18 month old doesn’t have ten words

[Anonymous]

Getting ready for our 18 month well visit and I’m realizing that this will be a red flag on our questionnaire. We have like 6ish words but otherwise I don’t feel like there’s a “problem.” A lot of talking that I just don’t understand ( it sounds like sentences and comes with pointing) and lots of evidence of receptive language.

Who has been down this road? What should I be asking the doc? Should I ask for a referral to a SLP? Is it better to go independently or through the County? Like I said, I’m not sure we have a major problem but I have no hesitation about seeking intervention - it seems like a no-lose situation.

[Anonymous]

See what the doctor said, with six words and a large receptive vocabulary, they may vote for wait-and-see for now.

My son had zero words at 15 and 18 months and we did early intervention. Just for six months - he’s fully caught up now at 26 months.

[Anonymous]

All four of my children didn't really start talking until around 2. Hardly any words before that. Our pediatrician wasn't concerned because they were pointing, making lots of sounds and could follow directions (indicating they had high receptive language). Every pediatrician is different though.

It doesn't hurt to get a referral for speech if that is the recommendation. The county is fine at this age. You can start the process and then bow out if your child starts talking.

[Anonymous]

Talk to your pediatrician and ask for a referral for a hearing check at the very least.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All four of my children didn't really start talking until around 2. Hardly any words before that. Our pediatrician wasn't concerned because they were pointing, making lots of sounds and could follow directions (indicating they had high receptive language). Every pediatrician is different though.

It doesn't hurt to get a referral for speech if that is the recommendation. The county is fine at this age. You can start the process and then bow out if your child starts talking.

+1 We were at the borderline for number of words at 15 and 18 months appointments but our ped wasn’t concerned and neither was my mother (apparently my sister and I were also late talkers?) so I didn’t ask for a referral to EI. Language explosion around 22 months, and my child is exceeding verbal milestones at two years. Nothing wrong with making an appointment with EI if it will make you feel better but in some cases the kids catch up without help.

[Anonymous]

My second child was probably right around 10 or fewer words at 18 months. We were concerned and watching it closely, but his vocabulary took off around 18 months. I always wonder if this could have resulted from the individual attention I was able to give him on a trip just the 2 of us took together at 17 months, but it could have easily been a coincidence. He has been on track ever since. He's 5 and has started reading and great verbal skills.

Try not to worry too much, but talk to your pediatrician about your concerns, which they will hopefully alleviate!

[Anonymous]

In MoCo you don’t need a referral for county services. You can contact Infants and Toddlers directly any time you are concerned.

[Anonymous]

I’m in the never just wait and see group, because the right services can only be beneficial to your child. If something else is going on then time is of the essence and the sooner you get the ball rolling the better. In the end if all normal you’re still only going to be helping them.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I would ask for a referral. My child had more words than that at 18 months and her doctor was concerned enough to refer.

[Anonymous]

Hearing test and speech evaluation. You can do either or both ways.

[Anonymous]

At 18 months my daughter only had 4 words. Was in the process of looking for a specialist and she had hearing test done which came out normal. As soon as she turned 19 months her vocabulary increased and now at 21 months she’s on track.

[Anonymous]

Both of mine had first words at 19 months. My first was referred to EI at 15 months by the ped and we did ST from 18-23 months (fully caught up by then and never looked back), the other was referred at the 18 months by a different ped (we did the testing and was offered therapy but we ended up declining as it was virtual therapy and she was having a language explosion anyway they didn't really seem to believe me about in the virtual assessment, and she's been fine/never looked back as well at 2.5 now).

[Anonymous]

0600 here- I should add I felt really judged by the county for declining testing. I felt the virtual assessment they did was completely wrong (12 month level even though she was gaining several words weekly by the time we had the virtual assessment, which is NOT 12 month level) and they suggested intensive and expensive therapy-but not with a speech therapist. When I didn't respond right away they kept bothering me to start the services- the communication was sales pitchy to the point I wondered about if there was a budget problem, and was even a little concerned they would call CPS on me if I declined. They did finally leave me alone when I signed the paperwork declining services. So.. be prepared for something like that if you do get the process started and your child takes off in the meantime.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, all. Is the county the only way to go or can I just call someone?

[Anonymous]

My son only said about 3 words at 18 months. We did an evaluation with Strong Start (I live in the city). Though they determined he had a slight delay, he didn’t qualify for their services… But a few months later his language completely exploded! He is more than caught up by now (2.5 yo). I think he was just on his own timeline.

You can see what your pediatrician says, but it doesn’t hurt to get the evaluation just in case. We also got a hearing test, as some others are suggesting. Good luck!