23 month old...not talking! - Page 2

[Cherry Alive]

Originally Posted by BetsyS

There are different schools of thought on this, and I think you have to go with your gut.

My oldest ds was not talking at 2 years old. Maybe 5 words? Maybe? But, like your son, he would say a word for a while, then it would be gone. He was also a bit slow to communicate. He was close to 2 before we *knew* that he understood most of what we said (even simple things like "no" or "cookie").

My pediatrician is very, very (very!) laid back, and he recommended just waiting until age 3 and seeing what happened.

At 2.5, my ds had a few more words, but still not many.

I worried a lot, but at my gut level, I thought he was okay. I was totally planning on having him evaluated/speech therapy at age 3.

Between 2.5 and 3, he had the language explosion that most commonly happens around age 2. It was like a switch flipped, and he started talking. And talking. And talking. And talking. Now, he's 3.5, and he talks non-stop morning to night. I look at him in amazement sometimes that he's the same kid I worried so much about.

All that to say--go with your gut, and do what feels right. If you want him evaluated now, then do it. If your gut says that he's okay, then wait until he is 3 or so. I think either way has merits.

According to my ILs, this happened to my DH as a child, and he is most certainly *not* autistic (awesome communication skills). I've heard that it's not uncommon to happen to gifted kids (DH has a 150+ IQ).

[betsyj]

Except the OP's child has lost the words he had. That is a whole different kettle of fish then talking late.

[sbgrace]

There are a certain percent of kids who are just delayed talkers and they will catch up whether you do anything or not. There is another percent where there is an underlying issue and the sooner that is caught and help is given the better the prognosis and the less over-all impact on the child. Only time will determine which group a particular child falls. In my mind (and experience) it's better to intervene early. If the child is in group one no harm done by some speech therapy. However, if the child is in group two harm may well be done by using a wait and see approach.

No words by 18 months certainly deserves a look in my opinion (this is why it's on all "red flags" lists). No word combinations by two needs a look as well (again, on the red flags lists). No or delayed nonverbal things like pointing and waving need a look as well. Loss of acquired speech certainly is a flag that deserves attention. Lack of proper speech sounds/babbling deserves a look. All of those indicators make it more likely the child is in group two.

Most kids who regress are regressing due to metabolic or genetic factors and not vaxes. OP, I hope that part doesn't put you off. My unvaxed son regressed between 18 and 24 months in many developmental areas.