Speech delay in younger sibling

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

My son is almost 4 and doesnt talk yet, however we have been using sign

language with him for quite a while and he uses it well. My problem is my

younger son Spencer. He is 20 months old and doesnt have any words yet. We are

going to get a speech evaluation for him hopefully soon (he does say mama, dada,

hi, by, and bubby) . The interesting thing is that he has picked up a few

signs. I have never made any efforts to teach them to him- he's just picked

them up. He looked at me today and signed mom instead of using his voice! I am

getting rather concerned about this. Developmentally, he is doing fine in all

other areas. Did anyone else experience this with younger siblings of a non

verbal child? I am just curious. Spencer stays home with me and I have thought

about putting him in a day care class a couple of days per week just so he can

be around other kids on a more consistent basis. ANy ideas would be helpful. I

feel like I already do alot of activities with both of the boys to promote

language( ie reading to them, singing, etc.). I guess I'm just a little

worried.

THanks.

Jodi

3.8 DS and Spencer 20 mo