17 months and not talking

[kind_indication]

Hi all,

First time mum worries to the max:

My DS has just turned 17 months (3 weeks corrected 16+1) - and he isn't starting to talk at all. He has never been much of a babbler, we've got mamama out of him but when his molars started coming through he sacked that off pretty quickly! He is absolutely not quiet though, loves a good noise/laugh/squeal/scream.

He is so so so active, as in never sits still active. He's running about the place and climbing things like a mad man.

I don't think I'd be super concerned, but he also isn't waving, isn't "chatting" in baby language and isn't one for mimicking - it's making me instantly think ASD.

He does clap, point (only recently and not necessarily at things that interest him, just points to things) give eye contact, respond to his name (selective hearing when he's playing) - loves a cuddle and "gives a kiss". We just don't seem to be getting any chatting.

I had an appointment with our HV - and she said to come back in a couple of months if it doesn't pick up - but being the impatient parent that I am, if there is an issue surely it would be better to start helping now?

Has anyone else had this? I'm trying so hard - I feel like a word parrot between 7am-7pm haha!

TIA xx

Can I ask does he go to nursery or anything? My little boy is the same age nearly and I’ve had similar worries

To be honest, he sounds fine to me. My DD wasn’t talking at 17 months, hardly babbled either and only had a few words by her 2nd birthday but now she’s 2 years and 3 months and she doesn’t stop talking.

Can he follow simple commands?

He goes to childminders once a week, the other two days he's with my parents who are also like word parrots! Is your little one at nursery?

If I ask him to get a book, he does that. He knows when to pass something if you put your hand out, he very much knows the word 'No' and hates it 😂🤦‍♀️

Your little boy sounds perfectly on track I think ! I obsessed over pointing and still sometimes do as I googled, and suddenly realised this gesture I knew nothing about seems to be so important. Both of my twins pointed after 16months (and that’s adjusted - they are 2 months premature). It’s great he’s doing all these things. He’s probably pointing to something he finds interesting which we don’t realise. It took me a while to realise my little girl likes the door or wants to go out as it seemed like an aimless point !

my twins go to nursery , and it’s my son I worry and have posted about. I ask as I have same worry at home, that he doesn’t focus and is always running around / climbing sofa etc. He’s a different baby at nursery - sits during group time, does actions to rhymes etc, and just copying other kids and the environment helps that. It’s like peer pressure helps !

It sounds like your little boy already has great communication , and what I mean to say is, it’s likely that he is actually capable of much more than you see at home etc.