18 Month Old Barely Talking

My 3rd child (my first son) was the same. I had to interpret what he'd say or even my daughter's did. But no one else could understand him. The ped wasn't concerned. It wasn't until he went to the 3 yr old screening for kindergarten that a speech therapist was the only one who could even get him to talk as he clammed up once the first lady couldn't understand him (and I was kept out of the room). She recommended having him evaluated for speech therapy through the school. We did that and he was found to need it. We allowed it and he is almost perfect in his speech now. This is to be his last year (he's done it for 4 yrs now) and he doesn't want to end it. But it DID help and now he fits in better with his classmates. You daughter may outgrow it, but then again if you can get her to get her speech done earlier it may be helpful for her for fitting in at school reasons later. Good luck!

S.
Mommy to 5

I would give it more time before testing. My daughter, who is now 4, was the same way, at 18 months she didn't say much, she also was not around a lot of other kids. She started at a new sitter at 19 months where there were a lot more kids and she just picked up the talking and now is a jabber jaw!! I was worried for a bit because I had a friend who's son talked sooner but by 2, she was just normal. And, my pediatrician said she was ok at 18 months with how little she was saying. Don't worry just yet.

I would maybe have her tested. I know that each kid learns to speak on their own accord. If everything comes out "normal" you can go back to the doctor and say now what.

I too have a 3 year old and a 20 month old. My 20 month old seems to be not talking as much or as early as my three year old...and although I'm not a doctor, I truly believe it's just because he doesn't NEED to talk as much. My three year old often speaks for him, and tells me what he needs. Therefore, his need to communicate with us isn't as great. My three year old NEEDED to talk early to be able to communicate his needs. That's just my explanation for the difference. Every child is different, I'm sure the younger late bloomers will say more when they feel the need :)

I had 2 late talkers.
Both boys - Dustin didn't talk 'till 18 months or so. Tyson was more like 22 months - I was worried.
Our pediatrician wanted us to see a speech therapist with Dustin.
I did - you should, just to put yourself at ease. All they do is examine the structure of the mouth and *maybe* look at the larnyx, examine lungs, etc. At 18 months they just want to make sure that there isn't a physical reason for lack of speech.

We went to the appointment.
Dustin got a clean bill of health, and the therapist said he has the physical ability to speak (he's not mute, his mouth is formed correctly, etc.)
And sent us on our way with instructions to come back for a re-eval if he couldn't talk by the time he was 2 (or something like that)

He's now 9 1/2 and I can't get him to stop talking!
Really!

K.

I wouldn't worry yet! If by two she's not saying more words then maybe. You'll be amazed each day/month the things they pick up/learn.

I would say if they are nearing three years of age and don't speak much......take them to a speech therapist.

18 months is too soon to be worry about that.

That's my opinion.

I would wait on the speech therapy. I was a late bloomer in regards to talking. My mother said I only said a few words for awhile but around 2-2 1/2 I started talking more...and when I did it was in 3 or 4 word sentences...and I wouldnt shut up! LOL
With our twins they were the same way. They were quite content only saying 1 or 2 words but around 2 1/2 they started talking abit more...now they are 3 1/2 and they talk in pretty complex sentences for their age.
I would wait until 3 or 4 before speech therapy. I think until that age most children really progress at their own rate and then things start to even out. Plus if the child is older when starting speech work they will be able to focus and learn more as they are able to sit still and they listen when someone is trying to work with them.

I also have a beautiful daughter she is 17 mos. and she talks alot but it dosen't make any sense. She understands almost everything we say to her but she dosn't even say mama or dada anymore. She also has a 5 yr. old brother. I talked to someone from speech therapy and they don't think she needs it yet that we should just keep working with her. Sorry I'm not much help but I just wanted to let you know I am in the same boat. Good luck.

