Seeking Talking Help with 13 Month Old

Don't worry - my son did not say his first real words until he was 2, but by the time he was 2.5 he was speaking in full sentences. It is still early...

Don't worry before you know it the only thing you will hear him say is "WHY" and then you want those days of just a few words back. HA!HA! just kidding Just keep saying the words for everything he points at and when he starts talking make him say the name of what he is asking for. Have Fun!

I don't think you should worry. My daughter only said mama and maybe a couple of other things at that age. She's almost two now and her vocabulary grows daily. She's even putting together short sentences. Don't stress, have patience, and if you're still concerned, talk to the ped. Best Wishes!

A.

Hi J.,

It seems that the overwhelming response is: don't worry. I agree 100%. Children learn at very different rates. Ours was precocious. He started around 13 months but is bilingual so he should not have been speaking so much then. Now at 2.5 years he does not stop talking (he is singing right now, in bed. This lasts for hours and goes on in 2 languages).

As for the fear of "losing" a word - has he lost it? My guy would stop using a word or two here and there when he was learning new ones or going through new motor development. While this is a sign of autism, it is not the only sign (much more is needed to diagnose than just the loss of one word for a short time). If you are worried, bring this up with your pediatrician. I am sure she will concur. On a final note - do not stop vaccinating. Vaccines do NOT cause autism. Likely, it is hereditary and may be an underlying condition that is exacerbated with vaccination or a fever/sickness. Stopping vaccination is selfish and ignorant. You put your child and other children at risk for diseases that can KILL children.

Please do not fall into the simple minded thinking that vaccines are a causal agent. I am sure that I will receive many responses about how I am wrong and I do not know what I am talking about - that you know a child that was vaccinated and became autistic, and know of children that weren't vaccinated that are not autistic. The opposite is also true in much greater numbers with a larger base from which to study this (hundreds of millions of vaccinated and not all are autistic). I am truly sorry for those parents with autistic children. It must be horrible. My heart and prayers go out to you all.

A little about me: I am a scientist and I study CNS development and disease. My 2.5 year old son is vaccinated and will continue to be vaccinated. I would never willingly put my precious child at risk if I believed there was a chance of harm.

Hi J.,

I had this same problem with my second child, a boy. After my first, a girl who was talking up a storm by that time I was concerned. By his second birthday he was saying a few more words but not nearly as much as his sister had. His pediatrician said that if by age 2.5 he wasn't at least half understandable to a stranger, then we would be a little concerned. Well, by 2.5 he was talking more and by three he was fully caught up to where his sister had been. Children develop at different rates. At 13 months I wouldn't be so concerned. Keep encouraging him to talk - signing videos are great to help kids be able to express themselves before they can speak - it leads to much less frustration. Baby einstein and Baby Sign videos are wonderful in this regard. I wish you luck.

No, don't worry. I'm pretty sure they all talk at their own pace. My two year old grandson still sounds like he's speaking a foreign language sometimes. Enjoy this time and know that by the time he turns 5 or so, he'll talk a blue streak.

J.,
My 15-month-old daughter does EXACTLY the same things as your son does... I just took her for her 15-month check-up and the pediatrician told me that the "language explosion" generally happens between 15 and 18 months, so don't worry at this point. My daughter seems to understand everything, but doesn't seem particularly interested in saying the words for anything. The pediatrician said that sometimes babies talk a little later if their needs are being met so well in response to just their pointing and grunting that they don't really NEED to use words. She suggested letting my daughter get a little more frustrated and asking her to use the word before she gets what she wants, but I don't really know how that's going to work as I don't know that she even CAN say the word for what she wants. I asked my pediatrician when I should start to be concerned, and she said not until about 18-24 months. Good luck to you!

Sounds like your child is right on track from where my child was. She is 20 months this week and is sharp as a tac now.
Don't worry, relax. You will wake up one morning and he will be saying more than you want him to. If he is saying anything at all at 13 months, sounds like he is well on his way to be a genius... relax. He is just fine.

I wouldn't worry about it. My son took a long time to talk too. It was frustrating, so I taught him some sign language and he took off talking not too long after that. If you are concerend about it you can always ask your doctor and just keep monitoring him. I think boys take longer to talk than girls do, but it will all come together. Make sure to keep working with him too. I hope this will help you. I think if you watch pbs they have a signing show and you can go to the library to check out some sign language books. You can even take a class on how to teach your child sign language where they can go with you. I hope everything works out for you.

