When to worry about verbal development?

MSTie24 · April 2011

*neurotic mom Q inside*

DD is not a talker. She very rarely babbles or makes any sort of verbal noises (the one exception is occasionally when she has something in her mouth- a toy or her fist, mostly) and even seems to have lost her version of hi ("hah!") after replacing it with a fake coughing sound a few weeks ago that she doesn't even do anymore. I know some moms here have done speech therapy with their kids so I'm just wondering at what point you/your pedi became concerned about language issues and if the lack of babbling is something to follow up on at this point. Thanks.

iHeartHimMore · April 2011

She is WAY too young for you to be worried! I don't have any answers, but hopefully this will be comforting.... a few of the kids from our PEPS group (20-21 months old) have very few words. One in particular doesn't really say anything at all. But because it's clear that their non-verbal communication and comprehension are perfectly fine, their docs aren't worried or suggesting speech therapy yet. (Well, this was as of their 18 month appts, I guess.) Personally, I'd probably at least make an appt at this point if I were them, but to each their own.

Regardless, don't stress! Ask your ped at her next appt if you're concerned, but I'm willing to bet they'll say you have nothing to worry about for quite some time Hugs!!

Bri&Shane_3/8/08 · April 2011

My neighbor is a childrens speech therapist. When I mentioned to her that at 12 months Jackson could only say a handful of words, she told me that 18 months was the "magic age". That if he didn't have more words to his vocabulary at 18 months, that's when you "start" to look into it.

At 18 months - his vocabulary started to grow and now won't stop. Seriously learns a new word every single day.

I honestly would not even worry about it right now...and not for several months.

Irishsapphire · April 2011

My baby has only said uh-oh, mama, dada, and baba. I do not think he really knows what it means. And I keep asking him "Who is baba?" I have Baby Einstein DVD First Signs that I was playing for him. And I was thinking about getting him more sign language DVD. We are starting to buy him books, and we will be reading more to him.

Brynnie2010 · April 2011

Livy really only just started to do the baby babble a couple months ago. She has to be in the mood. Even "Mama" and "Dada" are more like a "when I feel like it" type of thing. I wouldn't worry yet. I know it's hard to not "compare" our babies to all the other babies, but every baby really is different. Maybe Charlie is just saving it for when she has something really important to say.

Big hugs! And just remember, there will come a day when we will be begging them to stop talking!

MrsAmyB · April 2011

Charlie is a little younger than my babies. Ryan says dada, nawnaw (which works for mama and food), and baba. Khloe says hi the same as you described Charlie, and dada, mama. But, Katie is just like Charlie; she only says hi and makes squealing noises. She is pretty quiet and reserved anyway. We have a therapy group that visits us every week. I have talked about their language development and they are fine with Katie's development. She did say that when Katie says hi to mimic her. If she mimics me back work on words with constanants like baba, dada, mama and try to get her to repeat them. Additionally, once you catch her accidentally using a constanant, mimic her.

Seattle_JiLLn · April 2011

This is the developmental questionnaire that my ped uses.

https://pages.uoregon.edu/asqstudy/

If you go through it, at the end they'll email you the results. Like in 2 minutes. And the best you can get is "developing normally"... they don't tell you if your kids is a rock star. So don't be sad if you're just at "normal".

I like this questionnaire because it includes more than just words as communication (which is always my area of concern with my boys). And it makes you realize that there are things going on that are showing progress.

At 8 months I wouldn't worry much, but I also say it's always worth trusting your mommy instinct. If you feel like something isn't right, mention it to your ped and see what he/she says.

ATT&BTT · April 2011

As moms we all get neurotic. Smile

I would just keep an eye on her & talk with her. I have running conversation with DD all the time. Like when she watched me empty the dishwasher I talk about what the item is and what color it is and what shape etc. The more vocabulary they hear the better (I am a teacher with early childhood ed degree). React to the sounds she does like she is talking to you. And if you are still worried always talk with you doc. That is what they are there for. Smile

GL & You are a good momma!

