wow thanks for the replies... really helpful! i wanted to reply to some things but dont know how to multi quote.

Freya, yes he's really "manual", hands on. His hand/finger co-ordination amazes me.... i can't help stereotyping but i can see he'll be good with gadgets, sport etc.

His scope for understanding (and hearing) is really good, for instance he points to the right body parts and things when you ask him (where is your nose, where is mum?).

The ONLY thing that concerns me, is that when he wants something now he uses the hand signals, and says "ah ah ah ah" with a sense of urgency. He never says anything else, even when i repeat back "oh you'd like a drink, D R I N K" (pronounced slowly), he just smiles.

DS1 used to try to copy me... around this age... i know i'm comparing again, can't help it.


Raven, do you mind telling me what else i might look for that he's doing that is abnormal?

See the other thing that i wondered if it is a factor is our isolation, because of my PND & other health issues, we literally haven't socialised in over 6 months, no playdates, no friends etc. I was a lot more social with DS1, but then i figure DS1 & DS2 have each other, and they are good mates. I feel guilty about not providing them with more of a social life, but its hard when predominantly i haven't been able to drive/leave the house. Though i can't really say its lack of communication, because DS1 is always talking to DS2, and i am too..... just lack of alternate stimulation. Though now that i'm on the mend (touch wood), i really am trying to get our social life back.

Sally, that would be great if you could pass that on to me!! thank you.

Maz, my gut is thinking he needs a little help getting words out... but i don't know why..... i just know he hasn't been read to as much as i would have liked, and can't help wonder if its something to do with the PND, I dunno.

I've tried to ramp up the wooden puzzles too, you know animals, vehicles, so i say the word when he has the peice.

What to you think of flash cards? DS1 was given some but i thought they were a bit um, un-natural? Maybe they'd help though?

Also something else to mention, the dummy... DS1 had one until 2ish and it wasn't a problem with his speech. I let him have it when ever he wants (as i feel he's needed that source of comfort particularly through my PND), but if its around he'll put it in. I'd like him to have it a bit longer as sucking for comfort is really natural (at his age DS1 was breastfeeding for comfort), he doesn't have the boob for comfort though. I hope its not hindering him, mouth development etc?