still not talking alot

This is an interesting topic.... DD is 16months and doesn't really say anything. Well she will say 'mama' and 'dada' but only when prompted, and she doesn't relate it to us. The only thing she does say is 'quack' when she sees a duck. She doesn't really babble much at all either.

She understands a lot though like 'it's time to brush your teeth' she will go to the bathroom and stand by the basin and point at her toothbrush.

So I guess my real concern is because I know she understands a lot but is not saying much at all, could this be a problem, or do I just need to be patient???

Bex88 - At 16 months I wouldn't be too concerned if a child doesn't have many words, with good comprehension. When you say she doesn't babble, has she never babbled? Has she had a history of ear infections? That's great that she is understanding instructions. Children can still have purely expressive difficulties with no comprehension difficulties so I would just be monitoring her progress, talking lots to her, and encouraging her to play with sounds - like babbling... were you concerned about her?

Honeybunsma - some children do seem to focus on one area of development at a time - like you are saying. I'd keep a list of her vocab cos it is so easy to forget words. Also remember they don't necessarily sound clear, they just have to have intent

triple post

Edited by freckle

Bex - I think if she is babbling a bit and has a few words, I wouldn't be concerned at this point, I'd just be monitoring her progress. If she's not babbling at all I would probably refer her for an assessment, and maybe consider a hearing assessment as well. Sorry it is hard to give advice without meeting her... but from what you have said I wouldn't be worrying at this stage

My DS is 27 months and says nothing at all! Not even Mum, Dad or no! Iasked Plunket at his 2 year checkup, and they said to give him 3 months to check on progress. I see them next week, and the plan is to refer him to SLT to check things out. I'm sure his hearig and comprehension are fine, but it is puzzling. Oh, and I am an English teacher - how ironic is that

k&k - I think you are doing the right thing having him referred for an assessment. It may be that he is just a late talker but even so the SLT may be able to provide you with individualised suggestions to facilitate his language development.

kiwigal - yip SLT and paediatricians often refer to one another regarding specific concerns. A paed does not provide comprehensive assessment or intervention for speech and language difficulties, however, they maybe helpful in the assessment process if an underlying etiology is suspected (such as ASD like you have mentioned).