Seattle_JiLLn · April 2011

Oh and Cooper didn't have ANY words at 12 months. None. I don't think Ben did either.

At around 15 months I know Ben had 3-5 words, and Cooper maybe a couple? Now at 18 months Cooper has around 10. I know at 20 months Ben had around 50. It really does explode at some point.

Another thing to consider is her other skills. Is she working hard on motor skills? If so, verbal skills are probably not a priority for her. My kids are all motor skills. Cooper can pretty much jump with both feet off the ground but he can't say Banana.

keri1013 · April 2011

I would ask your pedi at your 9 month visit, I remember our pedi asking at that visit if Max was doing certain sounds (I can't even remember what now, like two different consonant sounds or something?). But I agree with the others, way too early to worry or think of speech therapy or anything. We started speech therapy somewhere around 18 months, we were already enrolled in EI for PT and had him evaluated through them. He was ahead on receptive language but behind on expressive. At her age though I would just keep talking to her, reading, repeating any sounds/noises she makes, all things you're already doing I'm sure.

IdahoGirl · April 2011

Seattle_JiLLn:

Oh and Cooper didn't have ANY words at 12 months. None. I don't think Ben did either.

At around 15 months I know Ben had 3-5 words, and Cooper maybe a couple? Now at 18 months Cooper has around 10. I know at 20 months Ben had around 50. It really does explode at some point.

Another thing to consider is her other skills. Is she working hard on motor skills? If so, verbal skills are probably not a priority for her. My kids are all motor skills. Cooper can pretty much jump with both feet off the ground but he can't say Banana.

This, this and more of this.

Madelyn *just* started her language explosion and her pronunciation is definately lacking...and I *totally* worried about her.

But the thing is, she was walking at 9.5 months and has always been incredibly physically active and communicates a ton, just not with words.

Part of Mad's issue is her binky use (and we really are going to tame it soon). Does your LO use a binky much?

KNemo · April 2011

Max did not babble. He was a very quiet baby (word/babblewise). He squealed from time-to-time, but he didn't make a lot of the typical coo, babble noises that most babies make. He said "dada" a lot at around 10 months, and he didn't say "mama" until about 14-months (but he wasnt babbling either, he was saying it to me).

He talks non-stop now. Blah-blah-blah. And he gets progressively louder if you don't acknowledge him. "fire truck, Fire Truck, FIRE TRUCK!" It can get really annoying when he is in this mood. I agree with PP's who said that there is an explosion at around the 18-month mark. Don't start to worry quite yet. You can make mention of it at the next pedi appointment, but I wouldn't worry too much!

Hug that sweet pea for me!

MSTie24 · April 2011

Thanks everyone. I am not worried...maybe pre-worried? LOL Just don't want to see her fall behind so want to make sure I am proactive if need be. To answer some Qs, she uses a pacifier but we try to limit it to naps/bedtime (or to encourage her to fall asleep when it's naptime and we're out somewhere) or if we're in public and she's noisy (squealing/whining.)

She is not crawling but has started getting on her hands and knees, only for about 10 seconds at most at a time, though. Mostly she does that and gets pissed and makes "eeeeehhhhhhhh" sounds. She is working hard at pulling up and standing, though. I will mention it to our pedi at the 9 month appt if she's still not saying much. Perhaps she just takes after her dad who is a lot quieter than me.

We'll work more on reading to her too, that kind of has fallen by the wayside a bit lately, I'm embarrassed to say. She's just too tired most nights at bedtime for a story so we'll try to do it earlier in the day. And of course, keep up with conversations and mimicry, which we do.

StellaZ · April 2011

MSTie24:
She is not crawling but has started getting on her hands and knees, only for about 10 seconds at most at a time, though. Mostly she does that and gets pissed and makes "eeeeehhhhhhhh" sounds. She is working hard at pulling up and standing, though.

We never crawled (butt-scooted some), and walked at 10months exactly. We also weren't super chatty..and yeah, now he won't shut up! LOL

Zista · April 2011

Isaac isn't talking either. His early babbles disappeared entirely over the last month, and all we get are growls, giggles, and shrieks. He did just learn to click his tongue today, though, which is pretty cool.

