Should I start worrying?

[Devilsmommy]

I have an 18mo ds who doesn't talk at all. He babbles ah and we sounds but no ma, da, ba sounds at all. I don't know if I should start worrying because with all other areas he's amazing. Eg: cruising at 8 months and walking independently at 10mo. Even the nurse who did his 1yr vaccine was shocked at how well he moved. So the fact he's not even seeming like he's trying to make more sounds is really stressing me out. I really hope I'm just being impatient and that it will happen soon but as he's my only DC I've got no clue what is normal for speech development. What was your DC speech like at this age and should I start looking for help? TIA for any and all help

@Devilsmommy a lot of children do not speak at this age and that alone is not an indicator of autism. Also autistic children can meet crawling and waking milestones the same as neurotypical children. It’s really difficult to tell at this age - have you tried completing the M-CHAT questionnaire - that goes through loads of things like eye contact, responding to name, shared interest etc

Thanks for the message, I'm not worried about autism, just if he's delayed. I will have a look at that questionnaire definitely, thanks for that

@FromWalesAndBackAgain just completed the questionnaire and it says he's high risk. Who do I contact about this, my HV is useless, hasn't seen my son since he was 5 months old. God I'm panicking now

@Devilsmommy in that case I wouldn’t worry about just being delayed - all kids develop at their own rate and not by a book. He is babbling which means he can make sounds - keep an eye on it and if non verbal at 24 months maybe speak to HV about a SALT referral. I know many kids who didn’t speak until anywhere between 2-5 yo - all super chatty and now and you wouldn’t know any developmental difference from their peers ❤️

@Devilsmommy sorry just saw your other message. Sorry I didn’t mean to make you panic, and just because he comes out as high risk doesn’t mean he is - my son was moderate risk at your sons age and now scores 0 at 24 months - he was just a late bloomer. Does your son go nursery or any kind of child care?

@FromWalesAndBackAgain oh thanks for that, I'm not used to children really and he's my only so am pretty much winging it 😂 in my heart I know all kids develop at their own time but the head can be such a bloody nightmare. Thanks so much for that 😊

@FromWalesAndBackAgain cross post😂 no he doesn't go to nursery. Unfortunately it's not an option at moment. I feel like I'm not socialising him enough but the toddler group we went to was a fail, he was so upset and screamed the entire time that I just couldn't keep taking him, plus I really don't have money to waste on something he doesn't like. I've been thinking about taking him swimming and to something like soft play as he's very active just not very sociable yet

@Devilsmommy i wouldn’t worry about him not being very social at the moment, many - especially boys - aren’t before 2 years old. I only asked about nursery as they usually have SEN specialists who can review your child and support with a referrals. I’d perhaps speak to your GP, if concerned, if you do not find your HV useful and see if they recommend a referral. But please don’t be concerned solely off a questionnaire on the internet. It’s so easy to worry but like we were saying - they don’t develop by a book and sometimes these threads can cause you to worry about something that isn’t there - so sorry if I contributed to this.

In terms of groups and costs, just try taking him to a local children’s park or look at church hall groups - I’m not religious but we have a few near us that are a huge hall where they get out loads of toys and put tea and toast on for the mums and snacks for the kids and it costs £2 a session. I know you do not rate your HV but they may be able to recommend some local groups. Hope this helps x

@FromWalesAndBackAgain I know that an internet test isn't indicative of anything, no worries there, and you didn't cause harm, you were trying to help which I really appreciate. I'm going to look for some free toddler groups and just try keep reassuring myself that he's not going to do something until he wants to 😂