Getting My Son to Talk! Need advice... (teaching, autism, babies)

[MsB23]

I've got a question for y'all...

My son is 16 months old & really isn't saying anything yet. I know he understands me, I can tell. He follows simple directions, even from people he doesn't know well. I have heard a couple of words out of him (it was really delightful when he clearly said GD in front of the "in laws" the 1st time I met them... *sigh*) but he will say them maybe once or twice (very clearly, I might add) & then that's it. he doesn't say them anymore. He babbles a LOT & you can have a very full conversation with him if you can think of things to say to his babble. He doesn't seem to have any signs of Autism or anything. He is bright, looks people in the eye, & seems to do just fine in social situations.

The thing with him (& I saw this with him when he was learning to crawl & walk) is that he doesn't do things unless he sees a good reason why he should. I could tell that he could've crawled much sooner than he did...he just didn't feel like it. Same thing with walking. (...geez, I wonder if he's just going to start throwing out sentences all of the sudden...both when he crawled & walked, he pretty much just started doing it... )

The point of all that was that I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions as to how I can encourage him to communicate with me. I've tried teaching him sign language, & he knows several signs...but he doesn't use them. He's starting to get miffed with me & have little frustrated "episodes" so I know it's getting to be time for him to start learning to communicate! Any helpful tips or suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

[Sgoldie]

Do you talk to him now?

[irishmom]

If he understands you then I wouldn't worry about it yet. I think they are supposed to say three words by 18 months (check this because I'm not sure if I am remembering it right). But if it will help to alleviate your concerns you can self refer to your state's Early Childhood Intervention program and they can evaluate him for speech delay or other problems. But like I said I wouldn't worry about it. My first son was always right on the edge of needing to be tested, he didn't really talk that others could understand him until he was 3. Actually to get him to speak more clearly I would repeat what he said to me, when he started to make sense I stopped and he would keep repeating himself until I finally would say it too....I think he came to think I couldn't hear him unless I repeated what he said...LOL Kids are funny.

[CityGirl72]

JUst takes time

Mine was a very late talker (after he turned 3) - he's 5 now and we have great conversations!

[MsB23]

yep, I do try to talk to him & explain what I'm doing. I try to teach him what shapes, animals, & things are as they present themselves.

Also, "Sweet Pea, pet the doggie, don't hit/grab the doggie" is a very common phrase in our household!

It's just frustrating when other (much younger) kids are talking & he isn't. I know that he's intelligent, but he just doesn't want to. Likewise, I don't want to make him feel like there's something wrong with him when there really isn't.

Heh...& I guess there is a part of me who wants to have the "superbaby" that does everything faster & smarter than all other babies...hehehe

ps...thanks for the input so far! I already feel a little better about it...

[irishmom]

Originally Posted by MsB23

Heh...& I guess there is a part of me who wants to have the "superbaby" that does everything faster & smarter than all other babies...hehehe

Yeah you think that until they start answering back. If they can't talk yet at least they can't answer back!...LOL

[bluewatergirl]

As long as you know his hearing and comprehension are okay,
I wouldn't worry . . . 16 months is still very young . . . he's got
plenty of time.
My 21-month old has 2 recognizable words - but clearly understands
most of what is said to her and has no problem following simple
directions . . . she also has 2 older sibs who dote on her and do her
bidding, so I guess she'll speak when she's ready.
My oldest daughter is 10. She didn't speak words that non-family
members could understand until she was over 3 years old . . . but
she knew more than half her alphabet when she was 12 months old!
She did have a year of speech therapy in preschool, which helped
with her pronunciation - but then, she may have been fine without it,
and simply continued to develop at her own pace.
Currently a 4th grader, she tests to be the brightest child in her
entire elementary school.

[MsB23]

Originally Posted by bluewatergirl

As long as you know his hearing and comprehension are okay,
I wouldn't worry . . .

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it is. He gets a lot of ear infections (he gets a little congested, then gets an ear infection which makes the congestion worse...insert vicious cycle here...) but I don't think he has any hearing damage. he seems to hear & comprehend well, altho he does ignore me sometimes... I suppose I should get used to that, tho!

Originally Posted by irishmom

Yeah you think that until they start answering back. If they can't talk yet at least they can't answer back!...LOL

heh...I've heard similar things about them crawling/walking, too! You get all excited when they can do it...but now they are mobile which introduces mama to a whole new world...

I guess since he's my 1st & I'm still a relative NOOB, I'm a little more apprehensive than absolutely necessary... What you guys are saying about how long it took your little ones to talk really helps! A lot of those sites by "experts" have me expecting things that don't really seem normal, based on what actual parents are telling me...I wonder if these "experts" really have kids, or if they just study them from a distance or something...hmmm...

[theqbaby]

Originally Posted by irishmom

Yeah you think that until they start answering back. If they can't talk yet at least they can't answer back!...LOL

Once they walk and talk, you can't sit them down or shut them up !

I wouldn't worry too much. Every child progresses differently. Have you talk to your Dr. about this.

[theqbaby]

Originally Posted by MsB23

I've got a question for y'all...

The thing with him (& I saw this with him when he was learning to crawl & walk) is that he doesn't do things unless he sees a good reason why he should.

LOL sounds like a man in the making !