DS is 16 months old. He is very hyper compare to kids his age. I notice and observe that some of them are very quiet and sometimes shy. My mother-in-law said it might be sign that DS has "special needs" I'm also noticing that his speech is not developing as much as I expected. Two months ago he's been saying a lot of words..like "I did it", "thank you", "no", "mama", "dada" but now he stopped. DH has a nephew and a niece (twins) 11 yrs old. The girl has ADHD and the litttle boy is always hyper and is taking medication just to go to sleep. He can't sit still. I don't remember exactly what he has. I'm afraid that DS problem will get worse. I'm still waiting when he turns 18 months for his well baby appointment so that I can ask hes pedia (since she is always booked). I'm already thinking that DS will be a late talker anyway since he is more focus on running around and copying other people (especially older kids) when they are doing something. He is very smart though he knows how to put key on the door, he knows how to open the fridge, he knows what to do with the remote, turn off the TV, he takes off his diaper when its wet, etc... I know I shouldn't compare DS to other kids because kids develop differently compare to their peers. Some are late some are early. But how would you explain about him being hyper or active, not saying much, and can't sit still? Is it normal for his age? when do you start worrying?

I would try to not worry about it yet. Many children aren't talking much by 16 months, esp. boys. The physical over activity COULD be something like ADHD, but it could also just be an energetic baby. Do mention your concerns and your family history at your 18 month checkup but for now I'd just try not to worry. HTH

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I agree. Mention it to the Dr. and see if further testing is warranted, but don't be too concerned at this point. Do take the gentle approach in discipline, however. You never know.

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The Really Needy, Special, Networking and Talking Mod

I think being active and energetic and not being able to sit still is completely normal for a 16 month old boy. Both my boys are like that. I have noticed that some kids are quiet and able to sit still at that age and some aren't...mine aren't - and I'm learning to be okay with that! And 16 months is way to young to diagnose any kind of hyperactivity. It's never a bad idea to share your concerns with your pediatrician though.

As far as the talking is concerned - kids develop at different stages and when they're working on a new skill, they might appear to "lose" some skills they have already mastered for a short period of time. I had similar concerns about my 20 month old not long ago. He didn't walk until almost 15 months and he was barely talking at his 15 month appointment. My pediatrician wasn't concerned in the least. He said that at 15 months they look for toddlers to say three words other than "mama" and "dada." At two years of age they're looking for them to be able to say at least 10 words. Sure enough, my son was chattering away by the time he was 18 months. You may find that your son starts picking up a lot of words in the next few months!

At this point I wouldn't worry too much! You were blessed with an active child - and while I feel for you because I know what it's like - it can also be a wonderful thing! Good luck!!

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Stephanie
Mom to: Caleb (8-27-2003), Ian (9-28-2005), & Baby Boy #3 (EDD 11-9-2008)