Early Speech & Language Development Questions and Discussion

**saathei** · 07-09-2006, 11:51 AM

My girls are 14.5 months (13 months adjusted for prematurity). They're very good on their gross motor development - running, climbing, etc. However, their language skills seem to be somewhat lacking. They babble, but they don't seem to have any syllables assigned to certain things. Michaya will imitate me if I say "mamama" and Thalia will imitate clicks, but that's it. They don't point to things, don't wave byebye, don't shake their heads to say "no", etc. They understand no and they understand their names, but I'm not sure how much else they really understand.

I'm just wondering if I ought to be worried now and start looking into early interventions, or if it's really still too early to tell. Most of the information talked about what they should be able to do at 18 months, but they haven't even reached the 12 month milestones.

I'd appreciate any input you could give me!

**emschwar** · 07-09-2006, 06:40 PM

It doesn't hurt to look into EI, but I'm not sure if it's necessary. I'm no expert. What does your ped say?

Also, are you signing with them? Signing helps A LOT with language development, not to mention that it eliminates some of the frustration of figuring out what they want when they can sign it to you

There's a thread on baby signing if you're interested. I highly recommend signing (especially with the Signing Time DVDs).

**maplekitty** · 07-09-2006, 07:15 PM

I'm guessign your girls are twins - and I've read that twins develop a little slower than other babies, because they communicate in their own way to each other. My nephews are twins (8 yrs old now), and I remember them "babbling" instead of talking for a quite a lot longer than their little friends.

I've also heard that at this age, it's not easy to tell yet, because some kids just develop faster or slower than others. I think it's around 3yrs that if they are not at the same level as their peers that you should start to "worry".
We have a group of friends with 7 kids ranging in age from newborn to 2 yrs old...and the older ones all developed at different stages. There are 3 of them the same age (within weeks of each other) and really, they all started talking at different times...it was just the way they developed.
I don't think we'll really see them "level off" for another year or so. One guy is saying full sentences, and the other is still "babbling" at 2 yrs old.

**moderngal** · 07-09-2006, 07:35 PM

One of my co-workers is a speech- language pathologist and she just recently gave some packets of info on this stuff. I was a little worried about my DS (he's almost 14mos) and it turns out, I was looking for the wrong cues. I'm an OT, so I was looking at his development differently and missing some of the key speech things. Once I clued in, I realized we were all good.

Anyway- I have a ton of stuff now, so if you are interested, PM me and I can type some of it out or fax it to you.
Some of the highlights are:
12 months--
*responds to own name
*understands no
*babbles with long and short sounds
*listens when spoken to
13-18 mos--
*combines gestures and vocalizations (can be pointing and grunting)
*follows simple commands
*produces mostly unintelligible specch

Some of the things my friend told me to look for are playing peek-a-boo, being affectionate to you or your DH, babies watching your speech, "talking" to toys, etc.

HTH!!

**lcarlson90** · 07-09-2006, 09:35 PM

My DS is 16 months old and I am concerned about his speech development. He babbles a lot and he understands when we call his name and he can follow simple comands. He still has not said mama or dadda. At this point he has said, "uh-oh, turtle, hello and ball." I plan on discussing this with the doctor at his 18 month wbv.

Do you think that I should just wait for 2 months until his appointment or should I contact the dr. now? Or maybe I am overreacting.

**psusna** · 07-10-2006, 04:52 AM

moderngal: Wonderful information! Thank you so much for posting. DH and I had this exact discussion last night. After reading your post I feel much better. Thanks again!

**HGMorgann** · 07-10-2006, 10:38 AM

Easter Seals is a wonderful organization that helps with these types of concerns. I don't think it would hurt to discuss with your ped and get a referral or contact Easter Seals directly. It may just provide peace of mind ya know?

**magdesilver** · 07-10-2006, 10:43 AM

saathei, personally, I think your girls sound okay, maybe just a bit behind in their communication skills, but I would recommend you call your pediatrician and see what they say. They can refer you to EI or you can also call and refer yourself. EI is a state-run/funded program offering free therapy if it is determined your child/ren need it, in your own home. It certainly can't hurt to have them evaluated. FWIW, my DD is 14.5 months old, has about 3 words (not terribly consistent, either), does a lot of "nanana" "bababa" "dadada" type babbling, she does wave (not consistently) and clap. But, she isn't walking yet! So they all develop in their own way. But like I said, it couldn't hurt at all to have them evaluated for Early Intervention. Talk to your ped. about it or call yourself for an evaluation (they come to your home to do it).

**phart** · 07-10-2006, 10:50 AM

DS didn't have any words other than "no" until 18 months when he said "outside". Even at 2 years old he probably didn't have 50 words but at 2.5 he's speaking in a lot of sentences.

I wouldn't worry too much.

**Bernie & Matt** · 07-10-2006, 01:32 PM

You might check to see about county services. My DS is 25 month and has just a few verbal words (like 3-5), but lots of signs. We had our county infant and toddler services do a FREE eval on him, just for peace of mind, which also included a hearing screening. The therapist determined he was slightly delayed, mainly b/c he doesn't say consonents. They will be coming to my house weekly to provide services for free. It's all part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Special Education law that is a federal government mandate.

FWIW, the therapist said that signing made a huge difference in reducing his frustration level and that whenever they start speech/language theraphy, the first move is to teach sign. Signing did not delay his speech at all.