My son will be 3 next month. We started expressing concern at 18 months when he said 3 words, and at 2 he only said 6 words. He did a lot of incoherent babbling. We had him evaluated by the school district, and he qualified for services as "significantly developmentally delayed" - a 12 month level for both receptive and expressive communication, along with cognitive and fine motor delays (speech was his qualifying delay though). He's been receiving in-home services for almost a year, and has made HUGE progress, it's the best thing we could ever do for him. He's still not nearly at the level of the "typical" 3 y/o, but his frustrations have really subsided. Today he officially starts his first day of ECSE preschool, so he's really excited to be with a class.
Now my almost 16 month old is also showing some delays, but only expressive (receptively and cognitively he is doing great). He only says hi, no mama, dada or anything. His ped suggested having him evaluated now, but I asked my other son's SLP (since it seems way too early), she suggested waiting 6 months (so until 21 months). She would normally suggest waiting until 2, but with my other son's delays she feels earlier would be better.

i had a very simular problem my now 7 year old said very few words that only his dad and i could understand. we took him to the doctor who suggested the same thing a speech therepist we did trhough a program called Birth to 3 it worked great with somethings. Yet we only to find out later that two other things were causing the speech delay First one was he has a hearing problem having only 10% of his hearing in left hear. Second was the thingy (still not sure what its called) under his tongue needed to be clipt back. He still has a few words that are hard to make out but other than we can't get him to stop talking unless he's a sleep. J.J. my youngest picked up on Quentens lingo and I used the Birth to 3 program with him also and he is quite the little talker.

My 18 month son talks nonstop, although plenty of it is hard for most people to understand. He has a pretty large vocabulary and frequently conbines some of his words...up to 4. The majority of his friends his age are talking relatively well. He seems to fall in about the middle to high end, if that makes sense. This is just to give you an idea of what I see in other 18 month olds.

Your daughter could be doing just fine. Or, there could be something going on. Why not utilize a professional to help you determine that? I'm sure you'd kick yourself later if you did nothing and found out you could have. Getting started now means there is much less catching up to do. Although I think it is pretty early to worry too much, I think it is very proactive to get a start now.

Someone else mentioned the school district. Anoka-Hennepin definitely does offer free evaluation and treatment (if needed.) These individuals would be just as qualified and beneficial as any other Speech Therapist.

Good luck!

My brother had the same issues when he was little. My mom put him into speech therapy, and it only took about 3 months for him to get to where he was supposed to be. Your child should have many more words in her vocabulary than she does now. I would put my child into speech therapy if it were me. I also did daycare for 4 year old twins and a 1 year old, the 1 year old had a better vocabulary than the 4 year olds. We would work on the same type of things that a speech therapist does, and in a short time their speech improved. Making her use words to ask for things will also help. There are steps you can do to improve her vocabulary on your own.

S.,

I would wait a little longer before going to speech therapy. My son also was a slow talker. They tested his hearing and wanted me to put him in speech therapy as well. I waited till he started preschool to start the speech therapy. I just felt he was too young to be put in the situation of going to school so young! Good Luck!

L.

I currently have a 2 1/2 year old in speech therpy right now. And he is doing great. The one on one interaction with the teacher is what he needed. But we have him in speech therpy because he was very behind in his speech. He is on his second set of tubes right now. I see nothing wrong with at least going through the testing to see if there is an issue or not. If she passes the state testing for her age than there is no need for the therpy. Hope this helps.

Both my boys were in speech therapy (well, still are). I've seen significant progress with my youngest in the past 5 years his Dad and I have been together. At age three, no one could understand him outside the immediate family. Kindergarten was better, but still very difficult. Even now, he still has problems with his "r's" and gets teased from time to time at school. If this is even a possibility of your daughter's future, I would follow the pediatrician's advice and get her into speech therapy.

It is absolutely heartbreaking to hear your child tearfully tell you, "They're teasing me at school because I talk weird."

My 4yr old didn't start talking till she was well over two. I would say that as long as she's doing fine other wise I wouldn't start worring just yet.

I have a 2 1/2 yr old son who is the same way. His 5 yr old sister talked for him so much he just felt that he didnt need to talk. He started really talking about 2 or so. I was told to put him in speech therapy and I refused. He very quickly just picked up and started talking alot. Not everyone understands him but he is getting really good. Just work with her on her pronunciation. My 5 yr old couldnt pronounce words and we would just sit with her and repeat the word over and over till she said it right and it worked really well. Don't worry she will come around. Be patient shes your daughter and she will come around when she wants. Im sure she can talk just doesnt want to or feel the need to.

This is long so I apologize in advance : )

Sophie (who is now 3) also did not start talking. We assumed it was because her older sister did all of her talking for her. My pediatrician at the time had us go for a HEARING evaluation. Sophie had only ever had 1 ear infection and always had ear wax issues so we were expecting it was just to rule things out before getting into speech therapy ect. Turns out that she had moderate-severe hearing loss due to excessive fluid on her ears. The fluid just never got infected hence the only 1 ear infection. They figured out she couldn't hear for at least 9mos. So we had tubes put in and the fluid removed and her hearing was then perfect. Within a month her vocabulary doubled. We went in for a speech therapy evaluation and were going to have her go but by the time we went to the first appointment her speech was on track and the therapist canceled the rest of the appointments.

