My 18 month old isn't talking, should I be worried?

Question

We just went to my daughters 18 month check up and her doctor referred her to a speech pathologist in town because she has not said her first world clearly yet. She says mama but its more of a babble and mostly only when she's mad so its more of a scream. She can also bark like a dog, moo like a cow, and meow like a kitty. Is that normal to make animal noises before words? She is very active and can wave hello and good bye. She has a very strong attachment to me, I nursed her for 13 months exclusively and she has never been in daycare, although she will be starting in the next month. Many children I see younger than her are speaking, I am worried there is something wrong with her. Her doctor said she should be saying at least six words. I don't want to make a big deal out of nothing but if there is something wrong I would like to know and be able to diagnosis as early as possible, I guess thats why we were referred to the speech pathologist. If anyone has any advice on this we'd really appreciate it. Thanks

Answer 1

there could be something going on, but there may not.  my son was a late walker and i was freaking out about it, but it doesn't really mean anything.  unless the dr.'s and speech pathologist tell you there's a reason to worry, don't.  you'll let it bother you and it will build up and it's not worth it when there's nothing going on.  they'll tell ya.  some babies are just 'lazy' more than developmentally behind.  so it could just be a lack of her interest more than anything.  best of luck

Answer 2

relax and have her checked by the speech pathologist. I am glad that your doctor referred you this early...mine waited until my son only said 10 words at 24 months old and still did not think there was a problem. By the time he got checked by the pathologist he had a 12 month expressive delay.  The speech delays are frustrating for both the child and the child's family. the speech therapist will work with her, and might give you some things to do with her between appointments. My son has only been in speech for 6 months and has made a ton of progress. He still needs help, but he is a lot closer to age appropriateness. feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions  

Answer 3

I think once she gets to school, and gets around kids her own age, she will start talking more.  I wouldnt be too worried just yet.  It will develop in time.  

Answer 4

Dont think that there is anything wrong with her!if she is making animal sounds and babblilng then im sure shes fine.My 14 1/2 month old girl says mum, dad, nan, huh, that, yum, hello, ta, leroy(our dogs name) and the rest of the time just babbles in her own little language.  

Answer 5

my oldest was 3 1/2 before talking too. i would also call your local school and find out if they have a speech program offered by the state. in the state of kansas is infant and toddler services a tiny k speech program. they come to your house like once a week if you want them to and they will help with the speech part. your can also get him involved in parents as teachers. they have it here in the state of kansas and i would also ask your school if they have that by you. they will also come to your house and help with the speech but, then at the same time here in kansas they leave toys with you to play with, give you ideas on "rainy day activities", and will give you ideas on how to do daily things. i know he's not ready for potty training yet but, they'll give you flyer's on potty training. they were doing sign language with my oldest and she picked it up even when she go into school. half the time i didn't understand the sign language cause i was never taught it. but, any who i would start there and see where they want you to go.  my oldest at 18 months was saying mom, dad, no, hi, bye, cow, and moo.  at 2 it was maybe 50 words.  at 2.5 maybe 100, at 3 it was maybe 150.  by the time she was 3.5 she was talking in full complete sentences.  i would go and ger her evaluted by the speech pathologist and see what he/she says.  the speech pathologists here in kansas visit your house and it's a free service.  i would also get her ears checked.  my oldest has fluid in her ears at 16 months old and the pediatrician told me that that was probably one reason why she's wasn't talking.  

good luck!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

my daughter is going on 17 months. She can make animal noises and understands things like "get your shoes" and "get your spoon" "bed time" "bath time" its more that she COMPREHENDS what your asking her than her actually speaking. Some kids if there are not alot of little kids around wont start talking till late. Shes my first child, she only says a few words. Mommy, Papa. puppy, Milk (sounds like Mok), NO, oh god (don't know where she got that but its clear as day). thats it... though i notice once I baby sit kids her age that are talking alot she tends to try harder. Also after reading a book she tries more to listen but generally she just doesn't care. The doctor was saying the same to me at her 16 month check up. That if she doesnt get a bigger vocabulary soon they want to send her to a specialist. I think its just to catch problems earlier. I babysit a boy that never went to a therapist and hes 3 and has is very own language... no one can understand him though he talks a storm. He can only say water and treats. Thats it he doesnt even say mommy or daddy. They wanted to label him autistic but he has no symptoms or characteristics he just needs help talking. Hes going a therapist now and it is making a HUGE improvement in only a few months.