It makes me a little jealous to see his friends babbling away at the same age, but they are each on their own schedule. And he has no problem communicating what he wants.

FutureFung · April 2011

Like Jill said, there's a lot that happens in the area of expressive/verbal language before kids ever start to talk or say actual words, and babbling is one of those developmental milestones. And, like everyone else said, kids develop at different rates, not doing x or y at a specific age isn't always cause for alarm. I work with infants & toddlers, and one thing we always think about is whether the progress is steady vs. fast or slow. Does she other communicative things - reach for objects she wants when, try to imitate gestures like waving or shaking her head 'no' when you do it (or do it on her own), make any other noises (cooing, 'gurgling', even screaming or shouting) when she's happy or sad to 'tell' you, play any 'back and forth' games like peek a boo or so big? Does she turn her head/respond to sounds?

Probably nothing to worry about - soon I'm sure you'll be wishing for a little peace and quiet Stick out tongue

MSTie24 · April 2011

Thanks, Fu. I forgot you work with kids...your thoughts are great to hear.

FutureFung:
Does she other communicative things - reach for objects she wants when [yes, definitely, she can be very grabby ], try to imitate gestures like waving or shaking her head 'no' when you do it (or do it on her own) [no, she *may* have tried to wave hi once or twice, but we're not sure. She does make "milk hand," her own version of signing for milk when she's hungry], make any other noises (cooing, 'gurgling', even screaming or shouting) when she's happy or sad to 'tell' you [definite screaming/whining when mad, sometimes happy shrieks and laughter although she smiles WAY more than laughs, we have to work hard to get her to laugh usually], play any 'back and forth' games like peek a boo or so big? [likes watching us play peek-a-boo but doesn't play along. She doesn't currently like having her face covered, though, so she'll pull things off her face/your hands down if they're covering her eyes.] Does she turn her head/respond to sounds? [Yes to both, she does know her name and responds to certain words- when we do "3,2,1 blast off" she starts smiling at 3 or 2 since she knows she's about to go "flying."]

FutureFung · April 2011

MSTie24:
Thanks, Fu. I forgot you work with kids...your thoughts are great to hear.
FutureFung:
Does she other communicative things - reach for objects she wants when [yes, definitely, she can be very grabby ], try to imitate gestures like waving or shaking her head 'no' when you do it (or do it on her own) [no, she *may* have tried to wave hi once or twice, but we're not sure. She does make "milk hand," her own version of signing for milk when she's hungry], make any other noises (cooing, 'gurgling', even screaming or shouting) when she's happy or sad to 'tell' you [definite screaming/whining when mad, sometimes happy shrieks and laughter although she smiles WAY more than laughs, we have to work hard to get her to laugh usually], play any 'back and forth' games like peek a boo or so big? [likes watching us play peek-a-boo but doesn't play along. She doesn't currently like having her face covered, though, so she'll pull things off her face/your hands down if they're covering her eyes.] Does she turn her head/respond to sounds? [Yes to both, she does know her name and responds to certain words- when we do "3,2,1 blast off" she starts smiling at 3 or 2 since she knows she's about to go "flying."]

Good! Despite differing rates of development, etc., when I hear about lack of babbling, I do get concerned about any degree of hearing loss. It sounds like she hears, but if she continues to be pretty quiet, it might be worthwhile to ask about a hearing test.

The link that Jill posted is a great resource for communication developmental milestones that aren't strictly verbal - the Ages & Stages Questionnaire. If you have any other, more specific questions, feel free to ask!

MSTie24 · April 2011

Thank you!! I will try the questionnaire when I have time since it looked like it would take a while. She did pass her hearing test at the hospital, though, and doesn't appear to have difficulty hearing but that's good to think about just in case.

