Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 9/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: my son will be 15 months old in 2 days.  he only says mama and dada but doesnt direct to myself or husband.  

things he does do
give eye contact
waves by by
knows how to go somewhere when asked, like take a bath or bed he will go to that room
pretends his on the phone
bables
points
high fives
kisses

things he doesnt do
talk other then babble
he does twril sometimes when there is music on
does headbang his head sometimes
when hes preaccupied he doesnt listen when i call him, ex when hes watching t.v

he has alot of energy and i dont even give him candy or soda.  

please let me know, i have a hearing appt this month, but im so anxious.  thanks



ANSWER: Hi Lindsay

Though he is definitely delayed in the area of expressive language (time to work on this!), it's too soon to see if he has autism. How is his comprehension otherwise? Does he follow some simple commands?

He does seem to have some attention issues and hyperactivity. This may go away or it could develop into something-time will tell.

What I would do now is concentrate on his language and then watch the other stuff.

Let me know if I can be a help to you in this area.




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: what things can i do to up his language?  he plays well with kids.  he follows comands.  hes actually pretty smart when it comes to comands.   my other concern when he fulls, he just gets back up and runs.  hes pretty tuff.  he wins for things, i just ask him what he wants and tell him to use his words.   he does shake his head no when he dont want something.  i dunno what to do? he also just started two days ago puting his finger in his ears,  he dont do it all the time maybe 2 times a day.   he likes to draw, he doesnt space out.   what do u suggest?

ANSWER: Finger's in his ears is a sign of hearing sensitivities. Do you have early intervention in your area-through the schools?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i dont know what are they called? so i know what to ask for?  hes only 15months.  could that b why hes not talking?

Answer
15 month year olds should be saying some words, so he is delayed. He does have some other concerning behaviors: putting his finger in his ears, not coming when you call him, the hyperactivity. But it is good that he is following directions.

Call the school that is closest to you and request an early intervention evaluation.
That will start things rolling.

How does he communicate to you what he wants?