Learning to Talk

Poor little thing - I hope she's been doing well since. Like someone else mentioned, language, like other skill areas, can develop at such different paces. It's always good to monitor and make sure there is ongoing progress. My daughter used a lot of sign language. We started around 6-9 months I'd say and she was not very verbal probably until about 2. Once she started talking, she talked in sentences and now doesn't stop. My son pretty much skipped over the signs - learns them after learning new words. At just 2, there's really nothing he doesn't say.

Before becoming a mom, I was an early childhood teacher. The best way for little ones to learn language is to hear LOTS AND LOTS of it in all different forms. Sing plenty of songs and poems, read books - any kind about any topic. Talk about what you are doing - describe the steps in diferent activities like cooking or cleaning. Start conversations with her and model verbalization for her when she gives any nonverbal clues - "Oh, you'd like your milk now." Label items you see - when going through the grocery store, talk about all the things you are putting the cart and what you might make with them.

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Try this site, its good for developmental milestones. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/actearly/

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A.,
I'm not a doctor, but I will share an experience that could help you feel better. What you listed sounds like my cousin. He barely talked for the first seven years of his life. His dad (my uncle) was in the military and they lived in several different countries. One day he was playing and told my grandpa that he just didn't have anything to say. My cousin is now in his mid-twenties, a college graduate, and very very smart.
BUT....you should still have Kylie evaluated at some point just to be sure that there isn't anything that needs intervention. Don't let anyone scare you into a diagnosis of anything. If one evaluation shows that something isn't right, have another one done by a different facility. Sometimes diagnosis are handed out like lollypops at the bank. I have a friend who thought her son was autistic because at 2 he barely spoke. Turns out that he just became frustrated that he couldn't communicate the way others around him did so he quit talking. Once his mother showed him sign language and encouraged hi to sign and speak, things got better. But these days so many things can be averted with early intervention if it is something. I hope this helps and I wish you luck.

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One thing I would think about is if she is losing words. Has she talked about one thing and could tell you that same word over and over and then within a few months not know what that word is? If she is doing that please get a complete developmental diagnosis of her.

Keep her talking with words, just keep repeating any word she says. Repetitive teaching is really the best way to keep her learning words and sentences.

Hope this helps!

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Talking is so different for every child. I wouldn't really be too worried about her speech until she is 3. If by then she isn't saying much there are programs to help her along, but give her some more time to pick up on it before you worry yourself too much. I think the amount of words she is saying now is appropriate for a 2 year old. I hope that helps you feel better! You can always ask her pediatrician if you need some more assurance, they will let you know if there is need for worry.

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I have three children that were delayed in speech. If you have concerns contact your local Infant and Toddlers program that is available through the state. I know from experience that the Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Speech Program is excellent. I had three children go through it. My youngest is three. She just left the program. SHe began at 18 months with 7 words and now has a vocabulary of over 700 words and talking in full sentences. If you are concerned I would strongly recommend contacting them. They will test your daughter to see if there is a problem then go from there. Good Luck

My son didn't talk much either until after his 2nd birthday. I talked to the pediatrician at 18 months and she felt he was indeed a little behind the norm. He had a few words, but more often than not would string a lot of nonsense syllables into what sounded like a sentence. He used facial expressions and gestures which I thought was a good sign. She told me that because kids are growing and developing so much during this time he may be putting more effort into physical skills, for example. She recommended I continue to encourage him and keep track of ANY progress he makes - even if it was only one new word a month. His next appt was just after his second birthday. By that time he had added several words and even started using two-word sentences. Now at 2 1/2 he won't stop talking. LOL I would recommend keeping track of your daughter's progress and keep your pediatrican updated. If there isn't any improvement you might want to ask for referrals to test her speech, hearing, etc. However, my guess is that you will be pleasantly surprised in the coming months.

My son was the same way. Since turning 3 the things that come out of his mouth now surprises everyone. Some days he talks so much I can't wait for bed time because he is more demanding. But be patience it does come to them, some slower then others, but when she does enjoy it.

The best thing you can continue to do is to love your daughter like you already do. Since she ha shad traumatic experiences, she may be a little wary of new experiences, including talking. Just continue to talk to her and enocurage her. Don't push ti hard because when she is ready she will drop new words in every now and then. My nephew was a little delayed even though he had no traumatic experiences. We watched and encouraged him and found out that part of the reason was that he stuttered. With some speech therapy but lots of encouragement to "say what you feel"at home, he talks til he's blue in the face now ( and that's alot for a ten year old boy). Just have some faith that she is moving forward and encourage her.

I am a speech language pathologist. It is not unusual for a child to have delayed communication as a result of trauma. It is also not unusual for a word to be said and not again for a couple of months. My kids did that. I do believe you should have her evaluated, however, based on the fact that her vocabulary is limited (from what you describe). She may be fine and catch up, but if she isn't, you know you did the right thing and you will not have regrets. You can get a free evaluation from your local county infants and toddlers program. Make sure the professionals you work with truly listen to you and take down your information. Give them as many details as possible in writing about your daughter. That will lead to the most accurate diagnosis. If they do not listen to you, you have the right to appeal. While you are waiting for this to happen, there are a number of things you can do. There are lots of videos out there (for example, Baby Einstein and babybumblebee.com) that help with communication that you could try. My younger son learned 36 verbs in two days from one of the Baby Bumblebee videos. Reading to her and talking to her about everything can help alot too. You could get her alot of playdates with friends or take her to the park so she has the chance to talk to other kids. I know telling you not to worry is like holding the ocean back with a broom. So, now you can do something about it. This is not your fault so don't feel guilty!

As a mother of a 3 yr old with PDD (autism) and for a peace of mind get your child evaluated by an Infant/Toddler organization for your area. It's a good start to find out if you may need to look into some type of early intervention if need be. It's NOT a death sentence. I was floored when my son got dx'ed a year ago, but he his chatting a up a storm now.
Give yourself a peace of mind and get an a professional opinion. IF you child does have some type of delay, at her age or any child's age, interventions and therepies, will help dramatically.
Good Luck
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