How To Speak With Nirmal Baba?

When will my 20 months old son speak?

• My son is 20 months old. He is very communicative. He points to things. Plays peek-a-boo with us. He pulls our hands and takes us to things he wants. He also seemed to develop some sign language like if he wants to go outside,he waves his hands. But he is little behind in his words. He says baba,mama, kaka and some other baby words. But still no clear and meaningfull words. So I am bit concerned. Many of my friends told me that their son did not start to speak until they are two years old. But that does not convince me. Anyone having same concern?? Please share your experience!!!

• Answer:

  This is normal. My son started babbling at 18 months and each sound meant something different. However it wasn't that many sounds. Mamma, Dadda, Baba, ban ban (blankie) ti ti (outside). Just a few more sounds and that was it. When he was two, he was even more talkative. Boys tend to talk a little later than girls. If you are concerned about it go to the dr and insist on a hearing test. When he gets older (about 4 yrs old) and doesn't speak clearly get him a speech test. My son babbled till he was 6. I fought with several dr and no one would do a speech test. I took him to a preschool screening when he was 4 and during the speech screening the speech pathologist noticed my son had 3 speech disorders and starting working him on it. From what she told me, it can be very hard to diagnose speech disorders in children younger than 4 however in some extreme cases like my son's he probably could have been diagnosed with speech disorders at age 3, however they try not to. Just pay attention to what age he starts talking and if you are the only one who can understand what he wants. Get a speech journal Write down certain things you are concerned about with how old he was during this concern. When he starts to babble more. When others can understand words and what those words were. That way if he has a speech problem it will make it easier for you to get someone to listen you and screen him. My youngest started talking legibly at age 3, however my oldest was at age 6 and that was with two years of speech. Now my son is 7 and you can't tell he ever had a problem speaking clearly. However he still stutters. I just wish I could have gotten him help earlier than what I did. Like I said what your son is doing is normal and age appropriate but just keep the journal just in case he needs therapy. It will make your battle easier.