Willow, when he saw the paed at 18 months I was told his speech was delayed. I was also supposed to take him for a hearing assessment, but told to do that when he was well... by the time he was well, the referral had expired. His understanding is fine, but he just doesn't really talk back. We're still at the point of single words - he doesn't really string words together. I know of other kids his age where you can actually have a conversation with them, but not Sam. I can't even really get him to try to say words with me - he'll copy once, but if he doesn't get it right, it's like he refuses to have another go. Then there are the days where we get a lot of pointing and babbling and I start to think it's not a matter of him not talking, it's more that we just can't understand him yet!

I'm supposed to take him back to the paed now, but I need a new referral from the GP, and I'm just avoiding making the appointment.

BW