14 month, no talking, pointing clapping

[StranjeGirl]

DD is over 14 months, almost 14.5 and still will not clap, point and has no words. Should I be worried? She has just started following my point on a more regular basis. Sometimes she still grabs my finger, but usually she follows it. She will not clap. She will take my hands and clap them together, especially if I ask if she wants to play patty cake, but she won't do it herself. She will bang blocks together. She also doesn't have any meaningful words. She has said mama dada, but not necessarily in relation to us. She mostly babbles dadadada most of the day, and makes other noises and sounds too. Should I be concerned, or has anyone experienced these things coming later. Everything seems on on track. Thanks!

 

[Amy31]

My LO is similar! It is a worry but I think its normal, each toddler develops differently. My LO has started grabbing my hand and taking it to what he wants, point would be easier but he hasn't worked that out. So takes me to whatever he wants, e.g. kitchen to highchair for food, drink etc... but this has only been in the last month. He does clap it started at 1 year, I think he knew how to do it before but choose not to. Like today I asked for a kiss I got one for the first time - I think he knows how to do it just chooses not to!! He doesn't say any words yet, apart from mama and dada but not always at us - but other noises/sounds are starting as well. I have friends with LO similar age who aren't talking yet either so just try not to worry I am sure it will happen soon.

 

[robinator]

Lane is 15 months. She does not talk, does not point (with a finger, anyway; she will use her whole hand to indicate something). As far as clapping goes, she's figured out how to bring her hands together once, but not with a repeated clapping pattern.

 

[marie-louise]

I think 14 months is very early to be worrying I think, some children just develop a little later, my son was sooo much later than that and is being assessed for autism but even though he will be 3 in May I'm told he is very young so the diagnosis could take a while! Just relax and if at 20 months or so there is not much improvement call your hv

 

[_jellybean_]

I agree that it's early to be worrying, but it wouldn't hurt to give her pediatrician a ring for peace of mind.

 

[StranjeGirl]

Thanks ladies! I see the pediatrician next month. I asked at her 12 month check up but he said he really isn't too concerned about pointing and clapping. As for talking he said no one brags about how late their kids were at talking, but we see it all the time here in the office. Usually about 15-18 months you start hearing more and more words. I hope he is right! It gets so scary with all the autism stuff, but honestly I wonder how many "autistic" kids who got reversed with early intervention were just late bloomers? I think my dh would have fit in that category. Very late with everything and not social, but he was just a late bloomer and developed just fine without any intervention. I guess intervention hurts, but it does make me wonder!

 

[daddiesgift]

I'd ask your doctor next visit. I personally wouldn't worry as some kids just develop later but it seems people are wanting babies to do things earlier and earlier! My sons 18 months and does everything he is suppose to but only has about 10 words he uses, though he can sign too and we were referred to a speech therapist. We've gone twice and I'm really shocked how much a baby is suppose to be doing!

 

[mj2004]

I completely understand your concern, my lo does clap and points sometimes however he isn't talking yet. Like your lo he says mama and Dada but not in relation to dh and I. I took him to his 15 month check up on wed and the pediatrician said he should be saying at least 7 words by 18 months. My dd was a late talker, but when she did start talking it was in full sentences! So try not to worry, they all develop at their own pace.