A.

Hey J.!
I am a pediatric speech language pathologist and work with children primarily in the birth to 3yo population. I would give things a little longer before you send out the alarms. It sounds as though your little one is working more on his gross motor (walking) development at this time and will shift gears more towards his communication when he masters this "walking thing." Don't stop stimulating his language, but don't be too worried yet. Take advantage of every minute to stimulate his language. Model words as you move through out your daily routines. Give him the opportunity to request things and dont always just give him things before he has the opportunity to request. I use a lot of gestures with my early language kids to actually stimulate verbal skills. I like to start with the signs for more, eat, all done, and milk. I have a website with links to information on language development as well as links to info on sign language. Feel free to look up the info. If your concerns continue, you can speak with your pediatrician and they can make a referral to your local early intervention program for a speech assessment.
Good luck and let me know if you have any additional questions. I would be happy to help.
J. M.
www.jennifermcveyslp.com

My son is 16 months old and he isn't talking much either. He is making sounds that he relates to words, like for our dog Maggie, he says "maa" and he says "ma" and "da", sort of says "noo" for 'look'. He just doesn't have the hang of it yet, but he sure can communicate well by showing us very clearly what he wants with gestures and expressions along with his sounds :) Our daughter, who is now 2, started talking about the 20 month as well, and she is incredibly fluent now and is using language in the right context and putting thoughts together well. She still has a bit of trouble pronouncing some things, but that's just so cute right now!

Never fear, words are near! There will come a day when you may be telling him that-"Okay, it's time to stop talking now!"
My 6 year old, didn't really start talking until he was around 2. He would say stuff that only I could understand, but he would talk. Then he turned 4... and we still have to tell him on a regular basis-okay, it's time to stop talking. If your son is just now walking, (as my son did) he's probably a slow bloomer. Boys-most of the time- are just slow when it comes to development. They have their own time table and agenda. By the same token, my nephew (who is exactly 6 mths. older),is autistic. He did everything early-then it all stopped. In your case I don't think you have anything to worry about.

I work with families with developmental delays. I don't have little ones but my good friend who does signed me for his site. I have older kids. Anyway @ 13 months, a child should have at least three words--mama, dada, and one other word. He should say mama and dada specifically. Meaning that he should look at you and say mama or say mama when calling you. If you live in Wayne Co, Goldsboro, you can call the main # in Greenville for a referral. You can get an evaluation for peace of mind. The # ###-###-####. You will be assigned a case manager--which is what I do. Hope this helps.

Sometimes when they learn to walk on their own they regress with their speech. Chances are once he gets his walking down he will revert right back to his talking patterns. You only need be concerned if he is significantly missing his milestones by over six months. Speak to his ped. at the next visit if you think this is the case. It sounds like normal regression though. (Daycare Provider for almost 5 years, just FYI) Oh and my 23 month just recently started calling me ma ma...he had names for everyone else but me...don't know what that was all about!!

I would not worry about a thing! When my youngest was 2 he didn't talk much and now he is 4 and we can't get him to be quiet!! LOL!! Just read to him and keep talking to him and check with your pediatrician at his next visit. Chances are he will be okay!

Hi J., At 13 months I wondered the same thing with my son, he said dah dah and very few other words. I was really concerned also and we gave it until he was about 15 months before we really took action on it to see if he would pick up more words - our daughter was chatty Kathy at 9 months. We talked to the pediatrician about possible speach delay and before moving here we were in Massachusetts, I contacted through the state to have him evaluated for speach delay. Most states offer until the age of 3, if the child qualifies speach. Now your son could just be waiting to talk, my son qualified with a speach delay and within a couple of months of beginning speach was talking up a storm. According to the the speach center that handled his speach, they said they could run a business just with 2 year old boys with speach dealys as it is much more common than in girls. With my son, it was there, he just needed some coaxing and now he's almost 6 and you can't stop him from talking!!! But don't be concerned, give it a little bit but if not comfortable then make a few calls and talk to your pediatrician, it was the best thing we did. As far as sign language, I'm not so sure how I feel about that - to me that seems a little confusing. Good luck!

