Expert: Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell - 6/11/2010

Question
QUESTION: hi

My son is 9 months and 8 days old and he still does not say ma-ma pa-pa but he babbles alot and make sounds like dai dai,,ooh aah and aaaa he cralws sits unsupported, smiles when i smile can pull himself to standing postion.

i am little tensed why is he not making correct sounds when he is 9 months old,

can you psl suggest if this is normal

ANSWER: Language is roughly divided into two areas - receptive and expressive. Receptive is about how your son understands and responds to communication; expressive language is the way he lets you know his wants and needs.

A baby between 7 and 12 months old will be developing the following expressive language skills:

   * Babbling has both long and short groups of sounds such as "tata upup bibibibi"
   * Uses speech or non-crying sounds to get and keep attention
   * Uses gestures to communication (waving, holding arms to be picked up)
   * Imitates different speech sounds
   * Has one or two words (hi, dog,dada, mama) around first birthday, although sounds may not be
      clear

Receptively he will be working of skills such as:

   * Enjoys games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
   * Turns and looks in direction of sounds
   * Listens when spoken to
   * Recognizes words for common items like "cup", "shoe", "book", or "juice"
   * Begins to respond to requests (e.g. "Come here" or "Want more?")

The babbling sounds he's making sound typical for a child his age. You will meet 9 month olds who say words clearly and some who have no words at all yet. For his age, is sounds like your son is within the norm language-wise.

The other developmental milestones you mention also sound typical for his age. Are there some of other things that concern you?

Sharon A. Mitchell, B.A., B.Ed., M.A., PhD. candidate



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

QUESTION: Hi Sharon

Thanks a ton for the reply...i am little releived now...just one more thing..do  9 month old babies respond always to what you say as in do they get into conversation..for e.g i am talking to him..sometimes he wil reply to me though the answer comes in aaa..aieo terms but he gets into conversation but sometimes he doesnot,if he doesnot want to listen. if i will tell him No he will stop for a second but again will do the same thing, will go in same direction. sometimes he will respond to his name as in will turn back and look at me, but some times he does not...is it because he is not fully aware of his name.. is that also normal....

I am a first time Mom that is why so many questions for you

Answer
Yes, I still that that what you describe sounds within the normal range. If he never responded to his name or looked over his shoulder when you call, then I'd suggest having his hearing checked, but if his back is turned to you and he'll turn to look at you when you speak, then he seems to hear. It's an unfortunate fact that kids sometimes ignore their moms. They have an interesting world to explore and at that moment you may not be as intriguing as what he wants to do.

It's a good sign that your little boy likes to engage in conversation with you. That joint attention, eye gaze and willingness to be involved are positive signs.

Enjoy your little guy,

Sharon A. Mitchell