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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

21 month old speech - is this a problem?

10 replies

starrynight · 08/09/2007 17:31

Hello there

My 21 month old son can say 3 words - mama, dada and 'car'. This is all he has been able to say for a long time and I am starting to wonder if there is a problem. I have 3 others and can't remember but am sure they could ask for drinks/biscuits, say names of siblings etc at this age.

What do you think? I am thinking of seeing the HV about it.

My son is pointing and screaming at lots of things, and understands a lot (he knows what lots of things are and can point at a wide variety of animals in books) and can shake his head 'no'.

Thanks

OP posts:

TotalChaos · 08/09/2007 17:36

As he points and understands, he's probably just a later talker, and it will all right itself within the next year. However to be on the safe side, go to HV and ask for speech therapy referral now (could take several months for appointment)

clayre · 08/09/2007 17:48

my ds didnt start talking till he was 2, my dd talked for him, now i cant shut him up.

law3 · 08/09/2007 18:03

my ds used to point and make noises quite a lot, i always used to say the name of it as i got it for him. ie do you want a biscuit etc.

He will be due for his 2 year check soon and the HV will refer him to be assessed if she thinks he needs to be. At this age they literally come on leaps and bounds overnight, try not to worry too much just yet.

lailasmum · 08/09/2007 18:04

My friends son has just started talking he was 3 last week. Before that he basically didn't say anything understandable but is suddenly much more understandable. Some kids seem to be late.

bubblagirl · 08/09/2007 18:14

my ds is 2.4 had same problem with him he has been refered to speach therapy still waiting for thta but in last 2 months his list of words are now fantastic

still not talking in sentences though so this is what we are working on now as not putting 2 or 3 words together only single words he ot a thomas laptop for his 2nd birthday and this has helped wonders as it has helped him with letters and numbers and is actually a yr advanced as he can read letters and numbers and hv was amazed

he also can understand every command so dont worry to much they do all just learn at there own pace you'll find he can do things that other kids are still struggling to do as with my son but just ask to be referred now as i still have such long wait

jlu2 · 11/09/2007 19:50

A speech therapist's opinion for what it is worth... 'normal' ages for language development varies hugely but at 21 months we would expect him to have quite a few more words. It is definately worth getting a referral to speech therapy (as you say - your hv is the best person to see about this) If she does not refer you, you could ask her for your local speech therapy departments number and you can ring and see if you can refer him yourself. Waiting lists vary from one area to another (you can ring and ask them how long it is likely to be until you get an appointment) but at least it is some peace of mind for you to know that he will see someone at some point. and www.talkingpoint.co.uk both have lots of info for parents worried about their children's speech and language development

keisha · 13/09/2007 10:20

my daughters still not talking very well is under speech therapy get very upset meny tantrums anyone else the same

Original poster

starrynight · 14/09/2007 19:34

Hi there

Thanks everyone - I have seen HV who thinks he is lazy as all other signs of communication and understanding are very good. She has suggested a few things then wait til Nov, if still no more words she will refer us for an appointment just after his 2nd birthday.

Since I made the appointment with the HV he started saying 'bugbug' (buggy) and 'rororo' (row row the boat). Typical.

Starry
x

OP posts:

RachelHopps · 15/09/2007 17:29

In response to Keisha - My son is 3 1/2 and has a global development delay which we are in the process of getting a formal diagnosis. This includes a speech and language delay. He used to have terrible tantrums as he could not communicate with me (this would include head banging on wall/floor). The frustrations of him not being able to talk used to upset him all the time. I sat the It Takes Two To Talk course (Hanen Programme) which took 12 weeks. He is now talking in short sentences 2-3 words and his frustration has subsided. Although his speech is not 100% clear, it is understandable and he is a completely different child.

Sarahw5 · 26/11/2007 14:13

Hello there, my son is 21 months and we have just found out he has global development delay. I feel so down and like a bad mother
.I would love to hear from people in the same situation He has just started walking on his own and runs about, but it is mainly his speech and understanding that is the problem. All he says is mama. And hes not really interested in many of his toys, just his ball. he was born with a clefrt palate but that was repaired when he was 7 months old and they say that it isnt connected with the delay.I am terrified about the future, i just dont want him to have problems and be picked on. Am i being stupid? He is such a happy little soul and a joy to be with. I would love to hear from anybody who feels or has felt the same. Thanks Very sad confused Sarah

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