Uncertain. Am I holding him back some how?

My DS had his 18 month old medical check today, and while flicking thru his "Blue Book", I read the 18 month nurse check parent questionaire. It was asking about all sorts of things, but the "Language" section got me. How many people have 18 month olds that talk? It askes, does you child use 10 words or more besides "mum" and "dad"? Does your child understand and use up to 50 words? My boy is not talking at all! He occasionally says Mum or Dad, but not often. He doesn't point to things. He Doesn't understand simple instructions. All the questions asked (and there were a lot of them) I answered "no" to. It made me really worried that perhaps he is falling behind. Am I holding him back some how? He can't use a spoon to feed himself, I'm still feeding him. How can he use sentences if he doesn't talk?
I admit I'm feeling a little panicked.
Some one please reasure me that my boy is normal!

I would say that your boy is very much normal. Aside from the fact that he was a premmie - and they are always a little bit delayed in development - there are babies out there that are full term and are at the same stage as yours.

I wouldn't stress too much about it yet :hug:
FWIW - DS was talking HEAPS at 18 months - but DD (who is currently 14 months) is nowhere near where he was at the same age - so even siblings develop differently ;)

I should also add that he has actually overtaken most 18month olds physically. I guess I really want his mental development to be up there too.
Thanks.
See you next Sunday ;)

Oh my, I could have written your post, although my DS is just 16 months old....but I'm betting he will be much the same at 18 months.

If you want the whole story, take a look at my "Pointing Update" thread- I'm going through this whole journey with the fact of not pointing and perhaps not speaking "enough". I don't think there is anything wrong with my DS, but I am going to get some further investigations done just in case. My mummy instinct tells me all is fine, but I would hate to think I missed anything. Did your MCHN recommend anything? Mine recommended some further assessments to be sure all is ok.

Having said that, listen to your instinct too- yes, get further opinions if its recommended, but when it comes to whether to worry/ panic about it- listen to what your heart says. And let me know how it goes! I have to say I am relieved to hear about a child who is developmentally very similar to Peter! ;)

Hi,

I don't have a 18 months old or a 16 months old but from experience (as an occupational therapist), boys generally develop language later than girls and it is not uncommon for boys to not "talk" until they reach their 2nd birthday or a bit latter.

What is important to look for is how engaging your baby is during interaction with you and other children. Do they pay attention through making eye contact, do they understand what you are telling them either by responding through body language or words. Can they read your emotional status such as when you say "no" or when you indicate you are not happy.

Got to run so will write more later.

Hope that helps.