Would you call EI for speech evaluation?

My DDs turned 20 months yesterday. One DD has been talking up a storm for months. She knows well over 100 words, sings verses of songs and is speaking in phrases now. My other DD (who always does everything later than her sister)is another story. At 18 months, she knew about 5 words. I think she's now up to about 20 words and I've definitely noticed a lot of progress in the last week or two. She is definitely more of a laid back personality and tends to do things on her own timeline so DH isn't at all concerned about her speech.

I asked our pediatrician at the 18 month appt and he said they don't usually get concerned about lack of talking until 2 years. He also mentioned that a lot of times with twins, one will talk more than the other. Should I be concerned and have her evaluated or does it seem like she is on the right track? Thanks so much for any opinions you might have!

 

Personally, I think if you are concerned calling for a speech evaluation wouldn't hurt. It's free and they can alleviate your concerns by saying she does not qualify for services or give her the extra help she might need. So, I think either way you win. Good luck on your decision! Let us know how you make out!

 

When I called for information about getting a speech eval, the woman I talked to (who was super nice and helpful) told me that she would want to see them if they didn't have 5-7 words by they time they were 18 months ADJUSTED age, so since my boys were 8 weeks early, she would see them at 20 months. I'm not sure if yours were preemies but it sounds like if they were, you might be ok, if they weren't premature, you might be kind of on the borderline. Its worth a call to EI to the what the guidelines are in your area.

 

Has she had ear infections? Have you had her hearing checked recently? The only reason why I ask is my nephew was delayed with his speech. He would say 5-10 words at around 18 months old. He would answer you and respond. My brother and SIL never thought it could be his hearing, but it turned out that it was. He had had 4 or so ear infections from 12-18 months old...about the time the speech is developing. Anyways, come to find out he had a bunch of scar tissue and needed tubes put in his ears. Now that he has had all that done, his speech is fine and is no longer delayed.

Just a thought.....

On another note. I have been told that twins are slower sometimes with speech. They tend to have their own language and learn from each other and mimic each other.

 

I had mine evaluated at 18.5 months. At the time they were only saying about 3 words so to me it was important just to see. It is a free service to have them evaluated and I'm glad I did. They were at a 46% delay. It's been 2 months and we are JUST starting the therapy THIS WEEK! Yes, it's been a loong and frustrating wait to get them started as they couldn't find a therapist that was in our network that had an opening, etc. So, the boys are now over 20 months and are now saying a few more words which is good. I'm really looking forward to seeing how things improve withing the next few months with the therapy!

 

Thanks so much to each of you for your replies! It really helps so much. My girls were born at 37 weeks so pretty much full term. I started counting yesterday and I think DD is up to about 25-30 words. Since she has taken off a lot in the last 2 weeks, I'm still on the fence about getting her evaulated ... may give it another few weeks. In any case, thanks so much to each of you!

 

Sounds like she's doing ok to me.