Do words count if only you can understand them?

lwrigley2000

We have DS's 18 mo appt on Fri and I want to give the doc an accurate count of how many words he has. Can I count words that only we understand what he's saying?

ridesbuttons

Yes.  If the intent is clear and the context is right.

ljlkm

Yup. DS says "bah," which means office. I don't know why, but he says it every time the same way and he clearly means office. We count it as a word.

jnealet

I do.  Sometimes I have to translate for DH but once I tell him what it was, he usually understands it.

jordysmom09

DS's 18mth appt is Friday as well! And yes I count even the ones only I understand! But isn't the recommended number of words like 10?

janice74

ridesbuttons:

Yes.  If the intent is clear and the context is right.

This.  My pediatrician was interested in knowing if he was saying the words in the right context and without prompting. Some of his words are only understood by us, but he uses them at the appropriate times.