How well should he be talking?

[Jessie001]

I have an 18 month old son and I'm concerned he isnt talking enough. He understands instrustions and can say about 10 to 15 words but he does alot of grunting and pointing at things ...... how well should he be talking?

[Erin_25]

I wouldn't stress, each & every child is different & will do things in their own time. I think there was a thread on this not long ago & everyone agreed they all do it in their own time. I think the average being around 2 they would just take off with talking. My DS just picks new things up each & everyday......he's now just over 2 & he is only just copying what we say & still talks a lot of jibberish.
The one thing we do when he points at something etc we ask him "what, don't point tell mummy"....we repeat this a couple times then we go through the names of things so he understands what they are.

[Trillian]

I would say that he is still within 'normal' speech development for his age. Some babies will have loads of words and talking sentences, and others will be like your little one and some will be inbetween that. The most important thing is that he can understand you if you ask him to do something or ask a question, so the words will follow later. In the meantime you can help him by making sure that you name everything - if he points to something, ask "do you want the ball/book/toy etc" and that will help him pick up new words too.

[Visitor8]

I have an 18 month old son and I'm concerned he isnt talking enough. He understands instrustions and can say about 10 to 15 words but he does alot of grunting and pointing at things ...... how well should he be talking?

About that well

They are all different Sounds within the normal range to me.

[Early Kids]

Sounds like he's doing just fine to me.

As the others have said, they are all different and all develop differently.

If you are still concerned though speak to your MCHN.

[Jessie001]

Thanks so much ladies!
I took him to a baby nurse today and I guess she freaked me out, she said he was behind in his speech because he wasnt saying sentences .... anyway I'll just watch and see how he goes and as some of you said make sure we try tell him what everything is when we pass it to him. I'm taking him to the community nurse next week so I'll chat to her aswell

[Early Kids]

sentences! I feel they expect far too much from our children.

Brendan is 28 months old and is now saying roughly 10 words.... he is speech delayed though, but at his 24 month (corrected age) check his speech was graded between 12 and 18 months and back then he had only about 5 words, no sentences and very little understanding. He could only understand and follow 2-3 simple instructions.

My point being... if that is what a 12-18 month old should be doing according to Brendan's Paed and Child psychologist then your little man is doing beautifully

[Visitor8]

what the??? Delayed because he can't speak in sentences??!!

Shiiiiiiit. Jaidan couldn't do that till he was 2.5!

Chase was my early talker and was at that age but Jaidan wasn't and there is nothing wrong with him now Can't shut the child up!

[Jaycee]

I think he is perfectly fine!
I personally don't know any 18 month olds who talk in sentences.
My DS is 18 months as well and is exactly the same as your son, says around 10-15 words, can put 2 words together like "big truck" or "oh no" and understands a lot of the instructions I give him, that's about it!
Don't worry, your son is fine!