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Behaviour/development

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19 months and no words

1 reply

Tokkl · 21/01/2026 17:36

Please help. My 19.5 month old has over 20 signs but still no actual words. He’s been signing since he was 8 months and whilst we always say the words alongside signing (as advised) I’m worried he’s signing instead of speaking.

Anyone else have this issue? We don’t want to stop either as it helps him communicate.

The HV and GP said he doesn’t need a referral for speech therapy as he’s social and interactive and uses sign.

I’m just concerned with every month that goes by how behind he’s getting and want him to be able to play with other kids etc when he goes to nursery 😔

He doesn’t even attempt to say mama or dadda too us, he does babble and speak gibberish to himself though… and can be very vocal but not in any attempt to say a word or mimic us.

He goes to classes , playgroups and we talk and sing to him all the time.

OP posts:
SleafordSods · 22/01/2026 07:32

Has the HV at least referred him for a hearing test @Tokkl? If not, I would contact them today and ask for one as it will rule out Glue Ear.

Has she also told you about any groups locally for LOs wirh Speech Delay? These are often run by SaLTs.

When is the HV seeing him next? I’d be expecting her to be seeing him regularly if there is no speech at 21 months.

Understanding glue ear in children and temporary deafness

Learn about glue ear, a common cause of temporary hearing loss in children.

https://www.ndcs.org.uk/advice-and-support/all-advice-and-support-topics/causes-types-and-signs-deafness/causes-deafness-and-hearing-loss/glue-ear

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