I completely understand your concerns. I am the mom of four (ages 10, 9, 7 and 2). Our oldest child didn't talk at all until he was 2, then started talking in sentences, his younger sister (11 months younger) did about the same. Our third child did/does have some speech issues and delays that he has received treatment for since he was 2. He did have ear infections that affected his hearing and therefore, affected his speech. We expected our youngest to be a late talker b/c everyone would talk for her, but she has been way ahead of the ball game and will have no part of the others "talking for her".

Some things to consider; can your child follow directions at all? Simple directions, like, "go get the ball". If he seems to understand what you are saying to him and can communicate/respond back to you in some way, things are probably going okay. Does he have a history of ear infections? Always, if you are concerned, you should ask your child's doctor. Good luck.

hi in my opinion you have no need to worry yet i know the thought that you child could have a developmental delay and that you being his mom might not catch it is very scary but being the mom of a beautiful little boy with sever Autism I think that if your son is pointing to things and making sounds to acknowlege things around him sounds like hes just fine. if this continues to worry you I do suggest getting a professional oppinion to set your mind at ease so you can enjoy every milestone as they come.

Don't let the doctors let you think anything is wrong with your child. I have a 20 month old girl who still doesn't say alot. She understands everything you say to her though. I am in the process on potty training her and she is doing well. She has recently (In the past week) picked up about 2-3 words every day. She is now saying difficult words such as Zach and Pasta clearly. They all do everything on their own time. The doctors were saying that she needed speech therapy or she was deaf because she wasn't talking at 18 months. It also concerned me because her 6 year old brother was saying things like elephant by the time he was a year old. I hope this eases your mind.

J.,
Don't think you should be concerned yet. You can always mention it to the Dr. at your next visit. Having a child talk and then stop is one of the signs of Autism. But if he still uses words I wouldn't worry. One thing you can do is encourage him to use words. Tell him if you want this say Ma Ma!! Things like that. You could always look Autism up on the internet. They look for more than one delay before they actually diagnose!! Good luck! I have an Autistic child and know several parents of other children with Autism. Please keep us updated. But remember that Early Intervention with children is the best so don't wait too long!

Hi, my oldest is a boy who is 2 1/2 and my youngest a girl 1 1/2. When he was her age he was talking very clear. So I worried when she didn't start talking "when I thought she should", but just in that past month she has started saying lots & repeats alot of what she hears or has heard. Reading books helped her alot. They pick up on everything you say, time to be cautious of what they are hearing/listening to. God bless and good day.

There is absolutely nothing to worry about. My oldest son has always been behind in the language department. My husband didn't speak really well until he was about three, and it is turning out to be the same with our oldest son. He will be three at the end of August and only I can understand him all of the time. He says a lot of words now, but still not as many as others his age, and he kind of has his own little language. Always has. He is fine though. Just more interested in doing things than talking about them. My friend's son who is the same age as Lucian didn't start talking at all really until he and Lucian started playing about a year ago. So, even your child is two and not talking as much as you would expect, don't worry. Just read to him alot, talk to him all the time, and he will pick it up when he feels like it. =)

Hi J.,

Don't worry. I was a late talker as was my middle daughter and now you can't get us to be quiet! I was 3 and she was 2. As long as he is developing and reaching milestones I would guess that he is just fine. If he is using a word consistantly that sound familiar to you like "si" for slide, that is completely normal.

My son babbled until he was 3. He could say words, I knew what he was saying, but noone else did. After he was 3, he took off with speech. He talks non-stop. Boys seem to talk later than girls. I have a 2 yr old girl who can carry on a complete conversation with questions and statements. She actually can talk intelligently with someone. Boys and girls are very different. Hang in there.

My child didn't talk until long after other kids her age did. I let it bother me at the time and now look back and wish I hadn't. She is naturally quite - still at 6 - but speaks just as well as any other child. I'd ask your pediatrician and if they aren't concerned at this point - I wouldn't stress over it.

Seems he is where he should be. No worries.
Remember, sometimes children put aside one "skill" to concentrate on another, like walking maybe?

As for sign language, one downside I have observed is it may delay vocal speech as the child can communicate with out it. But I don't think it is in anyway harmful. Depends on your needs.

