12 month old communication delay?

[minimiz]

Hi

I am becoming concerned about my 12 month old ds and his communication. I would appreciate advice as to whether I am overanalysing his behaviour or whether there is enough cause to speak to someone about my concerns.

He is approaching 13 month old and currently only says a version of 1 word that he uses when he is hungry. Apart from that, he sometimes babbles mumumumu and dadadada but these are not used in context to refer to myself or my dh, it is just babbling.

He does not shake his head for "no". He does not point at anything. If you say "where is teddy" he will occasionally look around but will not point at teddy or get teddy. He can wave and clap but not in songs. For example, if you sing "if you're happy and you know it clap your hands" he does not clap along.

He does not respond to his name.

Is it still too early for me to be worried? I would appreciate advice as to whether I am overanalysing his behaviour or whether there is enough cause to speak to someone about my concerns. or should I speak to someone.

Thank you.

Definitely too early to say for sure that anything's wrong but I would say there are some concerning signs there, especially the not responding to his name.

Have you had his hearing checked? I would start with that - hearing impairment would explain most of what you're seeing

I woudn't be too concerned honestly. Children develop different skills at different paces. Our son is physically very active, curious, engaged, but is babbling and pointing rather than using words at 18 months. He is definitely behind the curve, but i'm sure will develop. Our doctor actually said "boys tend to develop speech slower". So take it with a pinch of salt. Give him time, keep an eye on it. Anyone I know who has children in speech therapy say they are taught to name and point to every object they can when with the child. Maybe start with that and a bit of Ms Rachel on youtube.

Mine is same age, will point to things he wants but can't do any of the other things you listed! Loves Ms Rachel though that's a good shout.

Hiya, curious as to how your little one is now?

@minimiz how are you and your DS getting on now?

Thanks for the messages everyone. An update...

So we are over 18 months now and we are starting to see some progress. He does respond to his name now, points at what he wants and he definitely understands a lot more than he can say. In terms of speech, his progress is slower but he now has about 8 words he can say and this week he just suddenly came out said "more" and "no" which is a huge breakthrough. I feel he will get there, maybe just at a slower pace than others but I am happy we are going in the right direction.

Thank you all for the advice. Pointing and labelling everything is starting to pay off and Miss Rachel has been a great help, he loves it! Although I'm not sure I can cope with hearing the "I'm so happy" song again.