I have a 16 month old niece who does not babble or speak, even simple sounds such as ball, mama, etc. Her hearing has been evaluated and there is nothing found to be wrong. Any further advice. She learns to do things quickly so that is not part of our concern.
I was wondering if she has any siblings? My friend has 4 children and her youngest wouldn't talk. They realized it was because she didn't have to! All she would have to do is point to something and a brother or sister would get it for her. She didn't have a reason to vocalize her requests. She always had someone catering to her every need. Just a thought.
Hi, we have had this almost same situation years ago when my sister was little. almost everyone told my mom she would never speak and this was at one year two years three years and possibly even four. My mom then got into a program where they taught the children sign language and at the same time said the words with the sign. that way we could communicate through the sign language but still be teaching her how to talk. maybe thats something for this little girls parents to consider. it wont mean that she is deaf she just might be one of those children who take longer to talk. my sister is now 16 and almost never is quiet. i myself didn't talk much at all until i was two. don't let people push your family. somethings in life take longer to achieve. good luck with everything and either way your sweet little niece just needs all the love she can get :)
Hey L.,
Has your niece ever been tested for any Sensory Developmental Delays.....such as Autism or Aspergers? That could be the cause of the lack of speech!
I would check into if your city or school district has a program called Early On. Its free and they do an evaluation on the child to see if they qualify. Its a absolutely great program and did wonders for my son.
I've head many people say they had this same problem and they taught their kid some basic sign language and shortly after their toddlers began to talk. Might be worth a try to teach things like please, thank you, milk, eat,ball... We taught our DD when she was about 9 months and never had a problem.
Check out the CHAT (Checklist for Autistic Toddlers) and skim the milestones for a 16 month old at the CDC web site, "Learn the Signs" and make sure the baby does not have any early signs of autism.
A 16 month old is eligible for Birth-to-Three services in her state, and in Michigan, ours is called "Early On". If the problem is any kind of apraxia, Nancy Kaufman at Kaufman Center in West Bloomfield, is well known for her expertise in that area.
Some parents, WITH THEIR PEDIATRICIAN'S OKAY, have used oomega 3 fatty acids with late talkers -- please research that one and don't try it w/o a doctor's okay. Check out a book called "The Late Talker," for more information.
I agree with the responder who mentioned a food allergy. And MILK (actually milk protein, called casein) would be the first thing I'd consider as a contributor. Gluten would be second. (gluten is found in grains like wheat, barley, rye, malt, and some oats, due to cross contamination issues)
I would be more concerned about the baby not being able to follow the gaze of an adult, not being able to follow the point of an adult, not being able to engage in peek-a-boo than I would worry about sounds at this point. There's a huge amount of joint attention that should have developed by 16 months, a LOT of non-verbal reciprocity that grows before labels like words come into play. Does she have a 16 month old reciprocity, non-verbally, with adults?
I'd take her to a speech therapist and see what they say. My friend works with small children in this area, so I know they start young. If there's a problem, then they can work with it soon, if not, they you'll have some peace of mind!
Hi L..
My MIL told me my husband did not talk till he was three (which is very late) now he won't stop :-D.
I would do what Jenna said and call your school districs early on program and have her parents call early on for an evaluation. Early On has helped my daughter!!
These things develop so differently in different kids. My one grandson was very slow with language, another very slow with walking (and he turned out to be gifted). Still, she can certainly speak to her pediatrician and call her school district to see if they will evaluate her. Each county ISD usually has an early intervention program. Worth checking out. I guess I'm wondering how accurate the hearing test was and if she's had fluid in her ears. That delayed another grandson's speech until he got tubes put in. Now, at 4, he's amazing!
I was in the same boat. My doctor recommended I call Early On. I did and he's 3 and we are woking wonders. Even if it's nothing it's better to get it checked out.
