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Is Slow Rate Of Speech In An 18 Month Old Infant A Concern?

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Posted on Fri, 24 Jun 2016
Question: Hi Dr,

My 18mth baby boy XXXXXXX started talking. Other than "baba" mama he started when he was 1 year old, there was no distinct word yet. Not even bye bye or "hi". We had been talking a lot n encourage him to speak up. But he is always not willing to talk.

Whenever he wants something he will point at the object and say "ah" oooh" hm" . He is learn fast he knows the name of everything . " eyes ears table chairs , his toys , sofa, Abc,123. He understand lots of words but only "ah ooh yi etc" to express himself.
He only nod his head when we ask him if wan something . But not willing to say "yes" or "no", he will nod n reply with a "um"
Is it normal at this stage? Or are we too eager?

What do u advise?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
To me it seems normal,you may consult an audiologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query


I have gone through the details and do understand your concern well.
At age of 18 months children recognize familiar people,object and body parts.Follow simple command and so response with gestures.At this age the child has a vocabulary of about 10 words.After going through the query,to me the language milestones appear to be normal for this age.
I suggest you to interact with your baby as much as possible.Talk to your child about all daily activities like what you are doing,what is happening in surroundings.Read book to the child.
Avoid watching television(Watching TV in this age causes impaired language development.
XXXXXXX academy of pediatrics has barred children below two years for watching the television.After two year child can watch TV for 2 hours daily under parent's supervision. These steps help in proper language and speech development.
If still you are anxious about the language delay you can consult an audiologist to rule out any hearing abnormality.



I hope this helps.
Please ask if you have any more query.
regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)
Thks for ur reply.

Yes , we always play nursery rhymes on the iPad for him to seek to distract him. Tv is also on most of the time.

If I tell him to pick up banana he will run to it n say ooh" I tried n read pointing to my lips. He looked at me n turn away. He said "Apple " a few times few months ago but after I ask him to repeat he wouldn't say.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Don't worry,follow his language and other milestones

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up

I won't get overly worried as his language milestones are normal for his age.
The important thing is that he is able to understand the commands,this indicates that his hearing ability is normal.
Keep patience and observe him closely for his language and other milestones.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain

Pediatrician, Cardiology

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2073 Questions

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Is Slow Rate Of Speech In An 18 Month Old Infant A Concern?

Brief Answer: To me it seems normal,you may consult an audiologist Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query I have gone through the details and do understand your concern well. At age of 18 months children recognize familiar people,object and body parts.Follow simple command and so response with gestures.At this age the child has a vocabulary of about 10 words.After going through the query,to me the language milestones appear to be normal for this age. I suggest you to interact with your baby as much as possible.Talk to your child about all daily activities like what you are doing,what is happening in surroundings.Read book to the child. Avoid watching television(Watching TV in this age causes impaired language development. XXXXXXX academy of pediatrics has barred children below two years for watching the television.After two year child can watch TV for 2 hours daily under parent's supervision. These steps help in proper language and speech development. If still you are anxious about the language delay you can consult an audiologist to rule out any hearing abnormality. I hope this helps. Please ask if you have any more query. regards