My 19-month old has very limited speech

My child has a stammer

Question

I'm concerned that my 19-month-old son still has very limited speech (ie two or three words) and seems very reluctant to expand his vocabulary, even though he constantly chats in complete gibberish!

My other son, who is now 11, was definitely saying a lot more at this age. Is this normal and when should I start to worry?

Answer

Your concern about your son's speech echoes a very common concern of many parents.

By six months most babies are making noises like 'goo' and 'gah', and by about nine months to a year are babbling away, copying sounds they hear and trying to say 'dad' and 'mum'.

Between a year and 18 months, most toddlers learn to say about six clear words but continue to babble in their own way, while at the same time being able to understand much more than they can say.

They can also respond to simple commands and understand tone and intonations, hence they can distinguish between anger, surprise, questioning, etc.

By the age of two they can usually link two to three words such as 'daddy gone work', 'mummy shoes' and 'want drink now'.

By three years most children are using full sentences and reciting rhymes and songs. It is important to remember that just as some children learn to stand and walk later than others, some develop clear speech later than others.

Personally I would not be concerned if one of my own children was only saying a couple of words at 19 months if the rest of their development and behaviour was normal.

Second children may also speak a little later as they have their older siblings and the rest of the family to listen to.

However, if you are really concerned, you should speak to your GP or health visitor, as there could be medical reasons why your son's speech is developing rather slowly.

Sometimes it can be due to poor hearing as a result of frequent ear infections and glue ear. Lack of stimulation can also be to blame, as children need a constant supply of new sounds and language to challenge them to learn.

More serious problems such as a degree of mental retardation or autism are relatively rare.

Your GP can reassure you.

Yours sincerely

The Medical Team

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