Help with my child's language development?

Question

I have an 18 month old boy. He understands what I'm saying (will sit down when I say sit down, will sit down when I say can I put your shoes on, will turn his plater over when I say to, will put things in a box when I ask him to, will find things I ask for etc). About two months ago, he started saying "doggy" - his first word, to which he added "hiya", "bebe" (baby), and "cheese". Up until a couple of days ago, he would say these words when asked, but now he just looks at me. I even showed him a video of dogs, and he didn't say "doggy" - something he would have done a month ago. Is he regressing? Should I take him to the doctor? He is teething at the moment - could that be affecting his speech as he copes with more teeth in his mouth or a sore mouth? I used to work with kids with learning difficulties, so I'm really on the look out for symtoms, I think! He walks fine, and has a definate sense of what he likes and doesn't like!

Answer 1

I think you are worrying a bit too much....if he is happy and relating to others then he's fine. My little girl began to draw lovely piuctures and then after a few weeks went back to scribbles...they're odd little things....just talk to him constantly and when you ask him things or point them out to him just add his reply like this...."Oh look there's a dog! It's a nice dog isnt it?" or "Where's your coat? There it is on the hook" and he'll learn the correct responses....do it ALL day and he'll get there when he's ready.

Answer 2

Daft as this may sound,

Have you recently changed his diet? Are you giving him artificially sweetened juice instead of pure fruit juice?

Aspartame, the sweetener, causes many many problems with infants and adults. Speech problems is on the list of side effects, have a look at the link and read ALL the labels on everything.

Answer 3

he's just 18 months and teething. his mouth probably hurts. it will happen in time give him a few weeks.

Answer 4

I wouldn't worry about it right now. If it keeps up for a long time, like a month or two, then I would suggest taking him to the doctor.

Just keep talking to him and exposing him to new words.

You should read him lots of books, too!

Answer 5

Each kid's language development is different. My daughter had two words that she said repeated - hat and duck, for the longest time. Each new word she would learn she would say one time and we'd never hear it again. It went on for months. Then one day she started full on chattering.

If you are really very concerned check with his doctor- they can help you evaluate.

Answer 6

Hi

I think although you are right to keep a watchful eye, - you are worrying a bit too much.  his linguistic competence (his understanding of spoken language) is obviously fine.  This is the most important factor.  Linguistic production always lags behind linguistic competence and he has the added factor of teething difficulties.

I say he will probably start talking soon.

Hope this helps.

http://www.snowdrop.cc/info2.cfm?info_id...

Answer 7

Don't worry, my two great nephews were the same, now my niece can`t shut them up. Mention it to your doctor, he will give your son a hearing test.

Answer 8

Trying to make him say the same things over and over when he doesn't want to is most likely boring him, try teaching him something different. Children wont always perform to order.

Answer 9

he might just have  a sore mouth.

it also could be coz he was excited about his new trickk when he learned and now, no longer gets excited....

he may just be being stubon

but its worth taking him to the doc for a check up if it is somthing more serious

he will be fine

good luckk

Answer 10

i gather by 18 months he should be able to say between 5-20 words, but that should largely increase by 24 months .

some children are late bloomers, or are not as talkative . but if you are concerned, it cannot hurt to talk to a specialist .

Answer 11

I dont know to much about this but I say you take him to a speach therapist...=)

<3 hope I helped!

Answer 12

its normal unless if there two language in the house he getting confuse who's going to please but in general his normal some kids stay until 3

Answer 13

Hi, I'm glad I'm not the only 1!! My son has just turned 20 months and he says hardly nothing!! He sometimes says "mum' or 'bub' or 'car' and thats it. But he understands everything I ask him to do. Like 'go and get your shoes' or 'where are your eyes?" etc. and he'll rush off and get them or point to the right body part and then clap for himself. I am not necessarily worried, just wondering when he will talk and when other little boys talk. I also have a 6 month old daughter and it seems she is talking or gurgling/talking more than him! I will see a doctor if he is not talking by 2 years until then maybe I should appreciate the peace and quiet!!! Good luck!