If you are really concerned, talk with your pediatrician, that is what they are there for.

Kids develop at their own pace. My little boy actually started talking when he was 2 years old. I had a cousin that did not talk normally until he was almost 4 years old. Some kids just do not have alot to say. Your little one is only 13 months, so he is still alittle young to be talking up a storm. Believe me, when he actually starts to talk you will be begging him to be quite for a while. LOL So give him time and I am sure that he will be talking your ears off in about another years or so.

I think your son is probably fine. Most kids' vocabularies don't really take off before 18 mos.--and my kids didn't get going until 21 and 22 mos. What's most important at this stage is that your son seems to understand you when you talk to him. Does he answer your questions by shaking his head yes or no? Does he follow your directions? If not, you should probably go ahead and talk to your doctor, but if so, then I think your kid is on track. I would wait and just ask your doc when you go for the 18 mos. check-up if he seems to understand people just fine. Something else to watch out for: kids will often say a word for a while then drop it from their vocabularies and add in other words. Eventually though they'll use all their words all the time. :)

Hi J.... I was JUST worrying about this with my daughter (who is a little over 12 months old). My MD said the 50th percentile for "talking" right now is saying mama dada and one other word. So, sounds like he's right on! He also said the most important thing is that they are babbling and pointing. Those were major markers. I am sure he's just fine! By his 15 month appointment you should have a better idea, but I wouldn't worry!

My 21yo son was 1 month shy of his 3rd birthday before he put two words together & made a sentence...'daddy home'. We were SHOCKED, LOL, we were praying about bringing daddy home from his tour of duty and when he said that we just froze, it was great. His sisters were so excited. He was an early crawler/walker but not a talker.

Now I was worried about his development too. I even took him to a pediatrician who told me that unless he still wasn't talking when he turned 3, they wouldn't worry. He was too young for tests and he felt he was fine. He also had a very helpful older sister. He only said simple words like mama, dada, hi, no, yes, mine...and he screamed a lot. After that two word sentence he began to talk more & within a couple of months was chatting away.

So I wouldn't worry so much. Some children are little talkers, like my girls were, others are more the observers, like my son.

Hi, I have an almost three year old boy and a newborn baby boy. My son didn't "really" start talking until 20 months and he had a burst of language at that month. He continued to develop his language skills from that point and is fluently talking now and has been since about 2 and a couple months.

Boys are usually later at this skill, just keep reading him books and building his vocabulary.

He has some speech so the capability is there. I would have to ask if he's had ear infections, they really slow down speech development. Key is to be patient, always ask open ended questions, when he points to a light, say yes that is a light, can you say light? Also make sure you have a toddler word book, lots of labeled pictures (can get from library). Sit him in your lap and read together, look at the picture say the word, ask him if he can say the word. Boys usually like things that move, cars, tools. Find something that catches his eys and use that as a starting point. Also naming body parts is a good start. Hang in there, boys usually go for movement first, speech later- girls are usually the other way around. Also remember this to shall pass- there is going to come a day when you are going to "not" want him to talk ;)
BarbB

If you get a response that your child is behind then I am REALLY in trouble. My son only says a few inteligible thingd and he is turning 2 this June. I have a feeling they are probably both just fine but if you are interested some mom friends were telling me about a program that is sponsored by the state and gives free assesments and very low cost help if needed. I think it is called first steps? I am sure they have a website.

I don't think you should be worried at all! I have two children (a boy, 3 and a girl, 15 months). My son has always been VERY verbal, but took a bit longer with his motor skills (climbing, walking, etc.). My daughter, on the other hand, is incredibly advanced in her motor skills, but says very few words still. Their pediatrician's office always ask developmental questions at well visit check-ups. My daughter just went for her 15-month visit, and they asked if she was saying 2-5 words ... that's all they were looking for at 15-months! Trust me, she'll be talking before you know it! My daughter (just in the past week) has almost doubled her vocabulary (wasn't talking much at all until a few days ago)! Then, she'll be like my son and will NEVER be quiet! Ha ha! He talks ALL day from morning until bedtime! Ha ha! Best wishes to you, and try not to stress too much! ;)

Do not worry. Many children need speech therapy. If that is the case. I knew my son needed it at about 13 months. My doctor kept saying lets see if he has 20 words by 20 months and he did but I still knew. What I did first, is get his hearing evaluated. He didn't have any hearing issues, so I had his speech evaluated by a speech therapist. I started speech therapy at 3 years old. He is turning four in a few days and has grown leaps and bounds in his speech. He seems more developmental in other ways than my daughter did at this age. He knows his alphabet, numbers to thirty, writes his name, great athletic ability, I could go on. I see my son being totally intelligible by kindergarten.

