21 month old not speaking

[mardemo]

My 21 month old son isn't really saying much except mama and I'm not sure he even really knows what he's saying when he says that.  He uses a pacifier for naps and bedtime but he's been climbing to get them during the day too.  There is no real regression in speech since he never talked much at all, what I'm worried about is his cognitive skills.  If I ask for a kiss sometimes he'll do it and sometimes he won't, if I call him sometimes he looks and sometimes he doesn't.  He doesn't stim, no stacking or spinning or lining up toys.  He doesn't arm flap or use repetitive behavior.  Could this be autism or some kind of retardation?  He's very happy otherwise.

[beealam]

my 21 months old daughter doesnot speak. she is good in playing with toys stacking blocks properly, she does twinkle her hands on twinkle twinkle little star and also waves her hand on bye bye but no matter how hard i try her to say any word she just does not seems interested in sayin anything  she does make sounds n noises but no proper word comes out of her mouth. please suggest me hoe can i help my daughter speak any small words

[Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA]

I recommend that you have your son participate in a developmental screening as soon as possible. From your description, it sounds as though your son is experiencing a language delay. Early intervention for any developmental delay is critically important, so you will want to get your son evaluated soon. Be sure that any evaluation results in recommendations for how to interact with you son in a way that will help encourage his language.