https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 22 May 2026 20:23:09 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709436 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 11:13:41 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2709436@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Coral: I was SO worried about my daughter because she had about 10 words at 18 months. But, I worried for nothing! She's almost 26 months now and probably has 150-200+ words. It's pretty astounding. I think your little one is just fine. My advice would be to wait it out a bit. I know EI is recommended, but why put yourself through that extra stress if it's not necessary? I don't know... just my opinion. &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709432 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 11:08:22 +0000 LBee 2709432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Coral: Welcome to Motherhood! I saved you a seat :wink:</p> <p>I can't remember all the blogs - pretty sure I just googled "toddler speech development delay tips" or something like that and read everything I could, but I do remember this website: <a href="http://teachmetotalk.com/" rel="nofollow">http://teachmetotalk.com/</a>. It specifically recommended the Roger Priddy "First" books, which I cannot recommend enough!! We read them constantly to him and it taught him pointing at an early age (we were constantly pointing at pictures) and I vividly remember the day he could list everything in each book. We actually have to buy new ones for Baby #2 because the spine is broken they have been read so much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709423 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 10:57:26 +0000 Coral 2709423@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MommySLP: Thank you for all your help. I am going to talk to DH tonight. :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709421 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 10:56:32 +0000 Coral 2709421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LBee: Thanks! :happy: I'm sure you've figured out I am a worrier by nature. :silly: Do you have a recommendation for a blog to look at? I would love to see what I can do at home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709338 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 09:09:00 +0000 MommySLP 2709338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Coral: no, you don't even have to go through your insurance. You need to call your local regional center, which is where services will go through. In California they are called Early Start Services, but you can say early intervention. Definitely mention it to your doctor, but like I said they do not need to refer you. An evaluation should be free, and if he does qualify, you may have to pay a family fee depending on how much you make per year (it's only like $200/year though). They will explain all this to you when they come out to meet. Once you make a referral they have 45 days to complete an eval &amp; hold a meeting with you, so it's a fairly fast process. Here is some website with information about Early Start---there should be a directory to look up your local regional center, if you don't know already. Your led will also know. Feel free to post on my wall if you have more questions!!!<br /> <a href="http://www.dds.ca.gov/earlystart/index.cfm" rel="nofollow">http://www.dds.ca.gov/earlystart/index.cfm</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709297 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 08:23:16 +0000 LBee 2709297@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi friend! I will fully admit that I was one of the ones on the thread who had a LO who was/is fairly talkative and seemed to be on the higher end of things on that post. I will say it wasn't always like that - at 12 months he didn't seem to be on par with his peers (in my opinion, not his doctor's) and so I started researching speech pathologist's blogs and implementing their tips. I saw a huge difference in no time. I actually borrowed a recommended book from the library specifically about speech development as well and used tips from it (it's out of print and I've since returned it so blanking on name). I remember once of the tips was to not answer to grunts, that when they grunt for something you tell them what it is (or sign it) and have them attempt before giving it. </p> <p>I'll also say that I thought the word explosion was going to be like he went from saying nothing to talking in sentences. It wasn't like that for us. It was more that suddenly around 14 months he started learning 3-5 new words a day and by the end of the month that really added up. I'm a big believer though in therapies and being your child's biggest advocate. I would hate to be waiting for a big "explosion" and then find myself 6 to 12 months down the line and realizing it never happened. I say this because I saw what a difference it made just implementing tips into our daily life - I couldn't imagine what a dedicated EI instructor could do in just a couple of months!</p> <p>ETA: Also, at 12 months when I was worried about his speech I relegated his paci to only in the crib. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709273 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 07:52:53 +0000 arosebyany 2709273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Coral: yea...I'm also wishing I hadn't of looked at that thread either. DS is 14.5 months and only says baba and the occasional mama. He loves to make sounds, he's really into growling right now lol. If he wants something and can't get it he just growls about it. I'm trying not to worry because of the wide range, and the fact that DS is working on motor skills right now. I've always been told that if thier working on one thing it takes all thier focus. If your worried I agree with everyone else about EI. I made an apt for DS a while back, but ended up canceling it. All I did though was google early intervention Texas (my state). It was pretty easy to find. :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709255 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 06:48:14 +0000 Mrs. Toad 2709255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I self referred at 15 months with 1 word. My state requires 25% behind, which he just met. We just did his year assessment and he is still 25% behind. I don't know if he would be at this point without the help or not. </p> <p>I would just search for Early Intervention in your county or school district. My state does EI through the county, but the school district is also by the county. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709227 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 23:43:08 +0000 Coral 2709227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you everyone! I will bring it up to our ped at the next appointment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709222 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 23:28:20 +0000 Coral 2709222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MommySLP: We're in California. Thank you for all your advice! I don't even know where to get started. Do I call my insurance? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709151 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 19:05:32 +0000 MenagerieMama 2709151@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MommySLP: @littlejoy: I refer pretty proactively particularly if there are still concerns by the 2 yr check up because getting into EI can take a while and all the support we can give these kiddos the better! My biggest hurdle is convincing parents to go for it, most are very reluctant. My niece is actually fairly delayed at only maaybe a dozen words and she's 25 mo old (also uses her paci 24/7 which doesn't help) but BIL and SIL don't see any issue so she isn't getting any help. BIL is a SAHD so I worry that she'll get to public school until they finally are motivated to help her! In my mind, if you're concerned, therapy can only help. Ask your doc! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709149 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 19:04:07 +0000 wrkbrk 2709149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Coral: Yeah, that thread was bad, huh?? My DS sounds like your LO - a little younger at 15.5 months but honestly just "mama" on any regular basis. While kids in his daycare are already stringing words together!!!</p> <p>SOMETIMES he says "hi" or "miii" (milk). He really just points and babbles. But he can retrieve books by title and knows our dogs by their names. Just chiming in that my ped said she doesn't even ask for ONE word at the 15 month appointment. She asks at 18 months. More likely than not, your LO will be ok! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709128 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 17:42:31 +0000 macintosh 2709128@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Coral: I wouldn't worry too much yet, honestly. DS had 3 words at 18 months - dada, mama, ball. Ped wasn't concerned cause his receptive speech was great. At 20 months he had been steadily adding words but no "explosion". BUT in the past 2 months he did have a language explosion. At 22 months he repeats everything we say, has hundred of meaningful words, recognizes colors, knows common animal names, and is working on counting to 10. He says 2 and 3 word phrases. I expect he'll be speaking in sentences by his birthday, that's how fast he's moving. I think being around other kids at daycare helped, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709125 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 17:15:56 +0000 MommySLP 2709125@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: I think it varies greatly in different areas. I'm in California and if there are any areas of concern we take them for an assessment and they then qualify if they're 33% delayed in one area. Most med schools don't require a speech development class and I think doctors have so much more to worry about it gets pushed to the side. Sadly we also get referrals for kids that are almost 3 (we only serve birth-3) because their doctor said they'd catch up, and in many instances that's just not the case. I don't want to worry parents but I always think an eval is warranted if the parent has any concerns. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709120 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 17:01:54 +0000 littlejoy 2709120@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MommySLP: That's GREAT that you offer EI that early!!! Maybe my doctor was just brushing off my concerns at 18 months because LO didn't seem like she was delayed. My aunt is a speech therapist, and what you do is so, so important!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709119 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 16:59:28 +0000 MommySLP 2709119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Coral: he may very well be in the realm of "typical development" and may have a language explosion soon, but if you are at all concerned I would push for an evaluation. Where are you located? In most states you can self refer to early intervention without a referral from a doctor. </p> <p>@littlejoy: I'm a speech therapist in early intervention and we get referrals for concerns for expressive speech only as early as 16 months. 80% of my caseload was referred before 24 months, so I would definitely push for referral before 2.5 if there are concerns! We do have a lot of doctors that are pretty laid back about speech development but in most states parents can self refer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709104 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 16:14:39 +0000 littlejoy 2709104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think you'll be surprised how his speech explodes around 2. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think most docs would suggest EI until 2.5, and that's with an extreme lack of vocabulary. </p> <p>At 20 months, our LO was signing and saying some words, and by 23 months, she was talking in sentences (and I was told that was early). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709081 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 14:40:01 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2709081@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son also has a speech delay which we discussed initially with our doctor at his 18 month appointment when he had less than the 'norm' of words. We were referred to the public program which took about 8 months to get in. I was worried while we waited so we saw a private therapist. He is now 28 months and has improved a lot and goes through phases of big development, but still isn't anywhere close to where he 'should' be. He can communicate in his own ways to us with signing and some words, lots of gestures, etc. And understand everything we say to him.