I think you have nothing to worry about. DS was not saying much at all at that time. I remember reading that they have a "language explosion" at some point during the second year which means they just seem to start talking all of a sudden and lots. That happened to us. We also used baby sign language. We started it when DS was pretty young but it's never too late to start. I'm convinced that has helped him in so may ways. He talks like crazy now, even making sentences, and he's not quite 2 yet. It helped him communicate with us before he had the words and language skills. Now he'll say they word and do the sign at the same time. If you have an interest in this, check out the Baby Einstein signing videos or even google it to learn signs on your own.

the old rule used to be walking at one, talking at two. i know thats not really helpful, because all children develop on there own schedule, but i think that two is the age that you start really evaluating how many words a child has. my daughter was always a really big talker, but we have a friend who has a little girl who just turned two in January. she had only said about ten words until she was almost 20 months old, and then all of the sudden she is talking up a storm. it was almost over night that she developed all of these words. as long as every thing else seems right to you, im sure there is no reason to be concerned. just make sure that you are talking to her a lot, and you will be surprised when all of the sudden she can answer you.

J., Have you disussed this with your pediatritian? My son was walking independently at 11 month and most of the infants in my Early Head Start Pre-school classroom are walking independently between the ages of 10 to 12 months. When he points to things do you say the name of the item, ask him to say it, then repeat it correctly for him to hear repeative language? That may help. He should know you and his dad as da-da or daddy and ma-ma or mommy. I would ask my pediatritian. CHildren do develope at different levels and some have more interest in one thing than in another. Such as some children all active and just have an interest in being on the move all of the time and others are curious and take an interest in watching things others are curious about sound and will mimic what they hear ( words, mouth noises, car sounds) In my area we have a program called First Steps that will evaluate a child and see if there is a delay or if your child just needs more time in that area and it will correct it's self. If your child needs help they will provide thearapist in your home once a week or twice a month to work with your child. Your local Health Department should be able to tell you what programs are avavilable in your area. You know it can't hurt to have him evaluated. If nothing is at all wrong you will have peice of mind and if he needs help early intervention is the key. The more he acheives now the easier it will be when he starts school. I noticed you work full time, I would encouarage your care giver for your child during the day to do the repetative learning with him and say the name of things, have him say it then, they say the word again for him to learn. You would be surprised at the difference that can make too. Good luck M.

I wouldn't worry if I were you, but I would address it with the pediatrician. If there is a problem, early intervention produces the best results. And who cares if you overreact... your a mother and that's your precious child.

Hi J.!!!
I am a mother of a 4,9 and 10 year old. Children are going to develop at different stages. You can try reading to him more often and when you speak to him, speak clearly instead of baby talk(if you are). But reading is a big help!!! (books with big colorful pictures)I do not think you should worry at all. When he's two and talks all the time and too much, You'll be writing again(smile) Good luck!!

initiate one on one contact with your child. look your baby in the eyes when you talk to him. encourage him to talk and brag and praise him when he does. it's a little early to worry. just be positive and keep a watch, really i think around 2ish is when you may need to explore getting possible opinions from professionals.

God Bless and Protect You,

L.

I wouldn't worry too much, especially if he is making sounds that sound like words. My 15-month-old daughter calls everybody Momma and my 3-year-old daughter is convinced that she can speak Chinese! (Since she babbles all the time but we can't understand ANY of it!!!) When it doubt... talk to your Doctor :) Blessings & best wishes!

I sincerely don't think you have anything to worry about. if he said no words that would be different. I wonder if you've spoken to your pediatrician? I bet he or she would put your fears to rest! Good luck.

