Possible signs of...?

[CajunMommyof3]

I know this is not a pregnancy question but my 14 month old son doesn't talk at all. He has said Dada once and momma a couple times but that's been months ago. He has never said them since then and I can't get him to say anything else. He will point to things that he wants and makes noises but he won't tell me what he wants. I even tell him what things are called hoping he will repeat it but he never does. But I'm just wondering what could be wrong. A friend asked me if he was autistic but I just don't know.

[jemma116]

If your child responds well to your, communicates with eye contact and smiles and is happy, it is highly likely that he is just slow in talking.

Is he crawling/walking, playing with you, trying to dance to music, clapping his hands, responds to you when he sees you and so on, his speech is likely to come a little later.

Every child is different and develop at different times.  Some children are early talkers, others early walkers.

He is only 14 months old, so don't worry too much.  

Autistic children would not respond and would not communicate at all, they avoid eye contact and usually hate loud noises and will not interact with play.  At the age of 14 months old he is too young to get an assessment for autism.

I have a grandson who is 6 and he is idle when it comes to talking.  He is capable of talking very well, but will grunt and make silly noises and point at what he wants.  Of course at that age, he gets told that if he does not ask nicely, he will not get.

When you hold your baby, have eye to eye contact with him and talk to him.  Repeat the words and sounds.  Put your mouth to his cheek and make the sounds, so that he will feel the vibrations of the sound that you are making.  Watching your lips move will also teach him to how to move his lips and tongue.  Point to things and tell him what it is.

Children of that age also like to look at pictures.  Get him a small book with lots of pictures and make time to sit with him and point to the pictures and say what it is, even letters and colours, these can be on your cereal packet, bottle of milk and so on.  Although he is not able to talk properly just yet, the information will be getting absorbed into his little brain.

Best wishes.

[MarkLakewood3367]

I would get a second opinion.  This could be a developmental issue.  If caught now, the issue could be resolved.  The older your child gets, the more permanent the symptoms.

[CajunMommyof3]

It's just something I'm not used to my oldest son will be three in December and when he was 14 months he was saying lots of stuff. And then I go to my youngest and he won't talk at all. It just worries me. His doctor didn't seem too concerned about it at his one year old appointment. But I just feel like there could be something wrong.

[Mrsrobb]

If you haven't yet try to not give him what he wants until he tries to say it and if that doesn't work then maybe try to just keep doing what you're doing with hoping he will repeat it. But try it with everything, diaper, wipe, trash, light things like that. If it still doesn't work I would mention it to his dr.

[Mommy_Daddy_2]

I would have him evaluated at the doctor. If they are concerned with his development they will likely give you a referral to a specialist. Remember YOU are your child's biggest advocate.  

[PeachesRM]

He could be autistic ... But at the same time it could be nothing... My cousin son didnt talk at all.. 100% and now he's 5 and will not shut up to save his life.. It take some kids longer then others especially if they are a only child and don't be around to many kids... And if the parent is not consistent with the teaching... But to be on the safe side I would get him checked... Where I live they have free speech class for children !! Good luck!

[ash060115]

Ask to be referred to speach and language therapy and request a multi disciplinary assessment.  

And keep talking to him and reading singing etc

try not worry every child develops differently :)

[2xmommie]

Talk to his pediatrician about it and see what they say.... Kids move at different speeds....

[knufrio]

If your pediatrician thinks something is up they will let you know. My nephew had a speech delay and didn't really talk until he was almost 3. Boys tend to be a little more delayed than girls anyway. Autistic kids also tend to have other markers as well such as trouble with noises and lack of eye contact. If you are truly concerned you can see if your state had an early intervention program (I believe they all do) or ask your pediatrician for a referral for a speech and hearing evaluation. I wouldn't be too concerned at this point though.