HELP! Is my son delayed?

newbiemom ↓

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 4:41 pm

My son was born blue not breathing. I know there’s a correlation with that and a number of disorders. He always met his milestones on time but is late to walk and also when I ask him questions doesn’t answer properly/doesn’t understand I’m asking a question. He is 13 months. Should I take him to a specialist?

amother

Springgreen

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 4:43 pm

Deep breath. Your son is fine. 13 month olds barely speak, let alone answer questions. And many of them don’t walk. Do you have internet access? Check out some early childhood developmental milestones so that you have an idea of norms. And speak to your pediatrician first with any concerns.

You’ve got this.

amother

Navy

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 4:45 pm

Babies are late if they don’t walk by 15-18 months. And most boys pick up language later. He may or may not be delayed but it’s way too early to know yet.

amother

Cerise

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 4:47 pm

newbiemom wrote:

He's not delayed at all. He's 13 months old.
My kids walked at 18 months.

amother

Ghostwhite

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 4:51 pm

Same as everyone saying.
Baby walking at 13 months and understanding questions is advanced!
He is definitely not delayed.
My ds who was born blue and is considered advanced for his age didn't walk until atleast 14/15 months.

amother

Mustard ↓

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 4:54 pm

It doesn’t hurt to get an evaluation and I always say if you’re concerned get an EI evaluation…

If child gets approved they’ll only benefit from the help… I get all my kids EI but that’s my personal opinion…

My kids all walked and spoke at their own pace some needed more time and help along …

amother

Linen

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 4:59 pm

amother Mustard wrote:

There usually has to be a significant delay to get approved for EI.
Doesn’t sound like that’s the case here

↑ newbiemom

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 5:06 pm

It’s not advanced questions more like where is Mommy? And he will just stare blankly. He doesn’t get the concept of a question. Or when he says “More” he will say it when eating but doesn’t really get it bc he always has food on his plate. I just don’t want to miss something I should have done that could have helped him reach his highest potential.

amother

Wheat ↓

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 5:32 pm

newbiemom wrote:

As a parent we want the best for our child. You may find it helpful to look up developmental milestones by age to get an idea of what sort of things a child of his age should be doing. However that is only an average. There is a range of normal and just because he isn't doing something, it doesn't mean he is outside the norm.
If you are concerned, it never harms to get your child checked out.

amother

Seashell

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 5:37 pm

As a special education teacher I will tell you that you absolutely should get him evaluated. You are very perceptive and as his mother you see that he has receptive language delays. EI is invaluable and the earlier you start the better.
PS not walking at this age is very normal.

amother

DarkRed ↓

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 5:38 pm

My son started sitting by 13 months. He is 100% fine, he’s now 5, climbs trees, walls, and beyond. By age 2 he barely had words. I had him evaluated and was not approved.

If he is making eye contact, shows interest or disinterest (coat makes him happy to go out, cookies excite him, etc) he’s probably ok.

To get yourself peace of mind you can ask your pediatrician, but nothing you mentioned sounds like it isn’t age appropriate

amother

↑ Wheat

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 6:18 pm

Another point when concerned about development of language and understanding is to get his hearing checked. My nephew was delayed in language and they got his hearing checked and it turned out he had fluid in his ears and he wasn't able to hear everything. He's fine now and you would never know it took him longer to develop his listening and understanding.

seeker ↓

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 10:21 pm

amother Mustard wrote:

I think it does hurt to get an unnecessary evaluation because then if concerns arise later you may not be approved for an evaluation at that time because "we already checked and he's fine." Plus you may be slowing down resources for people who actually need them. Nothing OP describes seems like cause for concern at this time so there is no reason to recommend an evaluation.

↑ seeker

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 10:26 pm

newbiemom wrote:

Are you the one asking where's Mommy? Because in that case he knows exactly where you are and doesn't understand the concept of a question. I'd be more curious if you ask where's Daddy, and Daddy is a few steps away, does he turn and look at Daddy.

More is also tricky. People like to teach it early because it can apply to many things, but that also makes it more confusing and abstract for the baby. Banana is banana, bottle is bottle, but what's a more?

Being a baby is confusing.

amother

Bronze

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 10:28 pm

The average age to start walking is around 14-16 months
Babies should be saying 3 words at 15 months and 10 words at 18 months.
Most babies learn to follow directions at around 14-18 months.
This all based on the last 9 years I've been working in childcare.

amother

Azalea

Tue, Dec 31 2024, 10:43 pm

If he met all mile stones wheres the delay??

Until 18months is within normal range of walking

Any specific sounds that baby consistantly uses as words?
It is totally age appropriate for 13month old to be incapable of consistently following directions or understanding you.