I'd say don't worry one bit! My son is almost 13 months old and sounds exactly like yours! Everything I've read says to only expect a few words at this age & that you may be the only one who understands them. My little boy says "da" for Daddy, dog, a question (da?), and duck. He says "mama" for me (very rarely) and when he's excited about food. Don't worry, I think our boys are perfectly normal!

Hi J., I have four children--all way past babyhood (from age 37 to 16), and have helped raise a few others along the way. All four of mine learned to speak and walk at different ages, but they all got there eventually. Of course I was concerned with any slower goers, or glitches along the way. I found that the best thing to do when you have a concern is to go ahead and get it evaluated. Your pediatrician should be able to do this, and if any areas are identified as a concern, he/she should be able to make a referral for further evaluation. These early months are so important, you don't want to miss a chance to get therapy now if it is needed. Most likely, your little one is just one his own schedule and doesn't need anything but your continued love and encouragement, but don't wait--find out for sure. D.

Hi J., I'm afraid I don't have any "advice" for you but just wanted to tell you I have a grandson that will soon be turning 3 yrs old and he still isn't really talking either. I mean he babbles in googly gook language constantly and gets really irritated with us because we can't understand what he is trying to tell us most of the time. He says maybe 5 words that we can understand but the rest is his own language. Such as Hi, Bye, mama, daddy and a few times he has attempted Granma which comes out more like Memaw.

I don't know about you but I sure do get tired of hearing that "He'll talk when he's ready". He is very smart and understands almost everything you say to him. I've told my daughter she needs to have his speech evaluated but she just keeps shrugging it off. So I guess for us it's a waiting game for the day that he does start talking in english. lol

J.,
I don't think you should be worried. I would look at what he UNDERSTANDS more than what he can say. For instance, my daughter is the same age and rarely says "dog", but if we are reading a book and I point to a dog and say "dog", she then points to our dog. She will do the same with a teddy bear and pictures of people. She only recently started calling me Mama consistently.
My advise would be to look at his overall development instead of each individual skill.

I wouldn't be worried. They all start talking at different times. To help you communicate in the meantime I would recommend baby sign language. It was a great help with both of my kids and it has been proven to speed up verbal development. Check out www.babysigns.com to find more information.

I know it is hard not be worry or be concerned. My son went on his 15 month check up and he was only saying three words. The ped was not concerned because of how I answered his next question...does your son understand what you are saying. If you are still worried then you might want to have his ears checked. My son had one ear infection after another from the time he turned one. He got tubes at 16 months and about a week later his vocabulay really started to pick up. I am not saying your son needs tubes, I just saying look at all the possibilities at why he is not talking much...it could be that he just isn't ready.

nope, you should not worry :-) he's perfectly normal.

my ds didn't say much of anything, just a few "words" only i could understand, and sometimes not even me. he burst out with language somewhere between 2y3m and 2y5m and he hasn't stopped talking since LOL. he's 7yo and VERY verbose.

IMO 13m is super young to worry about talking, though some kids are precocious. if you are wanting to communicate with him, though, i'd strongly suggest signing. kids that young want to communicate and get very frustrated sometimes cause they can understand but aren't developed enough yet to talk. but they CAN understand and use sign language. mostly simple things both of you can get by on-- eat, drink, milk, nurse, sleep, bye-bye, more, stuff like that. you can find online how to do some signs and you'll be amazed at how fast you and your ds will be able to communicate together! it's so fun!

good luck mama,
P.

Hi. My son is 15 months old and just started even trying to say more than mama. I recommend the book "What to Expect the Toddler Years" It is wonderful and tells you month by month what your child could and/or should be doing. Very helpful for peace of mind.

I must agree with the majority here... He'll talk when he's ready, and as long as the doctor says there isn't anything developmentally wrong, don't sweat it.

My friend's daughter did that and I asked her several times if something was wrong with her and she said no, and now, she's like 11, and won't shut up! LOL!

My son talks all the time, but he has always been a talker, but I do talk to him A LOT. When he was about 10 months old, he started saying "sat"... what he was asking was "what's that". So I just started telling him what everything was. He has an amazing vocabulary.
But if your boy doesn't wanna talk yet... not much you can do. He'll talk in time and you'll long for the days he didn't! LOL

Hi J., your baby boy is fine, let him learn from the best, when talking to him don't use baby ga ga words. Speak in a clean and clear voice the words you are teaching him to say. If you say here is your truck, go a bit farther and say here is your red truck, yellow ball, etc., he is doing fine for his age. Have fun and stay close to him, they grow up way to fast.

