22 month old isn't talking

[ukMummyof1]

Hi! My DS is 22 months old, he only says 2 words (one being gaa for cat and maa for more). I know all children are completely different so I'm not sure if I should be concerned or if I'm worrying too soon. Other parents and play group leaders have also mentioned to me about my child and suggesting for me to have him referred to speech and language. I don't want to feel like I'm being over the top but also don't want to step back for too long as I know how long the waiting lists are. I'd love everyone's opinions, thanks :)

My first couldn’t say a single word before 2. At her 27-month check, she needed to have 50
words which she did with a squeeze - I’d written them all down! At 3, she talked but only to us, not at nursery/playschool. She’s now top of her class and by 7 had better Welsh than her first language classmates. I really wish I could erase the needless stress/sleepless nights I had when she was tiny about her lack of speech.

Thank you! That's really reassuring, so pleased she's doing so well now😊

What is his receptive language like? Does he respond to his name, understand simple Instructions etc? Does he point with purpose, wave, clap etc?

If you are unsure whether to speak to your HV the Talking Point progress checker is very good at letting you know if they need some support.

If you do it and the result is "you answered no to some important questions" you can book an appointment an appointment with one of their SLT to discuss how your DS is doing and get some advice , or book an appointment straight with your HV.

If the checker does suggest he needs some SLT, I'd also ask the HV to refer him for a hearing test, just to rule out Glue Ear.

How did he score on his 12 month check? Did you have to have to fill in the Ages & Stages beforehand?

Yes to all of those

It's good that he's doing those things and my DD was too, she really, really benefitted from some SLT sessions though

I wouldn't be that concerned then tbh. No harm in speaking to your health visitor though.

Thank you! ☺️

@ukMummyof1 Hello, some update? :)

@Needer8954 sorry for the late reply! My notifications are off.
He's now coming up 2 year 7 months and still says very few words (no more than 5 that just anyone would understand). He's been referred to speech and language by both the health visitor and the pre school he'll be starting at next month. He very clearly understands everything we are saying and on the rare occasion will try and copy small words that we are saying (eg- car) which is good. It's easy to compare to other children when attending play groups but know that it's likely that his speech will just come in his own time☺️

Has he been referred for a hearing test too? If not, I'd ask for that just to rule out Glue Ear