Speech delay

I'm feeling like a bad mom...my son is 18 months and still babbles. I know that it takes some kids longer, but after leaving his 18-month appointment, his doctor said he's concerned he's a little behind. I play with him and try games that's supposed to help him mimic, but he refuses to mimic me. He will respond to certain songs and gestures but won't really try to say the words. I'm trying not to get too down and be proactive, but I feel like there's more I can be doing. Anyone else had any advice about their LOs speech development?
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This has nothing to do with you. You are not a bad mom. Speech delays aren’t usually bc of the parents. I see you’re in the US. I’d highly recommend early intervention and also private speech. I’d also ask the doctor to refer you to a developmental pediatrician. It could just be a speech delay which the first two will address, but between 18 months and 2.5 a lot can change and there are long waits for developmental pediatricians. So I’d get in case you want to get him evaluated.

Following. My son is going on 2 1/2 years and really only says mama, dada, the beginning sound of some words, and mimics animal noises.

@Julia He was referred to an audiologist and speech therapy, which most (in around a 20-30mile radius) are booked or no longer offers services for 2yrs and under. I'm searching through insurance and hopefully can find something starting this month. And I agree...things can definitely change in a few months. He was a late walker. Sometimes all the info you get about hitting those milestones can be overwhelming and have me second guessing.

@Kelly being that my son was a late walker, I'm starting to really understand and accept that kids grow at their own pace. It's really given me a little comfort in knowing that. You should definitely talk to your pediatrician like Julie stated to see if a referral could help. Best wishes to you and your LO 🫶

It’s really hard at that age bc they not every place will see them. I’d really recommend early intervention. If nothing else it helps you learn how to teach your child. And they give you resources and recommendations for your child and referrals in your area. My son was in early intervention for speech and he also had lots of challenges with behavior. You will probably qualify for physical therapy as well. Yes, kids progress differently on different timeframes BUT some kids have developmental delays. Without support and intervention they won’t make the same progress as other kids. I say this as a mom of a son recently diagnosed with ASD and a special education teacher. Early intervention makes a huge difference!

It looks like you’re in Georgia. I’m in Nj but they have a program here. https://dph.georgia.gov/babies-cant-wait I called and my doctor and ask he write a referral for me to get my son evaluated for early intervention. It’s provided by the state and subsidized based on your income.

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