He's 1 1/2... there's NO need for concern YET. I've met some 2 year olds who don't say more than 5 words, and they started talking eventually. Keep working with him, and I'm SURE you'll see some improvement soon. I imagine he's a physically active young man who devotes most of his energy into playing instead of talking.

crazysocks830 Jun. 5, 2008 at 10:41 PM

I think you need to find another doctor! Her expectations are rediculous! Every child develops at his/her own pace. My (almost) 3 yr. old didn't say a whole lot of "clear" words until well after 2 yrs. Even today, a lot of what he says isn't that clear, although he talks constantly. My 17 month old, however, has a big vocabulary and says most words fairly clearly. Every kid is different. As long as your son is saying some words, is understanding what you're saying, communicating and you know his hearing is normal  ... well ... frankly, I think consulting a speech pathologist just because some know-it-all doctor enjoys alarming poor parents -- would be VERY premature! Look around the internet for information on what is "normal" for toddlers, and you will see there is a huge range of "normal." I have 5 boys and 1 girl ... and I've noticed my boys did not develop at the same pace as my daughter did -- potty training included. Just be patient, and listen to your instincts. YOU are the mother and you do know best! Your child does not have a "delay"  (and I hate it when so-called experts label our children) ... he's just developing at his own pace!

gunslingerswife Jun. 5, 2008 at 10:47 PM

First off, you aren't alone.  Remember that kids develop at their own rate.  Not all kids not talking at 18 months/2 years need professional health.  I say this because two weeks ago we had my son's 2 year check up.  He (at the time) could say about 5 words, although he understood far more than he could say.  He could also follow complex commands like "it's time to brush your teeth.  Go get your tooth brush and your special book and sit on daddy's lap so mommy can brush for you."  Our doctor was very upset by the lack of speech, and insisted that we get a speech therapist set up.  One phone call later I found out it wouldn't be covered by insurance.  Forget that idea.  We don't have $1500 sitting around.  So I looked up early intervention for our state.  We have until he's 3 to get him help with state assistance.  DH and I talked at length, and then spoke with a friend of ours who is a retired teacher and speech therapist.  Her recommendation, knowing our son well, was to WAIT.  She suggested waiting three months and watching our son closely.  She also told us how to work with him in the mean time.  It's been a great decision.  In two weeks, he's added 12 words to his vocabulary.

Here's how to help your child:
1. READ READ READ  As often as you can.  Repeat books, too, even if you only get through a page or two.  Don't worry as much about the story, but point at pictures and name them.  Example: "Sun.  The sun is yellow.  The sun is in the sky.  Can you find the sun?"
2.  TALK  And do it all the time!  Turn off the TV and radio and tell your child what you are doing in simple terms.  Example: "It's morning.  The sun is in the sky.  Let's eat breakfast.  We will have cereal and milk.  This is cereal.  Cereal is good.  Here is a banana.  The banana is yellow.  Do you want the banana?  Where is your milk?  What color is your cup?  It's blue.  Milk is white.  Milk is good.  Your shirt is blue.  Where is your shirt?"
3.  PRAISE and ENCOURAGE But don't over-do it.  A simple "good job, you said 'more'" is very effective.  Don't try to bribe.  Being able to talk is it's own reward.
4.  USE THE THIRD PERSON To refer to everyone.  "Mama is going to change (child's name)'s diaper now."  "Does (child's name) want a snack?"  "Mama and (child's name) are going to go buy food."
5.  PEER PRESSURE Can be really beneficial.  Joining a playgroup or spending time in the park with other kids who are talking can help encourage a toddler to talk as they try to immitate their peers.

Above all, be patient.  If you really believe your child doesn't have a problem, there isn't necessarily a need to get help at 18 months.  If, however, your child isn't babbling or trying to immitate sounds, there could be a problem worth checking out.  In my personal experience with friends children, children at church and such, I haven't met many 18 month olds who can say that many words clearly.

BearsMommy Jun. 5, 2008 at 10:53 PM

Thanks so much ladies for all your great and valuable advise! I really appreciate all your help and I plan to take it all into consideration, I hope I'm doing the best I can right now and he beneifts from it. Thank You again

luvy_dovy_mommy Jun. 6, 2008 at 7:47 PM