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View Full Version : My 21 months doesn't understand anything I say. I am worried about autism.


scurrie28
Sep 2, 2011, 08:25 AM
He doesn't point or wave, but I just want to know if any parents had this problem with their toddler and they turned out fine or whether I should be worried could he really grow out of this or could it be just a development delay? His eye contact was pretty bad but has gotten better over the past couple of weeks. Please help.

Curlyben
Sep 2, 2011, 10:10 AM
Before you start throw the A word around calm down.
He may simply be a slow developer.
Don't forget he isn't even TWO yet so lots of new stuff to learn.

Try using things he shows an interest to to grab and keep his attention.

Do you spend time with him talking about things and getting him to reapeat what he's hearing?

Worth a try, but don't push too hard.

Wondergirl
Sep 2, 2011, 10:44 AM
Calm down. Babies have their own time frames for developing and for reaching milestones.

Both of my sons had no teeth at all at twelve months. I was ready to buy dentures for them. Also, both didn't crawl and even try to walk until they were 18 months old. I was afraid I'd have to carry them for the rest of their lives (and they were getting heavy! ). I won't even begin to tell you about potty training.

Today they are 36 and 40, know how to walk very well, have a full set of permanent teeth, and are potty trained. All my worry was for nothing.

scurrie28
Sep 3, 2011, 06:33 AM
Thank you so much for your replies, I do try to do everything with my son to help him learn. At first I thought he would learn in his own time and just let him run around and be a little boy and stop pushing him but as he is getting older I realised he doesn't understand a word I say let alone speak any words! Most things I read on the internet about toddlers not talking nearly all of them state that they can understand and my little boy is far from understanding anything right now.
It's so hard not to worry and keep my spirits up for him and waiting for the NHS to help is beyond a joke.
Thank you for all your help

Wondergirl
Sep 3, 2011, 08:37 AM
Thank you for all your help
Please feel free to ask more questions. There are lots of moms (and dads) on this site who will give you helpful ideas.

QLP
Sep 3, 2011, 09:01 AM
Just a couple of thoughts.

Firstly have you had his hearing checked?

Secondly are you sure he doesn't understand you at all? For example is his reactiion the same if you are telling him something he might not be interested in as it is when you are offering him something he would definitely want? If he is accustomed to being left to run around maybe he just prefers that?

Alty
Sep 3, 2011, 09:26 AM
To add to what QLP said, I think that having his eyesight checked is also important, since you said he doesn't wave, point, and has trouble making eye contact.