My DD is 17 months and I am worried she is delayed. She had an umbilical heria removed at 4 months, so thay might explain some, but I feel like there is more.
She isn't walking or standing on her own. She will walk along furniture, but seems to put a lot of weight on her arms. When I dress her, she doesn't stand up to pull up her pants. She has great upper body strength, but seems rigid when you hold her. We always joke that she wobbles because of her big head.
She only has 45 words and doesn't sign DC teaches babysign. She waves and claps.
When she eats finger foods, she just shoves everything in her mouth. She doesn't really have the pincer grasp down or understand taking a bite and pulling.
I know I shouldn't have, but I tried the head lag test and she failed 4 out of 5 times.
My best friends DS is 6 months older so it is hard not to compare, but I just think she should be doing more at this age. DH takes her for all her appointments and says that the doctor says everything is fine and if she isn't walking at 18 months we will discuss then. I am not certain if the doctor really says thay or if he just doesn't bring up my concerns. I am afraid that other people see something, but are afraid to tell me. At daycare, she just sits and plays while other kids toddle around her. Teachers said she issuing improvements, but I am worried she is still behind.
DH wants to try for 2, but I am afraid of getting pregnant and then being overwhelmed.
None of these things by themselves are that alarming. I realize kids develop at different rates, but all of these issues combined make me wonder if there isn't something bigger at play.
I am overwhelmed thinking about where to start. Do I push her pedi for testing or should we see a specialist?
Thanks!
Re: 17 month old is this normal?
You could call Early Intervention EI in your state and they will come out to your house and evaluate her - its free. Then you can go from there depending on what the results of the evaluation are. You do not need a referral from your pedi to contact EI.
I don't think you need to be concerned about word count at this time - 45 words at 17 months sounds pretty good. But I would be concerned about the lack of pincer grasp since that should develop around 9 - 10 months typically.
I think you have enough concern to warrant an EI evaluation, and I'd say follow your gut - if you think there is something going on, call. Everyone told me my DS was "fine", I called anyway. He wasn't fine. Either way, its free, and you'll know what to watch for if the evaluation comes back that she isn't delayed.
In my state they take about 3 - 5 weeks to schedule, so if you get it scheduled now you may still be waiting when her 18mo appt rolls around.
GL!
She only has four or five words.
When I say stand up to put pants on, I mean she stands, so I can pull them up.
You definitely should call ei and have her evaluated. You're not overreacting.
You mentioned that you worry if there's a bigger issue at play but I wouldn't be too concerned. Some kids are just late bloomers and need a little extra help getting caught up. At eighteen months my son was at the same level yours is except he had a receptive language delay as well and at three we can't get the kid to shut up. Lol. Minus an articulation delay and a slightly immature nervous system he acts like a typical three year old-his differences are so mild most don't notice. It's much better to be proactive than reactive now and the younger you start with therapy the easier it is.
good luck!