Talk to me about speech development - 15 months

LVBlvd · July 2010

I am trying not to worry to much, but it gets hard.

Paige is 15 months and 1 week and has no words. She will babble mamamama, dadadada, bababababa, but won't say them at anything specific. She also points at things and seems to ask, "what's that?" but of course she really isn't saying it.

I keep reading that they should have a few words other than mom and dad by this point.

Our 15 month check-up is this coming up Thursday. Do you think they will be concerned at all?

Thanks, girls!

charmcitygirl · July 2010

Jacob sounds just like Paige. Maybe he had 2 more words, but he doesn't use them frequently. I don't think your pedi will be concerned. Ours wasn't. Good luck!

AvaLikeLava · July 2010

Language development is really unique per child. While I wouldn't stress out at this stage, certainly talk to your pedi next week. There are lots of programs (like Early Intervention in CA) that can help out if there is reason for concern and individual assessment.

Good luck.

brideinOC · July 2010

Claire is 18 months and she has had an absolute explosion over the last two months. She was making sounds and had a few words, but not nearly talking as much as now. My d/c mom and I had Claire using signs and I've heard that language comes quicker with the use of signs. It seems like a child would use a sign rather than talk, but it's not true. I used "more," "milk," "eat," "please," and "thank you." My pedi didn't ask a ton of questions re: language skills at our 15 month appt that I remember. They'll come, don't worry.

EastCoastBride · July 2010

My son is 19 months and says all of 3 words. from everything I've read, I'm really not THAT worried yet. As much as he babbles, and even sings, I think he's just around the corner from a word explosion.

His receptive language is AMAZING. I know he understands a TON. As long as he follows commands, and is able to communicate w/ us in his own way about what he wants - I nkow he's soaking it all in and it's just a matter of time.

Of course, the next time we see the pedi, we are going to ask. But I'm really not stressing about it.

LisaandBryan · July 2010

Mind are 15 months adjusted adn really don't ahve any words although I think we are getting close. IT sounds like they are saying up and bubbles and dada to the right person but it may just be wishful thinking. Ima big worrier so I did sign them up for speech therapy figuring it can't hurt.

Their receptive language is good as well so I know they undestand things. I'm hoping for a language explosion soon too!

LucyPevensie · July 2010

Jack's language REALLY picked up after 18 months. He still uses mostly one word (at at time - he knows LOTS of words, doesn't really string them together consistently yet) but has very clear diction (for a 20 month old) and will repeat, or attempt to repeat, almost anything I throw at him. At 15 months - not so much.

I really would not worry about it. She'll knock your socks off in a few months, I'm betting.

5Foot · July 2010

We have our 15 months appointment on Monday and I'm going to ask about this. I know that she understands a ton and that's usually what comes first. She pretty much babbles and says Mama and Dada for most everything. I'm not concerned yet as I know she understands things. I ask her where her milk is and she goes and gets it. I tell her it's time to wash hands and she marches over to the bathroom. So it's there. It's just a matter of time. But I understand where you're coming from. The thought has crossed my mind as well. I'll let you know what our pedi says on Monday though!

alchris · July 2010

I think little ones are just advanced on this board! Kira didn't say her first word until 21 months and neither I nor our pedi was concerned. I mentioned it to her at our 18 month appt. and we decided to wait until 24 months. It sure seems to have come up a lot on SaIF though as an issue at 15 months, but that's right at the start of a HUGE range of normal! I wouldn't worry for *at least* 6 more months, as long as you know you're exposing her to language which *no* doubt you are, and as long as you think her hearing is OK. Some may disagree, but I see nothing wrong with not talking until 2 years; I've had multiple people tell me their children did not talk until 2+ and spoke beautifully from the beginning, or went on to become valedictorian, etc....they didn't need therapy, they just started when they were ready. Fifteen months is super young -- IMO she'd be ahead of the game if she were to talk already. There's nothing wrong with being a bit behind the 50th %ile (or even the 90th) on some things too -- it's not a race.

