Delayed speech in 20 month old?

[InTheFamilyTree]

My 20 month old can communicate non-verbally with gestures etc, and understands a lot of words. However she doesn't really use any words herself. In the last couple Of days she can say 'mumma' and 'dadee' very clearly, and can say lots of other words if we ask her too. But she isn't using them of her own accord.

She loves books and will bring them to us to read to her. Also has an older sibling who she plays with, and who I might be comparing her to (perhaps unfairly!).

She has always been a bit slow with speech milestones. What can I do to support her? When do I need to worry?

If it is any comfort, my DS is the same age and is only just in the last week or so starting to come out with words. He is also a second child.

Nursery have said they have no concerns. He clearly understands very well, but is just a bit slow in speaking.

My DD is 23 months and exactly the same. She’ll say the odd word but uses gestures to communicate with us. We’ve put it down to lockdown and the fact she’s only interacting with us, and because we understand what she wants she doesn’t need to talk. We’re hoping the reopening of toddler groups will motivate her to talk a bit more!

No harm in getting a referral to speech and language as the waiting lists are long.

However, the fact she has good receptive language and is using non verbal communication are reassuring signs.

To help her, give her choices so she gets in the habit of indicating her wants. For example 'do you want orange juice or apple juice' and show her both. Also repeat back anything she says with more detail. So for example if she says "apple", you might say "yes dd, it's a red apple". Reading lots and talking to her lots is also great.

I would not be massively concerned at this stage, but I would get SALT in the pipeline. If you don't need it when the appointment comes up, you can cancel it. But if in 6 months to a year you still feel you need it, you don't want to have a huge wait.

Does she understand not just words but simple sentences and instructions? 'Take your socks off' 'Put the teddy in the box' 'Go and get your shoes'. Can you see that her language is developing through her understanding and gesturing more? If so that's a good sign that things are moving forward and she's just a bit slower to actually speak.

If she is keen to gesture you could try introducing some baby sign. There are baby sign classes or you could look up the signs or just make up your own. But use the signs alongside important words to encourage her to sign and then eventually say the words. We use signs for milk, more and finished as DD doesn't say these and she loves being able to sign and communicate them.

It could be worth mentioning this to your HV if you haven't already so they can keep your DD flagged on their records and hopefully keep checking in and offer support if any is needed.

When we were little my younger brother was the same. He was sent to ST. Going there is one of my first memories. After a short while the ST said she could see the problem...'the wee chap can't get a word in edgeways'🤣 (this was the '70's -far less beating around the Bush!

We were told to stop talking for him & to allow/make him ask for things. Not just read his mind, answer for him or allow him just to point etc.

Did he walk early?

Thanks everyone, am reassured by reading your posts. I do wonder if the lack of normal social opportunities due to the pandemic has been a factor. And will definitely look into an early S+L referral just in case, and flag up with HV again.