Is this a speech delay?

My DS is 20 months old. He only says about 10-15 words consistently. He is very chatty, but most of what he says is babbling still. He was an early walker (10 months) and at first I was attributing it to early walker/late talker. People kept telling me I would see him pick up words at 18 months, 20 months. That hasn't happened and now I'm getting concerned.

He does follow instructions, like to pick up something and hand it to me. He understands what we say, I think. When we read stories and I ask him where certain objects are, he will point to them. He makes quite a few animal sounds, too.

Should I call EI for a speech eval? Both the pediatrician and daycare don't seem concerned and tell me to wait until 2 before I worry. But he'll be 2 in April and I'm not sure I want to wait that long. Any advice?

Is this a speech delay?

I know that at this point their understanding of language is more important than expressive language and your DS seems to understand what you guys are saying, so that's great!

I believe they want 50 words by age 2 so he has some time to get there. I swear sometimes these word explosions seem to happen overnight, I'm sure it's coming soon!

Is this a speech delay?

I wouldn't worry too much. I got my 2 year old daughter evaluated in September because the only word that she could say was mama. She couldn't make any animal sounds, she didn't try to say words, etc. She didn't qualify by any means because cognitively she was at the level of a 3 and a half year old. They average expressive and receptive skills, so even if he is not verbally communicating they might say his cognitive levels are high since he can tell you objects and things. So, if you're that worried, make an appt. What's the worst that could happen? I wish my daughter qualified, but I've been doing a lot of my own to help her... Good luck!

Re: Is this a speech delay?

my son was saying about 15 words around then too... my doctor told me to wait until 2 years to get him evaluated. by 2, he was saying maybe a handful more. had him evaluated by EI- he didnt qualify but i put him in private speech at 2 & found out he had apraxia of speech (EI does not cover that diagnosis). now at 3 years old, he gets services through our school district & speaks in complete sentences!!

Is this a speech delay?

Thanks ladies! I think I will talk more to his daycare teacher and see what she thinks. I hear other parents telling me he says their kids' names, etc but I never hear it so I'm not convinced it's real lol. I'll definitely get him evaluated at 2 if there isn't much improvement by then.

Re: Is this a speech delay?

My son said no words a few months ago, I called EI and they didn't even see him for consult, based on what they asked on phoned they said wait till 2

Re: Is this a speech delay?

i'm a speech therapist. at this point, receptive language (what they understand/process) is a little more important than what they can say. BUT at the same time, if your gut is telling you to look into it, it can't hurt. The eval is free or very cheap... and its pretty "Easy". They basically come to your house and just play with your child while they ask you questions. and if there IS an issue, the earlier you start services, the better.

Some things you can do.... create opportunities for him to use words. Instead of just handing him a drink, ask him "milk or juice?"... and try to get him to at least say one of the words (even "Ma" for milk, or "oos" for juice would be a start). if you're coloring with him, ask him if he wants the blue or green crayon....and try to get him to imitate one of the words before you hand it to him.
OR try to get him to use them word "more". Like give him only a few bites of a snack he likes. When he fusses for more, try to get him to repeat the word "more". or like if you're pushing him on a swing and he's having fun, stop pushing him. Then try to get him to say "more" before you start pushing him again. "More" is a good word to start with because it helps them realize "hey! when I use a word, it gets more something I want! I'm gonna use more words!".
you get the idea.... basically trying to gently push them to use more words.

Is this a speech delay?

Ok I called. The woman remarked "he's young" but that was it. Hopefully this will either put my mind at ease or at least steer us in the right direction if he needs therapy. Thanks again! And thank you, ml110 for the suggestions. I will definitely try to push him to use more words.

Re: Is this a speech delay?

DS was the same way. He understood everything but had very little speech. At 2 and a half, I made an appointment to have him evaluated. I feared the worst.

From the time I made the appointment (about 2 weeks), he started saying a couple of new words everyday. I could not believe it. I never had him evaluated.

Today, at 3.5, he is very verbal and outgoing. Your LO might be the same way.

Re: Is this a speech delay?

my son will be 2 in 3 weeks and he says nothing. He's been in speech for 2 months now through our insurance. He didn't qualify with EI by 7 points, but even the psychologist and speech pathologist said he should be getting services. But funding is tight and getting worse, so they only take severe disabilities. My son was categorized in the moderate disability range.

10-15 words at 20 months sounds pretty good to me, especially if he's understanding it all.

Does he get frustrated at all?

my son would get super frustrating, hit because of it, pull my hair and be down right nasty. His temper tantrums were much worse because he couldn't communicate. Would hit whatever was closest to him if we didn't understand what he wanted. He had tubes put in his ears at 15 months and found out then that he couldn't hear in his one ear because of fluid.

I'm big on if you're concerned, have him tested. It's free and it doesn't hurt. But he sounds like he's okay and on the right track.

Message edited 12/27/2013 8:08:44 PM.