Development

This sounds to me like a very happy, busy, almost two year old. Please don't start thinking about labels and what not already in her life. If she is active, great...then make learning an active thing for her. Please consider the fact that maybe she doesn't enjoy reading or books, some kids don't. That does not mean that there is anything in the world wrong with her. It is too early in her life to start worrying about whether she is behind, especially just because she doesn't care to pay attention to what some body parts are called, or prefers not to do it on command. Give her time to grow and learn to express herself the way she wants to.

my son is 19 months and he cannot not do any and i have a four year old who has issues and i know the signs of such things. but my 19 month is fine and babbles and talks alday.. they develope differently. give her another couple of months she will catch on. if not then check into it

Hi A.!

I read your question, and the first thing that popped to mind is Barney's song "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes". Try making it fun for her, with a song, since she likes to sing!

I don't think you have anything to worry about as far as autism. Just know that sometimes kids like to take their time in developing. I have 4 children (15,11,10 & 6)...my 11 yr old was VERY slow developing, and I worried about him for a long time. But he's turned out to be highly intelligent. He's just a slow natured child! LOL

Hope this helps!

K.

Teaching is a game for this age. Tickling her belly and saying I'm going to get your belly, or kissing the toes while saying I'm gotta kiss those little tosies or playing "This little piggy when to the market" will not only teach her body parts but also bring the two of you together. For this age I would suggest small board books, ones that have two or three words on a page with a total of 8 pages. Don't expect her to sit longer than that at all. Make everything funny and exciting. I use to get down on the floor with my son and romp around on all fours barking like a dog to learn about dogs. Shower time is a great learning time...when your giving her a bath, state WHAT your washing while you are washing them. Feet-- we have used running feet and walking feet since my son started walking at 10 months old. "Thank you so much for using your walking feet inside" When you put socks and shoes on talk about it as you do it, talk through it...I'm putting these pretty pink socks on your feet. Right foot first please. (Pick up the right foot) Then the left...and now shoes go over the socks on the feet, we wouldn't want those little toeies to get cold.
If you do this GREAT...Keep at it. Fun and exciting interaction is what will help her learn the most. You can say ok at 1p I'm going to sit you down and teach you body parts and expect her to pick it up. Just like counting...count EVERYTHING! Every set you go up and down, every stroke through her hair with the brush, and every doll she has. Play body parts game with the baby...point out where the body parts are on the baby so that she can find them when she is playing alone. Every time you talk to her is a learning experience to her, every time you sit on the floor is a chance to teach her something new! It's a great time for their little brains. Let her show you how much learning she can tolerate, but just play and play is LEARNING! It's so great!
Best of luck and hang in there your doing great!

On a side note, her adhd and the traits associated with it might just be that she has a certain personality (sanguine, or high I) you might want to check out personality plus or personality profile- it could give you great insight.

Is she social? Make eye contact? Gives hugs and kisses or at least doesn't mind receiving them? If so, she's fine:)
She sounds like a busy toddler who isn't interested in learning her body parts right now. Keep introducing them to her...I bet one day she will finally show you she's been listening and knows them. She jsut doesn't want to be bothered right now to show you:) Just make it fun, sing songs, make it into a game. I'm sure within a few months she'll be pointing to and labeling the parts! :)

What did the doctor say?

Really I wouldn't worry too much. Not yet. She's still a wee little one. One thing you might try is getting her together with other kids her age or a bit older. A lot of time if they see little bobby playing a fun game pointing to body parts they'll want to play too.

toddlers are busy anyway and while you might ask your doctor about ADHD I'd wait and see on that one too. It could be that she's happiest when she's active. Maybe try vigorous play before naptime and when you're getting her settled for nap read a short book (like sandra Boyntons pajama time).

Definitely share your concerns with the doc if you're worried though.

Best of luck!

Hi A.:
I wouldn't worry too much about it either...but you may want to include the techniques she responds best to when teaching her, like songs. For example, our 16mo. old loves books and songs. We got a few books from the library that are about body parts and ask her to point out where the baby's belly (or arm or fingers or toes) is. We also sing that song "head, shoulders, knees and toes!" a lot (and it's featured in a Baby Einstein video we have) and she's starting to get the hang of that too. I know there have been recent studies about how kids shouldn't watch TV before 2 years of age, but I tell you what -- we've been watching Sesame Street this past month (just an hour or so a day) and she's already starting to sing the alphabet! (She gets to C!) I don't think I could've helped her do that on her own. She really responds to the puppets and the music. Good luck!