My 2.5 Year old son isn’t talking yet and I’m worried

[Jess2604]

Hiya I’m a first time mum, and I’m reaching out for some support.
I have been to three different doctors about a potential learning difficulty (specifically autism) and each of them have no concerns about him having a learning difficulty. He has had a couple of visits from the health visitor about his development and he’s reaching every milestone other than the speech.
I have had hearing tests done for my little boy and they have all come back clear.
I am so unsure on what to do for my little boy, as I have tried all the speech development toys for him, I spend so much time repeating certain words and he isn’t even trying to copy what I’m saying.
I can 100% tell he understands most of what I say to him, he just doesn’t seem to copy or take interest into repeating me.
He says, Hi, Bye, banana and star. And I’m just getting concerned now as I feel like I’m doing something wrong.
Can anyone help me or give me some advice please ? 🙏

Does he make animal noises or recognisable sounds for vehicles (nee-naw etc)? Those all count. Even if he uses the same sound consistently for something, that is language development.

The best things you can do:
Read, read, read to him. Ask him to point to things in the pictures. Then ask him what something is when you point.
Lots of songs and rhymes - action ones are good too
Talk to him all the time - narrate your life.
Ask him questions but don't expect answers - things like 'Do you want the red cup or the blue cup?' Hold them out to him so he can point if necessary and then confirm his choice - oh you want the blue cup do you? This blue cup?'

Understanding is the main thing at this age so that’s great you feel he is understanding you. I was told when i had the same concerns that almost all children do learn to talk as long as they understand.

How is his use of gesture? Does he wave, point, etc appropriately? If so, have you tried teaching him BSL/ Makaton? This really helped my child, gave him a way to communicate until his speech came along.

Does your son babble? Does he have difficulties eating/ blowing bubbles or candles? Mine did, and I think had a bit of apraxia of speech which really didn’t help the speech! But he has got there in the end, it just took more time and patience.

Just posted this to another thread, but it might give you further specialist help or advice.

speechandlanguage.org.uk/

OP, I'm sorry you’re not getting listened too by the professionals. Your instinct is important.
At 2.5, it is surprising your DC does not say mama / dada. You’re definitely not doing anything wrong, in fact you're doing a lot right.
It's really hard to get people to listen for pre-school aged children and sadly support is often delayed.

Does your dc attend nursery? Often the staff will have reliable feedback. I'd focus on trying to attend playgroups etc so your child can learn from peers rather than just you and see if that makes a difference. But if in your heart you know your son will need additional support often online specialist groups and articles are a good place to start.