Concerned about language development, 22 mo

[GRC]

My lad is 22 months old and I'm quite concerned about his language development. He's far from where I think he should be at this stage. Probably less than 20 words. I get da-da-da when he sees me, sometimes if I lift him up to the window he'll point and say 'car' . He won't say yes, or no. If I ask if he wants a yoghurt at the end of the meal he'll make enthusiastic sounding noises. I'm really worried as I see lots of other children with way more speech capability than him from 18 months old onwards. My wife tells me not to worry and to stop comparing.

We read to him and talk to him all the time. Hard to tell though if he likes the book reading or the destruction of pop-ups.

We can't talk about problems to our local health staff as they are not discreet and any problems you tell them are common knowledge within hours.

He had a hearing test at the hospital when he was born which was fine and if I put some of his favourite music on (not on the TV, no pictures to look at) he dances away.

I just don't know what to think.

Am I just an overly concerned Dad worrying unnecessarily?

You can now self refer to speech and language therapist if you are worried. Your HV may be able to help with finding this out.

I am always surprised at how differently kids language develops. My son is 26 mths and has gone from saying very little (maybe 30 words with lots of pointing at 22 mths) to speaking in full sentences in 6 mths. I too was worried about him as his sister was at the full sentences stage at 22 mths. I also know some 3 yr olds who still say very little or are very unclear.

It is something to keep an eye on and if by 2 and a bit then you should speak to your health visitor with a warning about confidentiality if you feel it's necessary. You are doing alll the right things so give it maybe another 4-6 mths and if there is no real progress then do something about it. I do find all the boys I know to be later talkers than the girls around them.

I've had a child with severe language delay. 2 years on he has made lots of progress but still has language problems. There's a wide range of normal at this age - what you say doesn't ring alarm bells with me (but I'm just an interested parent, not a professional!). You may as well speak to HV/GP now anyway though -as they are likely to say "wait a few months, see if there is any progress" - so if you are going to wait and see it might as well be now rather than a few months down the line! Or if you really don't want to start off with HV/GP you can speak to SALT department directly, and see if they accept self-refers - not all areas do.

useful sites:
www.ican.org.uk (you can send off for a couple of really cheap DVDs - 49p incl postage with advice about speech)
www.teachmetotalk.com
www.hanen.org

useful books:
baby talk by sally ward
you make the difference or it takes two to talk by Ayola Manolson
parent's guide to speech and language problems by debbie feit

if you are near a surestart/children's centre they often run courses to help you help your child to communicate, I did one called "you make the difference" which I found very helpful.

remember to give your ds bags of time to make a response (whether verbal or gesture) and keep your language simple and consistent when going through daily routines.

My DD was the same at 22 months. And 24 months. She's now 26 months and is parroting back more and more words each day - we're nowhere near sentences but she's making massive leaps and bounds. I wasn't concerned about her hearing as she was able to follow 3 or 4 step instructions without problems. HV at her 2 year check wasn't unduly concerned but is checking back in 6 months just to make sure.

I think it will probably change in the next few months. It is hard - my DD has a friend of the same age who has been chattering away for England since 18 months and at the age of 2.2 can hold full conversations - it's quite comical to watch the two of them not holding a conversation but clearly understanding each other!

Thanks for the comments. We are near a sure start and I think we trust the staff there more than the HV or practice staff. I'll keep an eye on the little fellow over the next two or three months. Still wish the HV wasn't so gossipy :-(

have you actually written down his words and counted them? There are probably more than you think - especially if you keep the list up on the fridge or something and add to it everytime you hear one you forgot to write down in the first place!

Children all learn to talk at different rates. My DD2 was speaking nearly as well as her sister 20m older than her at 2.5yo. But my DD3 is v. behind and only had about 50 words when she turned two. She's coming on in leaps and bounds now though. I think they say 40-50 words at 2 or there may be cause for concern.

My Ds is 18 months and he doesn't talk....well he tries to say certain things and could be understood by others with words like peepo and beep and some animal nosies! I too was worried but not anymore. His hearing is spot on, he understands far too much of what we say (!) loves books and can point to almost anything I ask him to (animals objects colours etc) It is frustrating at times I have to say as I swear he just doesn't WANT to yet! I think if they have a good understanding of things then not to worry too much yet!