BeLucky · April 2011

MSTie24:
*neurotic mom Q inside*
DD is not a talker. She very rarely babbles or makes any sort of verbal noises (the one exception is occasionally when she has something in her mouth- a toy or her fist, mostly) and even seems to have lost her version of hi ("hah!") after replacing it with a fake coughing sound a few weeks ago that she doesn't even do anymore. I know some moms here have done speech therapy with their kids so I'm just wondering at what point you/your pedi became concerned about language issues and if the lack of babbling is something to follow up on at this point. Thanks.

As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, at 8 months or so we would expect to see vocal play (blowing raspberries, smacking lips, laugh, squeal, cough, variety in cries, etc. Generally making different noises with mouth/throat). We would also expect to see that a baby could make noises at different volumes and different rates. We also would expect a baby to have produced lip sounds by this point (p, b, m, w). Around 8-9 months should emerge strings of repeated consonants + vowels (mamama), which is called reduplicated babbling.

It is one thing if she is not "talking" as in words- late talkers are not diagnosed until closer to two years of age. But if you are not hearing vocal play, a variety of consonants and vowels (a, 'ah', 'oh', oo, etc.), as well as some repeated consonant-vowel strings in the next couple months, I would definitely talk to your pedi. Also, if you are still concerned in a few months, I would recommend just flat out asking your pedi for a referral for a speech eval (some pedis are not on the ball with early speech and language) or call your local birth-3 center and get the process going yourself. SLPs are the language experts; let them get eyes on her and tell you if there is cause for concern or not. And if there is a delay, the earlier the intervention the better!

In the meantime, one thing you can do is to imitate her sounds. If she is making noises, make them back at her. You can show her vocal play- blow raspberrries at her, trill or click your tongue at her. Make the same sound getting louder then softer, or going from a low pitch to a high pitch. Exaggerate your mouth movements when you are talking, you could put on red lipstick during play time to highlight and bring attention to your lips. And talk, talk, talk... narrate your day as much as possible. Single word labels (book, open, Sophie, squeak, etc.) and short two word phrases (baby up, diaper on, red car, etc.) are great for early language development!

BeLucky · April 2011

FutureFung:
Good! Despite differing rates of development, etc., when I hear about lack of babbling, I do get concerned about any degree of hearing loss. It sounds like she hears, but if she continues to be pretty quiet, it might be worthwhile to ask about a hearing test.

Ditto this, however even children who are deaf still produce babbling. It is just of a different nature than hearing children. If she passed her newborn hearing screen and she is responding to sounds and looks when you call her name, her hearing is probably not of concern. The pedi might be able to do another screen just to rule it out though.

Also, early gestures does not refer to signs (like the milk hand). Infants can learn and imitate motor movements, but that does not necessarily mean they have communicative intent when they use those movements. At 8 months, a child would not be expected to wave or shake their head "no". Rather, early communicative gestures that we look for include showing (holding out a toy to show you), giving (giving you a toy), pointing (whole hand or finger), and requesting (reaching/leaning). These gestures are likely still emerging at 8 months, as this is when infants start to become more intentional.

Another thing to look at is her eye gaze. Is she looking at objects? Is she looking at people? does she look from object-to-person or person-to-object (dyadic eye gaze)? Just another aspect of early communication to consider.

Seattle_JiLLn · April 2011

MSTie24:
Thank you!! I will try the questionnaire when I have time since it looked like it would take a while. She did pass her hearing test at the hospital, though, and doesn't appear to have difficulty hearing but that's good to think about just in case.

It doesn't take very long really. There are 6 sections with 6 or 7 things that you just click on yes/some/not yet... it's fast.

BeLucky · April 2011

iHeartHimMore:
...a few of the kids from our PEPS group (20-21 months old) have very few words. One in particular doesn't really say anything at all. But because it's clear that their non-verbal communication and comprehension are perfectly fine, their docs aren't worried or suggesting speech therapy yet. (Well, this was as of their 18 month appts, I guess.) !

Expressive language (talking/sign), non-verbal communication, and receptive language (comprehension) are totally different and fine in two areas does not mean the other is fine as well. Kids can definitely have expressive language delays ("late talking"). At 24 months, we look for at least 50 words and some 2-word combinations. If their kid isn't talking or is only using a few words at 20-21 months, it's time for an eval!

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