LVBlvd · July 2010

Thanks, girls! I *know* that she is just fine...it is just nice to be reminded of that sometimes!

I will mention it to the pedi for sure, but I'm thinking she will tell me the same thing.

madybug · July 2010

My friend had this problem with her dd. Her pedi wanted her to take her to a speech therapist but she refused b/c she felt that her child was not retarded (her words definitly not mine). so she took her to a different pedi that said to give her more time. Her dd did get an explosion of more words and sentences just out of nowhere. She is three now and tries to say everything but you cant understand her -even her parents most times. So different docs might say different things but you should do what you feel your child needs.

browneyedgrl4282 · July 2010

My kids are 21 month this weekend. They do talk a lot more now but at 15 months I wouldn't worry about it!

hannah&ben · July 2010

Henry's not far behind Paige in age and he doesn't have any clear, discernible words.

He babbles mamamam, dadadada and buhbuhbuh (bubba, for Jack) but that's it.

He does sign consistently though, for milk/nurse, food/eat, more, etc. So, it's obvious he's trying to communicate which is the most important thing, kwim? And if you tell him to go get something he will or ask him to hand it to you, etc. He understands everything.

I talked to the pedi about it at his 12 month appt and he said he wasn't concerned and we'd see where he is at 15 months and if he hasn't made any improvements by 18 months we'd look into an EI eval. or something.

I'm not too worried at this point.. I remember having big language explosions with my other kids where it seemed like overnight they started saying all kinds of words. I still think Henry's is coming, it's just later than the big kids!

schoolsoutbride · July 2010

@ 15 months we got our son evaluated for speech issues. He said "kitty" and signed a few words He also, concerningly, wouldn't really imitate us making sounds. I think at 15 months they wanted 5 words including mama and dada at a minimum. I would get her evaluated, honestly. It's generally free (early intervention), the speech therapy can't hurt, and they just get exponentially further behind.

we later figured out that he had epilepsy, but I don't know if we would have noticed his very minor seizures if not for the speech therapist commenting on them.

CMM05 · July 2010

Its really hard not to stress over this stuff because every child is different and there is so much "research" out there.

I stressed too because DS1 did not say much either.

At his 2 year appointment, my pedi said that 50 words is what they look for. If you read all over the Internet or ask on here, a lot of people say that 50 words is not enough.

I completely trust my pedi and she was right that I didn't need to worry because by 2.5 DS1 was talking A LOT more. He is almost 3 and is totally fine

I really wouldn't worry about it right now. I wouldn't start worrying until you get to the 2 year appt......

InACitySoNice · July 2010

My 16 month old doesn't talk at all. No words. We were referred to EI for Speech delay.

Although I'm not "worried" about her (she's brilliant in every other way), it doesn't hurt to check things out and get free help if she needs it.

laura1 · July 2010

At 15 months, DS said dada, and nana (banana). By 17 months (now) he says so many things and repeats everything we say (not always understandable, but he tries!). At our 15 month, we decided to wait until our next appointment and reevaluate. If no progress, we would go for EI...but he did have a huge explosion before then! GL!

crystalgirl · July 2010

madybug:
My friend had this problem with her dd. Her pedi wanted her to take her to a speech therapist but she refused b/c she felt that her child was not retarded (her words definitly not mine). so she took her to a different pedi that said to give her more time. Her dd did get an explosion of more words and sentences just out of nowhere. She is three now and tries to say everything but you cant understand her -even her parents most times. So different docs might say different things but you should do what you feel your child needs.

This type of attitude really pisses me off. (Not directed at you madybug since I know those were not your words.) DS is quite obviously very intelligent (way ahead of other kids in many intellectual skills), but he went to speech therapy at 19 months. The type of person who says that is the type who doesn't seek counseling for fixable emotional/relationship problems or treatment for substance abuse. Idiot. Enough on that.

