 4 months because he wasn't reacting to anything. (sounds cruel but we went as far as slamming doors right next to him and he wouldn't even flinch) his hearing was fine then though. But if you call his name he won't acknowledge you.

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Maccapaccawacca · 28/04/2012 13:34

Well, that is exactly what made the HV refer my DS. She came on his one year check and was mentioning whether he understands simple instructions like 'put this is the bin, get your shoes etc'....he didn't. Then we were talking about how he very rarely babbles to himself. Then she stood behind him and said his name loudly a couple of times...nothing.
At the audiology appt his hearing turned out to be severely affected by glue ear. This also means he has a lot of ear infections. Does your son have ear infections?

Original poster
slowlygoingbonkers · 28/04/2012 15:39

He's had one that we know off. He does babble a lot but doesn't form any words, not even words that we can understand but no one else can.

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Original poster
slowlygoingbonkers · 28/04/2012 15:40

Also in our area they don't do a 12 month check. We get one at 8 months, then we're meant to get one at 2 years but hv said the backlog is so big that we might not get the check til he is two and half.

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hazeyjane · 28/04/2012 15:52

I think if you have any concerns at all about his hearing or his receptive language (ie understanding what you are saying), then it would be a good idea to mention them to the HV, who might refer for another hearing test and a glue ear test, or consider a speech and language therapist. It might be nothing, but speech and language referrals can often take a long time,and so best to get in there early! Of course by the time you got seen, you may have no more concerns.

Maccapaccawacca · 28/04/2012 19:03

Really hope all ends well for you.

janx · 28/04/2012 19:13

Do you have a drop-in speech clinic locally? I wouldn't just leave it tbh... It could be he is a late developer but equally it could be something. My ds has verbal dyspraxia and I was concerned at 18 months as he was way behind his peers - early intervention is best. A speech therapist is your best bet as HV are a bit hit and miss.

hazeyjane · 28/04/2012 19:33

Our speech and language department has an advice line which you can call, maybe try googling speech and language and your area, for the number. Your gp should also be able to refer for a hearing test, if your hv isn't very good (ours is ok, but i know they can be variable).

Original poster
slowlygoingbonkers · 28/04/2012 19:43

I think I will phone speech therapy and see. Our health visiting team isn't great to be honest. Seen our health visitor 3 times in 18 months and we had to point out the tongue tie as they missed it at birth and all other checks.
It might be nothing and me just being neurotic but I can't shake the feeling there's something not quite right.

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janx · 28/04/2012 21:04

I think you have to go with your gut feeling - you know your child best. There are some very good speech therapists out there. I would recommend learning a bit of Makaton ( watch mr tumble for some easy signs). It really helps when kids get frustrated around your sons age - good fun too.

getstuffed · 29/04/2012 07:53

My 19 mo says nothing at all. He started walking at 10 months and is very very very active, he can sprint faster than any of us ( she says, over compensating ). He is quite responsive, he'll bring a toy etc if asked but totally ignores you if you call his name. I'm becoming increasingly hysterical about this situation despite my best efforts not to. In social situations where the rest of the toddlers are pointing and chatting I fall apart, to the point where I don't want to socialise with him anymore. He has a fantastic childminder and gets plenty of interaction with other kids thankfully, as I work part time. Follow your instincts, I'm pretty sure my son is fine, the problem is me! x

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