My son had maybe 10 words at 18 months, and a gradual but slow increase each month after that. He’s now 23 months and it seems like the light bulb has gone off in the last two weeks - he’s saying certain numbers, animal names, identifying toys, etc. He is probably approaching 100 words now which is so exciting after a slow-ish start. So, while it may be beneficial to get your child evaluated, I think some kids just blossom right as they approach age 2

We were super worried about my son at this age. He had basically zero (other than no). Now at 27 months, he says hundreds. It's wild how quickly his language developed. Whereas my daughter was talking at 12 months and just steadily gained words.

Each of my boys had four. (The milestone is five.). No delays - they were just boys! Second and subsequent kids often talk later too.

Call if you are worried but you probably won’t qualify for help - she has two more words than the milestone!

I'd say 200-300? She speaks in full sentences and sings full songs including multiple verses. BUT she didn't walk til 18 months for no other reason than she was content not walking. Every child is different. I remember being SHOCKED at the 18m appointment when they asked if she knows 5-10 words/animal sounds.

My DD (20 months) has a very solid vocabulary of a couple hundred words. I'm not exaggerating and trying to show off, but saying that because at 20 months, my DS had a vocabulary of maybe 5 words (cheers, duck, D, mas, maybe dada) so the difference is striking. We are in Arlington and put him in the PIE program. He was evaluated at a 14 month speech level at 2 years. The improvement was amazing and he's now talking up a storm. However, I will say that you're right, his final session was virtual and it was useless.

I agree with above, can the speech therapist coach YOU, who can then work with your child? Most of the PIE program was directed at the parents and teaching them how to engage with their child. Good luck! It's stressful but good to address early on!

Anonymous wrote:This is op. My oldest child has speech disorder, and that’s why I am worried about this youngest one even though she is only 20 months old. Virtual speech therapies are not helpful with her because she is too young to get benefits, and we cannot do in person speech therapies because of covid concern. She does not wear mask.

I am just anxious worrying, but it seems like I cannot find way to do anything about it. My oldest is doing virtual speech therapies through county & insurance, and they both comment that my 20 months old need intervention. She has done a few virtual speech therapies, and she does not respond well, no talking or sound, just whining, looking away or smiling at the screen.

PP here with the 19 month old. I am surprised they are trying to do virtual speech therapy with her directly. When we have our virtual meetings with our speech pathologist, she coaches us, the parents, on how to encourage speech. We often do sessions without DD present to focus on us learning the strategies. We are the ones that implement the strategies. This is with the Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers program which uses a parent coaching model.

This is op. My oldest child has speech disorder, and that’s why I am worried about this youngest one even though she is only 20 months old. Virtual speech therapies are not helpful with her because she is too young to get benefits, and we cannot do in person speech therapies because of covid concern. She does not wear mask.

I am just anxious worrying, but it seems like I cannot find way to do anything about it. My oldest is doing virtual speech therapies through county & insurance, and they both comment that my 20 months old need intervention. She has done a few virtual speech therapies, and she does not respond well, no talking or sound, just whining, looking away or smiling at the screen.

OP, our 19 month old is similar. 11 words if we include animal sounds and incomplete words. We are doing early intervention since she had zero words at 16 months. It's one of those things where she's probably fine and one of those "late talkers" that will catch up, but you never know.

There could be some physical issue (like hearing) affecting speech, and it's important to rule that out because the sooner those things are addressed the easier it will be to catch up. Early intervention can help point you in the right direction in terms of what kinds of medical tests you should seek. And they are really good at teaching strategies for encouraging them to speak and use more words. Really recommend it - this is such a critical time for language development.

has about 7, but also has some noises (couple of animal sounds, blows for wind, imitates couple of songs sounds to request songs). Otherwise points to things. But: cannot sort colors or shapes, and does not respond to many simple requests. (Give me X, come here)

Mine had 5. And then around 2 her word explosion happened. Shes talked fluently in two languages with very rich vocabulary by 3.5.

Anonymous wrote:I just asked my 18 month old if he wanted Cheerios. He replied, “ Yeah, in a bowl.” ( Couldn’t say the l in bowl.)

Also, I want to mention that my verbal kid had pt for motor delays through Fairfax County Infant Toddler Connection. He has made immense progress in that area. If you’re not already in the pipeline, I would suggest it. *Hugs* It was really scary when DS wasn’t making his milestones.

I just asked my 18 month old if he wanted Cheerios. He replied, “ Yeah, in a bowl.” ( Couldn’t say the l in bowl.)

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Mine had 0. Count your blessings.

Mine has 7 words.