Anyway, I'm of the opinion that there is absolutely no reason to worry, but why not get more information if you can potentially help your child along? Speech therapy at this point is just as much for the parents (learning how to talk clearly to your kid, what type of phrasing to use, etc. to help them pick things up more quickly) as it is for the kids. The kids just see it as playtime...because that's all it is. It's not weird tests or drills or whatever wacko things people might think. It's interactive play. DS loved it and misses going to see Sherri, his therapist. (Unfortunately we've just learned he has a stutter and may be going back...Now THAT is something that does worry me.)

The plan was 3 months, then reevaluate. DS thrived. He didn't need the 3 months, and now he is way ahead of his peers in both vocabulary and sentence structure. He had been timid and reluctant to try speaking, and the change in him was remarkable.

Our insurance covered it, so it was free, fun, and just one hour of our time a week. I don't see why anyone wouldn't do it if there is concern about a delay. Easier to deal with now than later if it turns out it really is a problem, so why not? Just my two cents.

JillRock96 · July 2010

I agree with pp that many of the LOs on this board are very advanced for their age. Language development is really so unique to each child. Plus, when language happens, it really is an EXPLOSION. Many kids go from saying few words at all to saying one or two new words each day -- it is incredible to watch!

That being said, there is nothing at all with having an evaluation done. It sounds like Paige is right on track for her age, but an evaluation would not hurt at all and would probably give you peace of mind. Language therapy for this age group is something that the kids generally really enjoy, and if they give you things to work on at home, it will only help Paige's development.

LIAngel · July 2010

This is a very sensitive subject for me. DS is 16 1/2 months and doesn't say anything. Not even Mamamamama, or Dadadada or even Babababa. When I say no words I mean no words.

At his 15 month check up when I told this to my pedi, she said that if he isn't saying anything by 18 months (his next check up) then we will get a referral for speech eval.

I have a friend who is a speech pathologist and we went to lunch today and then she came back to my place. From what she observed, she sees that Nicholas has a delay.

LIAngel · July 2010

alchris:
I think little ones are just advanced on this board! Kira didn't say her first word until 21 months and neither I nor our pedi was concerned. I mentioned it to her at our 18 month appt. and we decided to wait until 24 months. It sure seems to have come up a lot on SaIF though as an issue at 15 months, but that's right at the start of a HUGE range of normal! I wouldn't worry for *at least* 6 more months, as long as you know you're exposing her to language which *no* doubt you are, and as long as you think her hearing is OK. Some may disagree, but I see nothing wrong with not talking until 2 years; I've had multiple people tell me their children did not talk until 2+ and spoke beautifully from the beginning, or went on to become valedictorian, etc....they didn't need therapy, they just started when they were ready. Fifteen months is super young -- IMO she'd be ahead of the game if she were to talk already. There's nothing wrong with being a bit behind the 50th %ile (or even the 90th) on some things too -- it's not a race.

And of course seeing this post from Alchris has calmed me down. Alchris has told me this a few times and it does make me feel better- so thanks for responding to this post.

schoolsoutbride · July 2010

Btw, I don't know if this varies by state, but we didn't need a referral for EI in CO. We could just call and schedule an evaluation.

Also, I think it's really hard to decide to get them evaluated for speech. Everyone assumes that talkative kids are geniuses and kids with speech delays are "retarded" (as someone mentioned.) Moms of kids with speech delays know this is ABSOLUTELY not the case. My son, for instance, has always excelled at other things but was just slow to talk and needed help catching up (possibly in part because of his epilepsy.) Anyway, don't let this attitude stop you. A kid with a speech delay is not RETARDED or dumb. Speech is a really complicated mental process and also involves a lot of fine motor skills (tongue position, breath control, lip position, etc.)

Want a personalized experience?

Talk to me about speech development - 15 months

Re: Talk to me about speech development - 15 months

Choose Another Board

Search Boards