Hope this helps : )

Hello there,
My advice would be to relax and adore Ryleigh. She is learning at her own speed and as long as you and Daddy understand her needs, it's fine. I would make sure her hearing is good and that she's healthy but not to worry. I've raised two boys and countless other kids with parenting co-ops. Every child had his or her own pace. You can always work with her with picture flash cards and books putting emphasis on annunciation. It's always fun to learn with games.
I'm sure she'll be great!! Take care, L.

I,m a mom of 5 kids my oldest wasn't talking at 18 months as she got older she started to get a vocabulary and if she has a problem the school will let you know and get her into speech start her in a preschool program if you like it will give her a start before kindergarten the doctors go by a guide line of what your child should be doing at a certain age as long as you can understand her thats fine for now what wil also help when she says a name if its wrong you say the right name for the product like if she says uck for duck you just answer back yes i see the duck she will eventually get it right and don't baby talk her that makes her talking more delayed I hope this will help you

I'm guessing at this point you've decided what to do but if I might throw in my two cents... Take her to a speach therapist! It certanly won't hurt anything and if there is something going on, then it's better to catch it early than to try and catch up later. I know everyone develops at their own pace, but do you really want to take chances with your child? I would also suggest contacting the city you live in to see what if any services/screenings they have available. I know she's only 18 months, but the guidelines the peds. use are really averages but tend to be on the lower end, so if your pediatrician is concerned, I'd take a little more seriously. If you're still not comfortable, seek a second opinion, but don't just "wait and see". Lot's of things can be caught and corrected if you do it when they are young enough-the older they get the harder it is for them.

I don't mean to sound paranoid but we had a similar situation with my now 4 year old daughter. I was concerned about her language development at 18 mo. we waited until she was two and brought her in for an eval. She was diagnosed to be on the autism spectrum. We got her in to a program/preschool right away and now she has been cleared of her original diagnosis. I don't think that we would be where we are today if we hadn't sought out an evaluation when she was so young-they're learning and developing so much at that age. Ok-that's my opinion. I truly hope you at least see a speach therapist for an evaluation. Let the professionals help you with deciding how to proceed.

Sincerely,
A.

Hi, I actually just posted a similar question myself. My husband took our daughter to get her ears checked after only her 2nd ear infection in her life and the pediatrician said one more and she should see a ENT specialist and that's why she talks goofy. In case you didn't see my posting, my daughter talks a lot but it's not understandable. Her tongue gets in the way and she definately knows what she's saying but no one else does. She has a handfull of words she can say clearly but most of it is with that goofy tongue. I'm thinking like you that it's normal - she's not even 2 and they're talking about speech therapy? I think they push too much at you now adays but would feel bad if something is wrong and I was in denial about it.

Hi S.,
I am a speech language pathologist/mom. Don't know if this helps or not, but it sounds like from what you are describing that your daughter IS talking a little, very normal at 18 months that it is not completely intelligible. And sounds like her receptive language or what she understands when you tell her something or give her a command is okay. If you would take her to a speech therapist they will look to see how well she follows commands like look at me, go get the...., where is the ball or other objects, and then they will look to see first what she does say, how she communicates her wants and needs to you right, now and probably what she will say when they show her very common objects that she sees in her environment everyday.
I do think it is great that she says 3-5 words already. From what you are describing, it sounds like she is okay for her age. If you notice she is not progressing to more expressive speech in the next 6 months, you may want to think about taking her to to be evaluated for speech/language. Another thought would be to set up moments to encourage her to use her speech, such as if she wants let's say a cookie or a favorite toy, keep it in her sight but out of her reach and encourage her to use her words to ask for it by saying the name of the object, model if for her with your speech and give her lots of praise when she makes any attempt to use her words for the object, even if it is not the perfect pronunciation. Just my thoughts!

my cousin had a similar problem and alot had to do with the older child talking for the younger one, or instead of trying to get them to say what they wanted would just give them what they wanted when they made motions toward the objects. the doctor had her start doing thoughs classes and it seemed to help. she is a quiet child to begin with but now she talks awesome. my suggestion would be to just try the classes if you dont think there helping then really you havent lost anything and if they do then all the better.