Good luck,

merry M.

The fact that he points to things is good, however, it worries me that he has lost a word (ma ma). Are you vaccinating him? I am a mother who believes my son's autism came from his vaccinations. Don't let people tell you he is a boy so things go slower. Listen to your gut. You know if something's wrong find someone to listen to you. Today's pediatricians don't usually listen to a mother concerned about autism, or other delays. The key is to get help as soon as possible.

My daughter said barely 5-10 words before she was two.....and then one day it was like a light went off in her. I'll never forget it; it was on a trip home from Thanksgiving at my in-laws. She talked ALL the way home and hasn't stopped since!! She was 25 months old. All kids develop different and I was told that it's a sign of intelligence is they talk a little later because they are "taking it all in" and then once they do talk, it's even better. She was talking in sentences in no time!! Just keep reading to him and I"m sure he's taking it all in!!

J.,

Should you worry? If I said no, would you stop? Probably not, although I don't think you should! Instead, make sure you have covered all bases. Has he had a hearing test? Does his pediatrician think everything is on track? If so, then everything is probably fine and he will begin talking when he's ready!

My middle child was very similar. I was also a working mom and an educator, and was worried because he was not as verbal as his older brother. However, when he finally did start talking (at almost 2), he did so in complete sentences! I was kissing him and he said, "Stop, mommy, you're kissing my brains out!" Shortly before that, he started to say, "Duck, quack, quack" but we never really had any "baby babble" like I was used to hearing. He is now 14, and that is still his pattern (resisting kissing and full sentences!). He doesn't say much and is often sitting back and taking it all in but when he does talk, everyone listens. What he says is well thought out and well presented, and he has a fabulous vocabulary...because he was taking it in all those years without us knowing it. He is an honor student and I have stopped worrying - at least about that!

So, don't waste time worrying, just check with your doctor to make sure you've covered all bases, and then keep talking...he is listening! I would also say, "be careful what you wish for"...because once they start talking sometimes you'll wish they never had!

Enjoy every minute - "the days are long, but the years are short"!

My advice would be not to worry. My son is 16 months old. At his 15 month checkup, he had only said mama once and no other words. The doctor suggested a hearing test but since our son had never shown any signs of problems hearing (he runs to the stairs when he hears the garage door because he knows that is daddy home) we refused the test. Since then he has started picking up more words. Some of his favorite words are animal sounds we've been practicing, which he enjoys and tries to repeat.

The advice I read was that kids like to work on one thing at a time. I think our son just focused on learning movement (he is everywhere!) before he moved on to start talking. You might find that more time is all he needs to get started.

Has he had a lot of ear infections? My son had a lot of ear infections and also did not speak at 15months. We did a hearing test and found out he couldn't hear at all! We had tubes put in and within a couple of weeks he started speaking more. He is still slightly delayed on speach at 3 1/2 years old but you can understand most of what he says.
He could just be one of those kids that doesn't need to speak. Someone is always speaking for him or he may not be ready. Unless he has had ear infections I wouldn't be concerned until around 15 mo. Good luck!
P.S. Einstein didn't speak until he was 4!

There was another very similar query recently and I'm sure the responses from it would answer your "FAQ". Here's the link to it: http://www.mamasource.com/request/7861919670251552769 (Be sure and look up MY answer! LOL) Some responses might be a little disturbing, but -- although it COULD be something physical -- after raising 4 kids and helping w/3 'Grands', I'd say it's probably normal.

I believe that we probably didn't actually teach our babies to say 'Mama', 'Nana', 'Dada', 'Papa' and 'Baba' (baby or bottle) -- but in reality, babies just naturally start to say consonant sounds, and we have let them name US! LOL

Also, as babies learn manual dexterity -- walking, feeding themselves, etc, the 'talking' takes a back seat. If he's not talking by 2 or 2-1/2, then it's something to arouse concern. He's just 'busy' learning everything ELSE right now. Simply keep talking to him and he'll understand almost everything after a few times whether he 'talks back' or not.