</p> <p>I will echo another poster that it doesn't always work out that they catch up and being dismissed of your concerns is very frustrating. We decided to be proactive because there is no harm for him to have therapy, even if he just takes longer to talk than others in the end. I would pursue being evaluated or at the very least speak to your physician and push if they dismiss it. If your kid catches up, then you cancel it and are no worse off. If they don't, you've got a plan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709072 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 13:12:30 +0000 oskarsmommy 2709072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Coming from a chronic worrier, I don't think you have any reason to worry :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709050 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 11:59:34 +0000 Mrs. Blue 2709050@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At 18 months, both of our twins had less than 6 words (which is what I believe is the target for that age to have at least 6 words) and were officially considered delayed, but our pedi said to re-evaluate at 2, and if we needed to do a referral for speech therapy we would then. </p> <p>They had a huge language burst between 20-24 months and by 24 months they probably had 25 words, and no one was at all concerned. Now we can't get them to stop talking. :silly: it's worth bringing up at your next pedi appt, but I think 10 words between 18-24 months will be considered fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709043 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 11:32:18 +0000 pinkb 2709043@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DD is speech and language delayed. It's hard to remember all the details now but at 2 she had probably 15 - 20 words and signs, mostly signs. She would get extremely frustrated with not being able to communicate. I know there are language explosions for a lot of kids, but not all. It was and still is extremely frustrating when that is always the response you get when you bring up a concern. My daughter never had a language explosion. Not at 2 or 2.5 or 3. Now at 4 she speaks in 3 word sentances at the most. She understands everything! She just can't communicate like the average child her age. We started speech at 18 months until 2 when early intervention dismissed her. We had a hard time getting additional therapy until she was 3. She is now seeing 2 speech pathologists 3 times a week. I just wanted to give you my experience because I was always dismissed when I voiced my concern and it is not helpful.<br /> I say if you are concerned it doesn't hurt to get evaluated. Extra help never hurts. :goodluck: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709036 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 11:14:01 +0000 newlypregnantlady 2709036@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter is 19 months and similar. Besides "want more" (which is more like "waaa maaa" plus the sign for "more"), she doesn't really have a ton of words. She says "yah" and "no" but that's kind of it. She tries to say "socks", "birds" and when prompted will do animals sounds but I do feel like she's behind in talking. And she shrugs for "I don't know", but doesn't say anything. </p> <p>I've been trying not to worry about it but it's hard because she's clearly frustrated with her inability to communicate. But she's definitely understanding what I'm telling her, and she can follow complex directions. Ultimately though I've just been planning to wait it out and see where she is at her two year ped appointment. The few other kids I know who were late talkers all ended up getting tubes in their ears after constant ear infections but that's not the case with my DD so the longer she's not talking the more I've been worrying. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709020 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 08:46:55 +0000 bloved 2709020@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son was a very late talker...I want to say he was about 2 before he really started saying much. But then it truly was an explosion...he went from a few words to complete sentences and is now one of the chattiest kids I know. Definitely talk to your pediatrician if you are worried but I think there is a very wide range of "normal". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2709011 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 06:49:46 +0000 MrsSRS 2709011@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At 20 months, DS had about a dozen signs but only a few words. We weren't worried because you could tell by his face that he was listening when we spoke to him. And he could follow complex directions, like get the ball and put it in the basket. In contrast, DD who is 20 months just said "waffle please, mama. Pop up. Hold it." while I was typing. The range of normal is huge. DS'S version of that at 20 months would have been to sign eat and point at the toaster. He started talking a lot after he turned 2 and hasn't stopped yet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2708995 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 00:55:10 +0000 QBbride 2708995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it is very common to have a language explosion around 18 months, sometimes earlier and sometimes later. I don't think 10 words is alarming but I think it's worth mentioning to your doctor. Here our checklist is 15 words (other than mama, dada) at 18 months. My daughter just turned 20 months and she has 50+ words (and usually strings 2-3 words together). She has an older brother so I think that helps since she picks up a lot from him, but in your case it wouldn't hurt to at least mention it. Good luck!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2708989 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 00:22:16 +0000 Freckles 2708989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Coral: both of my kids went through a language explosion a little after 2 years old. My daughter was a huge finger sucker and I worried a lot. I would wait a few more months before being concerned - it seems as if the number is on track with what we should expect kids to know at that age.</p> <p>One thing to add: some kids have an explosion start later and that's okay. My daughter was a little behind with her expressive verbal skills but she understood everything! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2708987 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 00:12:45 +0000 Dahlia 2708987@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think if he's following directions, that's a really good sign! My DD is also 20 months old, and she probably has 50 or 60 words now. Up until about a month or two ago, I'd say she only had 10-15. And she still does the eeh eeh whining for what she wants a lot. So maybe your DS is just on the slower side of normal? Consulting your pediatrician is probably more helpful than anything we can say here if you're worried. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kind-of-worried-about-los-lack-of-language#post-2708983 Sat, 11 Mar 2017 23:46:26 +0000 Coral 2708983@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just being honest...the other thread about speech freaked me out a bit just because I feel like LO is really behind. He's 20 months old and probably has about 10 words: mama, dada, doggy, etc. He babbles A LOT and often makes the same babbles consistently but I have no clue what he is saying. He tends to point at things that he wants and says "ugh ugh!" He does understand what we say to him and will follow directions. </p> <p>I'm worried that this indicates some sort of speech or cognitive issue (we are working on cutting down the pacifier usage.) I know people often talk about a language "explosion" but every month it doesn't happen, I get more worried. </p> <p> Any advice or insights? </p>