A friend of mine has 3 kids. Her youngest wasn't talking by 2 yrs either. She feels this is because they spend less time "teaching" him, and also personality. He is bright and intelligent otherwise. I'd say to go with your gut - if you feel your Ped is wrong, either just disagree with him or find another Ped. My experience w/MDs is that every single one has a different idea how to do things.

Good luck-
T.

S.-

I would follow the advise of the Dr and get her in to speech. It will not hurt her and the way the schools are going the earlier the better if there are some issues because she would maybe then be caught up on this before it gets too behind. I am sure she is fine may just need a bit of encouragement to speek. Let us know what you decide to do.

Dear S.,

My 5 yr old was slow to talk and extremely hard to understand. We used to have to have his sister (who is a little over 1 yr older than him) translate for us and grandparents had no idea what he was saying. My husband kept saying he would grow out of it and finally at the age of four, I had him tested through RUSD against my husband's wishes. I am glad I did because we found that he rated way below his age group level for speech. After a little over 1 1/5 years in speech (he goes to school for six weeks on, six weeks off, four days a week, 1/2 days) and he is doing amazing! There are still times here and there where I can't understand a couple of words becuase he gets very excited when he talks and still tends to talk fast. Once we have him slow it down, and repeat it, he says it clearly. I do think that 18 months is too early to start speech. She is still learning and growing. I would look at speech a little more around the age of three. This still gives her 1 year of phonological speech training before going into 4 yr old kindergarten or if needed, she can be in the phonilogical class for two years (as our son is doing) and start 5 yr old kidergarten the following year. Good luck and let me know if you have other questions or concerns.

If your pediatrician advises some speech therapy, I would go for it. I wouldn't view it like there is something "wrong" with your daughter - only that some encouragement might help her develop a bit more quickly. My son was born 2 1/2 months premature and works with a PT to encourage him to walk. I'm quite sure he would figure out how to walk on his own eventually, but I'm grateful to be able to meet with someone more experienced than me to give me suggestions on how to help him. My viewpoint is why turn away free services for your child? It can only help them.

Just my two cents. Good luck.

B.

I would look into ECFE. They offer free evaluations in your home. They come to your home for an hour or so and observe your child in her environment. That would maybe give you more reassurance if you need to take further action or if it is just her learning at her own pace.

-J.

Hi S.,

I am a mom of a 22 month old. I am a speech-language pathologist. Getting an assessment will allow you to get home programming ideas that will work within your daughter's learning style. Also, there are great early intervention services that are provided in the home by private practice clinicians and by school systems. The earlier the intervention the better. Waiting and seeing sometimes makes the therapy process a little more challenging in the long run. Also, the assessment might just find that your son is doing her talking so she doesn't have to or want to. Best to get it checked out.

C.

hello i have 3 children and my oldest was saying full sentences when he was one and then my 2nd would not talk very much and what she did say was hard for people to understand they wanted to put her in speech therapy and i refused now she is 8 and i cant get her to stop talking.and i am going through the same with my youngest he is 4 now and is getting better with his speech and im sure when he is 8 i,ll be wondering if he well ever stop talking.so dont give up children talk when they have are ready and have something to say.

My 4 year old son didn't speak much until he was 3 and he is in the autism spectrum. Now he speaks at a 6 year old level. My nephew didn't talk until he was almost 3 and he's not in the autism spectrum and didn't need any thearpy. The point is that you don't know why your child isn't speaking. It could be any number of things ranging from she just doesn't want to or need to... to a developmental disorder. You won't know until you get her evaluated. I would have an evaluation with an expert before I would put her into speech therapy. You can call your school disctrict for referrals or you can ask your doctor. Good Luck!

We had the exact same situation in our family. We have a 5 year old who could say over 25 words by 12 months. Then our next daughter at 18 months said only Mommy, Daddy, and a few words that were clear. Anything else that came out of her mouth wasn't clear. We were comparing her to our older daughter and thought there must be a problem. We asked our pediatrician and she said to wait it out and she is probably doing things at her own pace. Everyone else also said -- "she has a big sister to talk for her, she doesn't need to say anything." At around 24 months the words started to slowly come and now at 2 1/2, she talks in sentences and her vocabulary in huge. So, I wouldn't worry too much yet. I would wait until she is 24 months, it seems like they can turn around real quick.

