Learning to Talk

It sounds like he may be delayed, but PLEASE don't worry, it's more common than you think. Get an appointment with your ped. if you are unsure to see where your son should be at this age. My ped told me that they should be putting 2 words together and a stranger should understand 50% of what they say at 2 years. If your ped. thinks he is delayed call ECI. They know their stuff and I think you will be amazed at what they can do!!

We are currently in the process of evaluating our younger son b/c he is not clear (thanks to the help of a dear friend). My older son also had some issues, so I'm not new to the procedures (although we waited too long for ECI, which I regret). It's best to catch this stuff early, so give yourself a pat on the back for recognizing a potential problem!!

Good luck!!

I agree with the other moms. have you ever heard of ECI? they will come to your home and do a free evaluation. you can call 800-628-5115 for a program close to you. they have speech therapist that will come to your home and work with you to find ways that might help your son. let us know what happens. J.

I would ask your pediatrician if this is normal. I believe it is normal up until they are two years old (24 months) to not talk, but I am not sure. Asking your doctor this information might be your best bet. Good luck. Hopefully your child will start talking soon.

At 21 months, most children are talking, and some are starting to put two words together (i.e. "more cup"). My pedatrician told me to expect 1-3 words by 12 months, 3-6 by 15 months, and 15-20 by 18 months.

I would definitely have your child evaluated for a possible speech delay. He could be fine and just quiet, or he could have a bit of a delay that some therapy could help. Don't be afraid of getting an evaluation - better to help your child if he needs it than to hinder him!

Please don't worry but I was told by the time your child is 22 months he should be saying anywhere from 20-40 words. I know every child is different. My son is 23 months and was speech delayed due to too many ear infections, hearing loss, tubes in ears.
Has his hearing been checked?

He has been going to a Speech Therapist for about 3 wks and I can already see an improvement, I think it's better to find out now than later. Go w/your Mother's Instinct.
I would definitely go w/ECI.

Good Luck

Talk to your doctor. Then call ECI for an evaluation. It is free and their evaluation will be done in your home per your schedule. More than anything I believe in Mom's instinct. Good for him that he has a mom that cares about him enough to be proactive in caring for him.
Good Luck!

Hi Bryna,

I have been a practicing speech-language pathologist for about 15 years. I will tell you that it has been my experience that moms have great instincts regarding their children. Your child will benefit best from you following your instincts and pursuing an evaluation.

If you would like to see the age ranges for how children typically communicate at different ages, I invite you to visit my web site, www.startherapyprograms.com. Click on the milestones button. The information is based on research by ASHA, the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

If you should have any further questions, I would be happy to do my best to answer them ###-###-####).

Your son is fortunate to have a mother who is concerned, and taking a proactive approach.

All the best,
S.