2 1/2 yo speech development

[Natalia32]

Hello. My 2 1/2 ds speaks but does not seem to be able to regularly use 2-3 words sentences. He only uses the key word of what he wants. We are a bilingual family: I speak my language, my dh speaks his, very consistently. My ds has a good vocabulary, understands both languages, and can even sing songs words for words in either. We read a lot, sing songs, watch a bit of tv. So I am baffled as to why he doesn't seem to be able to put words together even when we only ask him to repeat a sentence. Wondering at which stage we should stop worrying and start taking him to a speech therapist?

Would do no harm to contact GP or Health Visitor for advice.

I have a 2.1 year old who has limited speech - only says 10 words and our GP quickly referred her to speech therapy, and she was only 22 months at the time

Children tend to put 2 words together once they have 50+ words in their vocabulary. If your DS has around this number it may kick in soon. If you are worried, though, a SALT assessment can do no harm.

I think it's fine. When he uses a single word, you should build on it. So if he says 'car', you say 'red car', or 'nice red car'. Don't make long complicated sentences, just add one or two words to the one word he says. Also, use words that go together, such as 'all gone', 'more please', 'one, two, three, go', 'ready, steady, go' etc. Within the stages of development for language, when a toddler has 'enough' words in his 'word bank', then they will start to put the words together. Just carry on modelling short sentences, and he will eventually get there.

I think bilingual kids take a little longer sometimes. He doesn't sound that far behind. I would wait and see. I would be more worried at three.