I agree that it's way too soon to be concerned with therapy. I have a nephew who is almost 2 and he's not that great at talking either but he'll get there. One thing my sister-in-law has done with him to help him learn new words is "Baby sign language" I was very skeptical about it until I saw how much easier it made things on her and him. He didn't get frusterated as easily because he was able to communicate with signs and it has really helped develop his verbal skills as well. In the few months she has been working with him on this, he has learned how to say several new words.
To further prove my point that it's too early to consider therapy, my brother didn't start talking at all until he was 18 months and I have twin cousins that are 2 1/2 and they still don't talk that well. So give her a little more time, it will happen eventually and on it's own.

In MN we are blessed with early childhood education and it is a blessing its great to get out and meet other moms and for intervention if you feel something is wrong or just wanted to make sure call your school and ask for a # ecfe its a great place

I had the same concerns with my son. At 2 he was still not talking much so I asked the Ped. about options. They suggested I talk with the school district and get an assesment with them. I did that and we started him in speech therapy that next fall. He is now 4 and is almost cought up. I think he wont need services when he enters kindergarten next fall. My advice to you is to wait untill she is 2 and then if you are still concerned, call the school district for an assesment.

Oh good grief, she is only 18 months! Nobody should expect her to be speaking full sentences yet, or even close! Your ped is being very overzealous by recommending speech therapy at this age. I think thats crazy.

My oldest didn't say anything understandable, not even mama or dad, until he was well over 2. However he was bright, extremely intelligent, could point out all colors, shapes, numbers, and letters by 18 months! He was very coordinated, walked early, did everything early but talk. Aroudn 2 1/2 he literally woke up one day and started talking, in full understandable sentences. He is almost 5 now and he speaks so clearly that even is 80 year old grandmother can understand what he is saying on the phone.

My youngest is 16 months and talks non-stop, strangers can understand him, in 2-3 word sentences. But he's a big old klutz, not really up to speed on the learning like his brother was. Different kids, different ways of learning. My oldest is still very physical and smart, my youngest talks nonstop and wants to read all day.

I wouldn't worry at this age at all, maybe when if she hasn't started talking more by age 2, but even then I wouldnt' worry unless she really does talk at all, or doesn't seem to be hearing your or following directions.

My son also only spoke a few words when he was that age. My pediatrician recommended that we get him tested, and we did. In Wisconsin they have a really great program called Birth-to-three, so the testing was free (although we had to wait 3 months for an evaluation). The test itself was very low key. They basically watched him play with some toys. They told us he was 20% delayed, and the cut-off for entry into the "free" speech therapy program is 25%. Anyway, he's doing fine now.

The speech therapists told me that if he really was significantly delayed, early intervention can really make a difference. They also said that the vast majority of children without any other developmental issues wind up talking just fine, and that the delay really is just a delay. So it's really your preference. When I was in your situation, I opted on the side of caution, but I can understand why you wouldn't want to deal with all of it. But if you're worried that the evaluation will be too intrusive, you can relax. My husband and I were present the entire time, and it was fine. Good luck.

I had that problem with my son. I would bring it up with the doctors & daycare and EVERYONE told me don't worry about it until they turn 2.

Finally at two I had him evaluated and found out he had a mild form of autism, which affected his speech and his social skills.

I know that may seem drastic and hopefully for you it is not the case, but it was in the back of my mind for several months before I got him tested.

My son was very similar to this and has become quite the chatter box. We did not take him to speech therapy but rather would work with him at home. He was an only child at the time so it was easier for us to do that. However, I think that going to a speech therapist isn't a horrible idea. The therapist will tell you if he/she doesn't think your daughter needs help.

I wouldn't worry at all. My son turned 3 in October and he didn't talk alot until almost turning 3, because my daughter who turned 9 in October did the speaking for him..

I did alot of reading about it online because I was worried when he was 2 - 2 1/2 that he wasn't speaking as much as my daughter did at his age. Than I would watch when we asked him to do something, my daughter would do it all for him, even answer his questions for him. My doctor wasn't worried at all, because she knew that he had an older sister that did everything for him. Why do it yourself, when someone else can do it for you???

Even now I can't understand every word he says, but he does tend to ramble...

Just give it time and good luck!

