Very Surprised To Meet My Great-Niece Because Of……

[Anonymous]

My Sister’s daughter has an eighteen mos. old son that I just met this wk.

He is adorable in every way & I cannot wait to spend another two wks. with him until he leaves.

But I have a concern (though it may not be a big deal really.)
Her son wears a toddler hearing aid 🦻🏽 which I have known about since birth.
He has significant hearing loss at birth but because he is so young > the amount of hearing loss is not known for sure at this time.
Doctors estimate it to be moderate -> severe.
My Grand-nephew cannot talk very much which I assume is related to his hearing loss.

However I noticed that at his age, he also cannot walk.
He gets around by crawling around.
He can pull himself up to a standing position using a chair, table, etc.
He occasionally can stand for a minute or two on his own.

Yet unfortunately he cannot take actual steps on his own.
My Sister says he is just not ready to walk yet, that he likely is just lazy and prefers to be held.

But I am a little concerned.
Is eighteen mos. a severe delay in walking?
I only mentioned his hearing issue in case it could affect his motor skills like walking.

Any input/info is greatly appreciated.
Thx.

[Anonymous]

It’s just getting to be outside the range of normal. Both my kids didn’t walk until 15-16 months and they’re fine, just were slow on walking. Assuming they have regular pediatrician visits, it will be looked at, especially if he doesn’t start in the next month or so.

[Anonymous]

Per CDC, yes that’s a delay. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-18mo.html

However it’s likely the ped and parents have already trained about this. There were a fewer late walkers at my kid’s daycare and they all were walking just fine by two.

[Anonymous]

He may have a syndrome that explains his hearing loss and developmental delays. Your niece may not be ready to share with extended family. Or he could still be undergoing genetic testing. Please don’t treat him as a diagnosis or milestone. Love him.

[Anonymous]

I am completely deaf on one side. Balance is a huge issue because of it so I wouldn’t be surprised if everything is linked together. I am a successful, vocal, mobile person today, so I wouldn’t stress yet.

[Anonymous]

Look up cytomegalovirus. It can cause hearing loss and delays.

[Anonymous]

Have the parents of this child asked you to provide input? Are you a medical professional?

If no and no, then there is nothing for you to do. This is between the parents and the child's pediatrician and details have not been shared with you because you don't need to know them. Your job is to love the baby and, if asked, provide the specific kinds of support that the parents have requested. Otherwise, tend to your own life.

[Anonymous]

Say nothing. Btdt

[Anonymous]

Why do you think the child’s parents are not aware?

[Anonymous]

My kids (twins) were developmentally delayed. They walked and talked late. They had physical, occupational, speech, play therapy and probably other therapy that I can’t remember. Did I share with every member of our family? No. We were on top of it and did not need everyone else’s opinions on the subject. Our empty nester next door neighbors told us that one of their sons walked late but that he walked just fine now (he was about 30). It was one of the nicest comments we heard. I will tell you that both of my kids (now in their 20’s) walk and talk perfectly well. I will also tell you that I know a number of people with profound hearing loss and they lead productive, fulfilling lives. I have three friends around my age (50’s) who grew up lip reading and now have coclear implants. I have a friend with a deaf son who has a coclear implant. He went to a special school for kids with coclear implants and then went to public school around 3rd grade. He just graduated college and works in finance. There is no limitation to what your nephew can do. He may need some help and support but I’m sure his parents are on top of it. As an out of town great aunt, you do not need to offer suggestions. Just be supportive and loving and non judgmental. The parents and the kids can sense judgment - trust me - I live it .

[Anonymous]

I don't thing great auntie need be concerned. Grand niece know her 18 month old is not walking.

[Anonymous]

This is not something you should be concerned about. If the parents are taking this child for regular doctor visits, the doctor will flag this.

Both my sister's kids were really slow walkers and waited until right around 18 months. One of them did end up having some muscular/core issues that they needed to deal with, the other had nothing.

Having a great-aunt speculate on any issues is generally NOT welcome. Just enjoy the toddler.

[Anonymous]

My 18 month + 1 day walking niece is a doctor today.

[Anonymous]

What is your concern? It sounds like he is well on his way to walking, and is very mobile, and is getting around fine.

And...what are you going to say? Do you think this is something they have not thought about or addressed?

[Anonymous]

My child was a very late talker. She didn’t say a single word until 30 months. It might have looked to a causal observer that we were not doing anything but she was in all kinds of services since she was 18 months old. We did not feel the need to broadcast the details to everyone but we would share if someone asked us out of genuine concern.
This child has parents and grandparents keeping an eye on her. Don’t say anything.