Actual parenting question

acesup

Just had DS 18 month check up. Pedi says he should have some two word phrases by now. I don't remember this with DD but it was a different pedi and I don't recall if she had two word phrases.

He said it is up to is if we want to referral to EI or want to wait a few months and see.

What say you Parenting?

AZ123

He's a second child, hence less the vocabulary, especially if he has an older sister who does the talking for him. He's talking and says the most popular words like "no" and mama and all that? I wouldn't worry.

credcat7

I was in the same boat and got advice from various people I asked that I should be really concerned.  I decided to go with my gut and just watch and see, here at 22 months its an explosion of communication.

I think that as a parent, I tend to think about if its just ONE area where she could be "behind" then I just watch it. If my mom radar (momdar?) went up for any reason I would take more steps towards evaluating it, but if you think your child is fine, you are probably right. 

billybumbler

CDC milestones chart says "several single words" for 18 months. I would wait, but if you're worried it might help to consult EI.

RayRay007

I don't recall phrases being a milestone at 18 months. DDs first phrase was around 20 months(?) and had an explosion around 22 months. I'd wait and see. Also ditto pp about being a second child.

acesup

Thanks everyone. To answer some of your questions:

Our insurance covers EI Eval and when my sis took her DD she didn't have to wait long, maybe 3-4 weeks so I'm not worried about holding off and then not getting an appt.

DD is definitely doing some talking for him, which the pedi did agree could be having an impact. As well as our schedules. We both work so by the time we get home it is chaos so when he points to something we give it to him instead of taking the time to try and get him to say the word.

I am usually a worrier but I'm not too worried about this so I guess that says something too. My gut says it's fine and he will "catch up" though I didn't really think this would be considered behind.

Also, he just got tubes 3 weeks ago, they said there seemed to be some very mild hearing loss from fluid and he is getting rechecked next week. If they still a hearing issue than that will change my views.

But yeah as of now I didn't really feel too concerned, I just wanted to see what others experiences were. Maybe if by 22 months I'm not seeing improvement I will ask for the referral. He said I can call him whenever. I have to say I love my pedi and I'm glad that he is proactive and willing to give a referral or not give a referral and take my opinion into consideration at this point. He just seems a bit conservative on this issue, maybe that's not the right word... But it seems like a high expectation.

Thanks for all the input.

ETA: we did tell him DS said "love you" the other day after I said but it sounded more like "ub ooo". But I knew what it was. But that was all.

Just now I got him to say "thank you" avdn though it was more of "day doo". I mean, does it count if it's maybe not understandable to others? Even some of his words he seems to have trouble with consonants. He kind of skips consonant. Like "daddy" is more like "da-eee"... Just something I noticed and didn't know if that is a concern. Of course I didn't think of that while I was there.

Tl;dr

acesup

TyrannosaurusLex said:

@piglet6609‌ yes it counts if only immediate family members understand, unless there aren't any words that can be understood by outsiders.

Thanks! I'm impressed that you got that far into my diary to see the question! LOL

stra0111

I had the same concern with DD1. I believe that at that age comprehension is most important.I also believe that children excel in some areas, not all. DD1 had amazing fine motor and cognitive skills. Talking just wasn't her thing. I hmmm-ed and hawww-ed about whether to send her to be evaluated for language. However, I know the process and I know DD1. She is very shy and cautious. Even at 3 it takes a long time for her to talk to new people. I knew that it would take some time to actually have her evaluated. There is a lengthy wait list here also.But then she had the "language explosion" out of no where and any concerns were out the window. Personally, I waited it out. 

fancynewbeesly

Reese by 18 months barely had 8 words. We called EI and by the time we got her evaluated at about 20/21 months, she MAYBE had 15 words. She was delayed but not significant for intervention. They told us to call by 2 years if she didn't have a word explosion. She did. But she definitely didn't have two words phrases by 18 months.

Now, we can't shut her up. 

bensmommy518

I would say it never hurts to have the evaluation.  In my area EI services are free and to me it would provide at least piece of mind that your gut is correct.  DS didn't have many words at his 18 month evaluation (maybe 5 or so) and they suggested EI for him.  I called and he did wind up qualifying  which has been a blessing for our family as he is doing amazing now.  If he doesnt qualify all you are out is a 2 hour evaluation.