My son was the same way. I kept asking the doctor about it and he said they don't worry too much about speech until they're two. He said as long as he understands us then there's really not a problem. Sure enough the closer he got to two the better and more words he was saying. Now he is almost 3 and a really big chatter box.

S. --
I don't personally have experience with this, but a lifelong family friend was a slow talker... he has an older sister who did all the talking for him, lol. Anyways he ended up being a linguist with the military! So while it took him a while, he does just fine now. I hope this helps reassure you that it isn't always a big deal. As for whether or not to see a therapist, I guess I'd see what the therapist wants to do with your daughter before ruling it out. Good luck!
A.

We have children the same age and with our second started to wonder the same thing... will he ever talk?? He is now approaching his second birthday and the words are all of sudden coming.
I have several friends that are speech therapist who told us wait it out. If by the time they are not 3 and talking, then there maybe a concern.
I do have a cousin who did not talk until he was 5, and was in therapy and still would not talk. He went to school and one day got mad at the teacher and told her "be quiet you drive me crazy." Just shows that when they want to talk... they will!!
Hang in there!! You are the parent and know your child the best, keep that in mind.

I would follow the advice of your pediatrician. Likely it's a case of learning at her own pace, but he/she may be seeing something which those of us on a board may not. Better to get help if it's needed then to wait. My experience with this is personal and observational. My neighbor went through the schools for testing and early childhood education -- it was free! Not sure when that starts though, seems he was 2. That child was born 3 months early and has had some real struggles getting "caught up" with help he speaks clearly and has a "normal" vocabulary for a 5 year old -- truly amazing progress, he did not speak until 3 1/2. Seems to me he had the tools in place when he started. Another friends daughter is in K4, her speach has been hindered by lots of sinus issues -- only mom can understand her well (a bit of a problem at school) and they've just now started to get help. My daughter developed a bit late, we went the route of ear tubes (twice) and an adenoidectomy and I am complimented constantly on her clear speaking --in two languages. She is 4. If there's a reason for the speach delay, better to correct it early -- language development is highest before 11 -- this is a critical time. All three children understood speach and are bright. In time they may all be at the same level, but the two with help are miles ahead, and receiving appropriate help early is the only reason why.

I wouldn't worry about it because alot of kids start off not hardly talking & then hen they do, you WISHED they would just (SHUT-UP) already! LOL!!!! But if she don't grow out of it then they are places to help your child in that area. But I wouldn't worry to much about it. before you know it she will be older & she will but so good in talking she might end up with a job where she gives out speeches in conferences some where in different cities or stateso one day for a job & then you will look back and say to yourself that you was worry for nothin when she was younger. She will be alright. My motto is just pray about it. Prayer WORKS!!! Trust me!:)

No worries, by youngest barely talked before her fourth birthday. Now I cannot shut her off! I suggest going to her next checkup and having them check her ears to make sure she is hearing well, then just enjoy the silence for now.

Hi S.,

I know the advice you've received has run the gammut, but I just wanted to say that I think you should go with your instincts. You know Ryleigh the best, not even your pediatrician knows her as well as you do so if you think she is making headway with her speech, then that's great. She's learning at her own pace. We all compare our children to others their age at some point and if they're not in the "normal" range, we get concerned. Most catch up when they're older so no one can tell who was early at talking or walking or potty training, etc. Ryleigh is still so young and is learning so much that I don't think you should be worrying about her speech right now, it's too early. I would wait until after she's two at least and see how she's progressing and if you're concerned at all it doesn't hurt to take her to a speech therapist. Just do what you think is right.

Good luck!

S.

My son was just in for his 2 year check up and we go to PYAM. Dr. fishman there said that its not on common. we expressed some concern as well and his exact words were " He just turned two....give it some time" He said if he doesn't talk by the time he's 3 then we'll look into it further. My doctor and others have told me that one day it'll just "click"!

Your daughter is probaly fine. Does her older brother talk for her? I know alot of people have problems were the older siblings kinda just does everything and talk for the younger child.

My daughter did sign language at daycare which really got the wheels rolling to communicate and I believe it helped her talk quicker and faster.

If your pediatrician wants speach therapy do it. It can't hurt! The sooner you tackle problems like that the more likely you can stop treatments.

My daughter had to go to physical therapy for motor skill delayment she was clumbsy, fell down alot and stuff like that I took her for only 6mos. and she's perfect now and it's done in the past we don't have to worry or think about it anymore.Insurance covered it, it brought my daughter's self confidence and self esteem way up.