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19.5 months - no words at all - not even mama

17 replies

Ringatingg · 28/01/2026 11:48

Hi all,

Just come back from HV assessment and very worried about my son. He’s not ‘bad’
Enough to be referred for speech therapy as he signs and communicates through gestures and pointing but he is not saying or attempting a single word.

He seems so with it in every other way but doesn’t not want to even to try to
Make an animal noise yet will happily do the signs.

It’s great he has signs and that he can communicate in his own way but I do worry as each month goes by and still no words that it’ll be so hard to ever catch up and therefore affect him socially and emotionally.

I’m also worried there may be another condition like axpraxia or selective mutism…. But it’s so hard to tell at this early age.

Anyone else have a child who simply didn’t say any words at all at this age.
He also can be very shy in front of other people, likes to take his time with stuff, can be sensitive to loud, sudden sounds such a laughing and screams a high pitched shriek if this happens.

When we go to playgroups and classes he enjoys interacting with other kids in his own way and focusses well on any of the activities, copying any of the physical actions etc… he also starting to enjoy imaginary play

OP posts:
Jellybunny56 · 28/01/2026 11:50

Does he understand what you are saying OP, if you give verbal instructions?

SecretSquirrelLoo · 28/01/2026 12:00

If he understands you and communicates back, you don’t need to worry.

Just be as communicative as you can yourself. Encourage his signs, respond, say out loud in words what you think he means, chat with him, make the noises of vehicles and animals you see or play with... Communication and responsiveness and closeness with the caregiver are the important things for little toddlers.

MapleOakPine · 28/01/2026 12:03

My DS2 said no words at 19 months and very few words before he was 2yo. He's now 16yo and is a bright boy who is doing well at school and has lots of friends. I know it hard but try not to worry at this stage.

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Ringatingg · 28/01/2026 12:15

Jellybunny56 · 28/01/2026 11:50

Does he understand what you are saying OP, if you give verbal instructions?

More or less!

OP posts:
Ringatingg · 28/01/2026 12:16

MapleOakPine · 28/01/2026 12:03

My DS2 said no words at 19 months and very few words before he was 2yo. He's now 16yo and is a bright boy who is doing well at school and has lots of friends. I know it hard but try not to worry at this stage.

Thank you - that’s very reassuring

OP posts:
WishfulThinkingToday · 28/01/2026 12:36

I have a 19 month old, and she is saying ‘Mama’ and ‘Dadda’ and only starting to imitate words. She progresses in bursts, and some days she doesn't want to talk.

I would suggest watching ‘Miss Rachel’ (you probably already do!), and I take them to as many stay and play sessions as possible (with singing) - which I just read that you do.

I just read that you have taken them to the health visitor - did they suggest a hearing test? Did they offer any other advice?

I had a child who was selectively mute for a while, but he was around 6/7 years old. It was a social anxiety symptom and he would only talk to his friend and not to teachers, so that was him being ‘selective’.

stayfantastic · 28/01/2026 12:39

Has he ever babbled?

2026willbebetter · 28/01/2026 12:42

Ignore the HV saying he doesn’t need support. They’re massive waiting lists for support so get on them now. Make a GP appointment and ask for a referal to audiology and referal to SALT (you can normally self refer).

LittleOwl153 · 28/01/2026 12:51

My eldest didn't speak till she was about 2.5.... then once she started we couldn't shut her up!

My youngest went to preschool/school with a kid who didn't speak only signed until he was close to 6. This lad now at 12 has an opinion to share on everything!

Im assuming he makes some level of sound / cries so you know he has the mechanics? He is just choosing not to use them yet.

I know its hard not to worry when everyone around you is questioning it. Give him time to make his own way in the world.

MrsMabelThorpe · 28/01/2026 12:53

Agree with requesting a hearing test. DD was like this at a similar age and had glue ear in both ears. Once she had grommets inserted, she was flying.

SleafordSods · 28/01/2026 14:19

Has the HV referred him for a hearing test @Ringatingg? The hearing test is important to rule out Glue Ear as being the reason he isn’t talking.

Just wondering if she got you to complete the 18 month Social & Emotional Ages & Stages and if so, what was the score?

Has she also booked another appointment with you to measure his progress?

Only asking these questions as I started raising concerns at around the same age with my DC2 was was totally dismissed by the HVs. Even got the everything is fine if they can follow instructions.

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

Bubblebather89 · 28/01/2026 14:22

Any sign or gesture is communication. Understanding simple words or instruction is communication. You should only worry if he doesn’t communicate or understand you. So you don’t need to worry at all.

Toastythesnowman · 28/01/2026 14:33

Neither of mine spoke till after 2, one barely had 10 words at 3. Can't shut either of them up now.

RazedBeds · 28/01/2026 14:34

It's not selective mutism unless he is able to speak fully and freely in one space/setting or to one person.

You may be able to self refer to SALTS. I did with my 18 month old who despite being obviously bright had almost no words. They accepted him as he wasn't really doing babble sounds but had a clear hearing test. We got to go to a sort of stay and play run by SALTs who gave us certain exercises to do etc.

He's now 18 and got a grade 9 for English Language GCSE so he caught up eventually!

stayfantastic · 15/04/2026 22:45

How is your little one now we are a few months down the line @Ringatingg? I have been thinking of you 😊

Ringatingg · 18/04/2026 16:00

stayfantastic · 15/04/2026 22:45

How is your little one now we are a few months down the line @Ringatingg? I have been thinking of you 😊

Hi @stayfantastic - unfortunately still no word. He does the odd animal noise but very rarely. He’s lovely though and communicates in his own lanaguge.. 😜 we’re just hoping he’s just taking his time. He’s so so bright in many ways but doesn’t want to talk xx

OP posts:
Musicaltheatremum · 18/04/2026 16:53

My daughter had barely 2 words at 2. At 2 years 3 months she came out in sentences and hasn't stopped since. She's now a lawyer!

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