Speech

I'm concerned about my grandson.  He is 15 months old.  He has said momma, aw-o, dada.  I had him one night and was telling him he was my baby.  He makes the b sound - garbles jibber.  Makes lots of sounds but doesn't know words.  Has a dog - doesn't say dog, etc.  Doesn't hold his arms out for his mommy.  Knows what you are saying - if I say night night - or time to eat, hold hands, no.  Will shake his head no.  Will imitate clapping hand and rolling his hands for patty cake, but does not try to sing along.

Do we need to have him tested?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

No, he does not need to be tested. His development in this area sounds fine. Remember, byt he time children reach the age of 18 months, most are able to use only 5-20 words, though they are able to follow/understand commands beyond their ability to actually use language expressively. There's no need to worry.