17 month old not talking and walking

[Nuglife123]

Hi
I guess I'm just seeking a bit of reassurance or advice really..
My 17mo DD doesn't walk or talk. She cruises, weight bears and can stand a few seconds etc unassisted but won't take a step despite encouragement.
I hear babies usually are good walkers or talkers but she doesn't talk either! Shouts 'DA' and points when she wants my attention, understands basic commands etc so her understanding seems okay. Doesnt watch TV, has loads of books read to her.HV not worried but a referral is in for SALT. Scored low risk on MCHAT, good eye contact, responds to name so not unduly worried about ASD..
Sorry about the ramble. I'm getting really anxious about it all. 🤦‍♀️

It's really good that she's cruising and weight bearing. I don't think that walking is a concern until they are 18 months is it and even then they just usually check that they can weight bear and their hips are ok.

If the HV has referred to SALT, has she also referred for a hearing test? The SLT will want your DD to have had her hearing checked, just to rule it out.

@SiouxsieSiouxStiletto thankyou for replying much appreciated. She's had hearing checked and is fine but we have a referral for ENT in a few weeks due to recurring ear infections - would it be there they do the glue ear test I keep reading on threads?

I'm wondering if the walking is due to her being cautious. She was the same with crawling, didn't result attempt it then at 1w months just crawled across the room and is now super fast so maybe it's a personality thing.. I wish I didn't stress so much!

12 months I meant!

My DS was cautious about crawling and walking. He's a teen now and it's very much his personality type, he does join in and do things but is always a little cautious first

Please don't worry. Every child develops at different rates. I'm sure there are different areas she's more developed in then her peers. My DS wasn't walking until 18 months, he's 2 this week and now runs everywhere, its exhausting, but still not talking. We saw a Dr this week because nursery suggested getting his hearing checked because of lack of words, Dr said he wasn't concerned about his lack of talking, give it another 4/5 months and come back if he still isn't talking. He understands a lot and is good at communicating despite not talking. We found that when he starts something, he develops very quickly. like his walking, didn't walk for ages and then one morning it was like he said to himself, right, I'm going to walk today, and that was it.
Unfortunately, some parents like to post at how wonderful their child is and highlighting how early they are to hit certain milestones. It can make us with slower developers feel a bit rubbish, but she'll get there at her own pace.

Thanks for your reply @SJW58 really appreciate it 😊