Questions about quirky habits...so confused

I feel like I'm on information overload...I think everything's normal with my son, he isn't a huge 'talker', he babbles but not really real words (he'll be 18 months on Nov. 5th). But I read a lot online and I wonder if something is wrong...he does things that are 'red flags' but I think , well, aren't all kids different? Why is not pointing a red flag? Do all children point? He has eye contact with us, plays with his toys (apparently both normally and abnormally according to things i've read), gives kisses, smiles, laughs...

Anyway, I made an appt. for an EI evaluation...I just have been feeling so bewildered lately with this. One day I'm like he's so fine, the next I wonder by his behavior, is something wrong?

Sorry this is so long, just had to get it out.

Re: Questions about quirky habits...so confused

I think that you're doing the right thing by having a professional come and evaluate him. THen you will know one way or the other.

Re: Questions about quirky habits...so confused

All kids are different, and reading stuff on the internet is not always helpful. If in your heart you think there might be an issue then have him evaluated but every child is different and for every child that does something early there is one that does it later the then "average" which IMO the averages are BS anyway.

Good Luck, I hope that your son is perfectly normal!

Re: Questions about quirky habits...so confused

If you have the smallest feeling something could be wrong its best to check it out....most of the time it is nothing and your fear will be gone

Re: Questions about quirky habits...so confused

Re: Questions about quirky habits...so confused

Any book or website Ive read where they talk about milestones, they also mention that this is not necessarily where every child is in their development. Just having a couple kids myself, I can assure you that they don't all do things per the milestones. It's a huge red flag when they fall short by a long period of time, dependant on the specific milestone. There are huge ranges when it comes to certain skills. ie, my older son had about 120 or more words when he was 18 months. My younger one better learn to say another 107 words in the next month if he wants to catch up. As someone else mentioned, if in your heart, you feel there is something, definitely discuss with your pediatrician and get the ball rolling with EI. But be assured that some kids truly don't grasp certain things till they are a bit older. Even a delay doesn't mean anything half the time, most kids catch up.

Re: Questions about quirky habits...so confused

In order for a child to learn pointing, a parent has to model it. So if you never pointed at objects (which lots of adults don't!) of course he wouldn't. The charts just don't take that into consideration. Get the evaluation, but sounds like you shouldn't be worried!

Re: Questions about quirky habits...so confused

Good luck with the evaluation. Hopefully it will ease your mind!

Re: Questions about quirky habits...so confused

I personally don't buy anything that "the professionals" tell me, what I buy is what is happening with my child...so my son, at 21 months now, is only saying a few words, he repeats things but his speech isn't great (so this morning I showed him some pasta and he said Pada, he says CAWWIE instead of car, and he calls Balls Boulas... I don't worry about him being a late speaker because thats what I think he is...a late speaker.

Last night my husband and I were talking about evaluation and if we think its normal, but I hang out with A LOT of kids around his age and none of them (bar one) is speaking anymore than Noah is....so that makes me think that my son is doing just fine!!!

I hope the evaluation goes well for you!!!

Re: Questions about quirky habits...so confused

Thanks guys! It's not really that he's not talking much that's bothering me most...I guess that mixed with some other quirks I just got concerned. I know lots of kids talk later. Thanks for your thoughts and input. I'll let you know how the evaluation goes. Already called, just waiting to hear from the coordinator to schedule.

Re: Questions about quirky habits...so confused

Good Luck! Keep us posted on his evaluation... I don't think there is anything wrong wtih going with your instinct...

BTW, Lauren misses Matteo

Re: Questions about quirky habits...so confused

Ava said maybe 3 words until she hit 18 months. Then she slowly started talking more. Jack is completely different......every child develops at a different rate.

I'm pretty sure he's fine but I would make the appointment just for peace of mind.

Hugs