22 mos. not talking at all...

[littlebb]

I can only imagine how many how many times this topic has been brought up on this forum.  It's a hard one for us.

DS is 22 months and still isn't talking.  At all.  He said "mamamamama" and "dadadadadada" for awhile, but I think it was last year and it was more babble than actually saying the words.    In the last month, he's really been into pointing at everything and having us name the object.  He usually grunts or screeches or makes noises, but never repeats the word.  He has been doing sign language for basic things since about 6 months old, but not enough that he can communicate all his needs that way.  He understands directions, responds when we call him or ask him to bring us a toy.  Every once in awhile, he will say a word, but it's more on accident.  It's as though he's thinking too hard about it, and for one second (usually first thing in the morning when he wakes up), he says a word because he wasn't thinking about it.  This has happened twice that I've witnessed, once when he said "yeah" in response to a question, and once when he said "door" while pointing at it.

We have not really stressed about it, because we know children all develop differently.  My niece (not technically blood related) didn't talk until she was three, and now she doesn't stop talking.  But the fact that he doesn't even say one single word is starting to concern me a little.  We are starting to feel torn.  Our natural parenting community, whom we probably side with more than anything, tell us to give it time and not to worry.  Our mainstream family members and friends constantly tell us that something must be wrong with him if he doesn't even say one word.

To his credit, his motor skills have always been slightly advanced.  He's been using pens and pencils, and holding them "correctly" without any instruction on how to do so, since about 9 months old.  More than anything, he's always just seemed very uninterested in learning what objects are called, or has had no interest in talking or what we are saying.  We read to him a lot, and he's more interested in turning pages than hearing the story or pointing at objects, etc.

He's only had one ear infection that we know of - one that lasted several days and his temperature hovered around 104 degrees for a day or two.  We relented and ended up in the ER (it was a weekend) because we didn't know at the time it was an ear infection, and we caved and did antibiotics since he'd had it for several days.  Other than that, he's never sick.  But the fact that it seems he tries to imitate what we're saying and can't is what makes me nervous.

So overall we're still pretty much assuming he's a little behind on talking, but I don't want to bury my head in the sand if something IS wrong. I am thinking of taking him to the doctor to maybe have his ears checked, but this always scares me because it's so hard to see a doctor now that doesn't overreact and put us in some sort of unnecessary crisis situation.

Any thoughts or advice are welcome.  Thanks!

[lynnesg]

DD is also a late talker. She had words at 22 months but not a whole lot. It is only know at 33 months that she is talking in sentences at age appropriate level (really picked up the last few weeks), but has an ''articulation'' issue she needs to work on. Yes, some kids do develop slower (mine), my DH's brother didn't hardly talk until 3. My MIL said he only said the word 'Papa' until after 2, while his cousin, who was the same age, was talking in 5 word sentences, and he ended up graduating 6th in his class! Did your son point on time (12 months)? Does he understand what you say to him if you give him instructions? Show me your nose, where's the fan, etc? I would err on the side of caution and call Early Intervention just so you can get a proffesionals opinion. I am not one to wait and see and think its good for both the parents sanity and the childs to get it checked out. I like the old saying, ''Don't worry, but don't wait.'' I would call EI or your pediatrician, but definitely don't waste time worrying, but just in case he does need a little extra boost, its best to start young.

[littlebb]

Thank you so much for your comment and your input.  I think you gave really good advice, about not worrying but not waiting.  Where would be the best place to start?  We have a family doctor rather than a pediatrician, because he's been very respectful of my homebirth, non-vaxing, etc.  He is a small town doctor, but I'm assuming I should start there with an ear/general exam?  As far as having evaluations and things of that sort done, where do I start with that?  I feel kind of clueless in that area.  Thank you so much for your help.

[lari]

Early intervention is usually specific to your county and should be totally free for an evaluation.  I had DS evaluated at 18 months for only have 1 or 2 words and while he came back slow on the language side he didn't qualify for therapy.  I would get the eval..  If nothing else it will put your worrying at ease and if he does need help the therapy is usually free.   Even if you don't want the therapy they can give you things to work on at home.  For example, DS somewhat late talking was mostly due to his oral motor issues.  He drooled a lot and we were told to have him use straws in drinks,  have him blow bubbles, or kazoo's or those party favors.  It was fun for both of us and I think it helped him. Good luck.  Don't be afriad to the resources available to you.  By the way our early eval ladies were super nice and great with DS.  He loved the eval. it was like playing with a bunch of new toys that they brought. 

[lynnesg]

I would start with Early Intervention, google it and your state and get their number. It's paid for through your taxes and the services are free. I had my dd assessed through EI while waiting for my own private insurance to approve a private speech pathologist assessment and the ladies there were fan-freaking-tastic. My DD had fun playing with all the girls. Mine didn't qualify for any services since she was not delayed, but if your son is what they consider behind in terms of his age, you will qualify for speech therapy services and I believe they come to your house and do them..not totally sure though. Like the PP said, get the eval if nothing else to put your worries to rest and if there is an issue, he can get the help.  

[ednkirstin]

My 5th child did not really begin talking until she was about 3.  I was worried as this had not been my experience with my other children.   However, when she did begin talking it was amazing.  She spoke with complete sentences and used big words.  Now she doesn't stop!   My niece was also delayed in talking.  Sure enough, around age 3 she started talking and has NO problems.  If it would make you feel better, the Early Intervention sounds like it could be worth looking into (I'm not really familiar with it), but I definitely wouldn't worry at this point.

[NZJMama]

Originally Posted by littlebb 

Thank you so much for your comment and your input.  I think you gave really good advice, about not worrying but not waiting.  Where would be the best place to start?  We have a family doctor rather than a pediatrician, because he's been very respectful of my homebirth, non-vaxing, etc.  He is a small town doctor, but I'm assuming I should start there with an ear/general exam?  As far as having evaluations and things of that sort done, where do I start with that?  I feel kind of clueless in that area.  Thank you so much for your help.

I work in early intervention. It is always better to get these types of kiddos evaluated by a professional. The first three years of life is when the brain is the most plastic. Meaning that it has the greatest ability to make new connections, so we can have a huge impact on kids under 3. You can get the number for EI online or your family doc should be able to give it to you. Typically, it is coordinated through your county and all of the services are funded by tax payer dollars. With the exception of the evaluation, all services are provided in the home or daycare setting. Unfortunately, the quality of EI programs varies greatly between counties and depending on where you live, you may have to be a strong advocate for your child.  However, EI is not the quickest or most effecient way to get services. It may be faster to pursue private speech therapy depending on your county. Good luck.