Worried about lack of speech in toddler

[LoveCoffeeAndCake]

Hi all,

I'm concerned that my toddler (22 months) isn't speaking yet- not one word!

She has seemed quite late at meeting some milestones but has always seemed to get there in the end eg started pointing to request and share at 18 months (now points about a million times a day!).

She's a very happy child who enjoys interaction although doesn't seem bothered about playing with kids her own age (she will sometimes glance at what they are doing but that's about it) .

Her understanding seems good and she will follow instructions consistently, knows her shapes, colours, different animals, can point out all her body parts when asked etc. She copies gestures when singing nursery rhymes eg head shoulders knees and toes but doesnt copy any sounds and very rarely babbles.

She does look at me for praise when she has accomplished a task and has always had fab eye contact and answers to her name as well as being very affectionate.

I'm not sure about imaginative play- she's never enjoyed dolls really- will pretend feed if initiated by myself but not spontaneously. She does enjoy her toy kitchen and her bus with passengers but its difficult to know without her talking in what context she's playing with them eg is she stirring the pot and pans because she's pretending to cook or just because she likes to do it?

Sorry this has become much longer than intended! I'm just wondering when others would consider mentioning the above to a professional and if anyone else has experienced the same?

[Mummy0ftwo12]

pointing is good :-) has she had a hearing test lately? might be worth getting your GP to refer you for one

[LoveCoffeeAndCake]

I've never thought about her hearing to be honest as she follows instructions, loves being read and sang to and doesn't seem to have problems with listening but I guess it would be good to rule it out.

[Mummy0ftwo12]

its the first thing they will want to rule out - some kids are just late talkers, some kids have others reasons as to why they are late talkers but often their understanding will be delayed as well - but hearing is usually the first thing they check.

[Jannt86]

I agree get hearing checked. Also take a look at //www.teachmetotalk.com which has some great podcasts explaining speech aquisition and how you can help. It sounds possibly like she's just a more observent type of child and may just be taking it all in and be waiting til she can really converse with you. She'll probably just shock you one day by saying 'mother the temperature of this milk is a little on the tepid side for my liking and I rather fancy penne al forna for my supper but don't be stingy with the parmesan like you were last time' my almost 22MO is similar, obviously pretty bright and taking things in but only just starting to really take off with talking. Joking aside though when it does come it may well come FAST as it has with mine. She won't really learn her colours though... just says everything is purple so well done on managing that with your LO haha. You could always call your HV too and ask for the 2 year check ASAP. That way if they feel that she could benefit from any intervention it'll get done as promptly as possible. Hope she stops worrying you soon but that you enioy the silence whilst you still can xx

[LoveCoffeeAndCake]

I really hope so! I would take the criticism of my cooking skills anytime if it meant hearing her speak! Yes I had thought about the health visitor so will probably contact her to see what her opinion is. I'm sure I'll look back on the silence fondly although it is a bit strange her seemingly creep up silently behind me multiple times a day with various items to show me!