Language Skills

I have a little guy that will be 2 at the end of April. It sounds like they are at about the same level language-wise. He uses maybe 20 words on his own, will mimic almost any word when we ask him to say it (except his own name!), and understands much more than he can say. Clarity - well, I know what he's saying and other people who are around kids a lot might be able to understand it, but that is hit or miss. Only a few words are really clear to anyone. I feel like I interpret him for other people a lot! Hope this helps.

I totally understand. my son (who will be 4 soon) was the same way when he was 2. when he hit almost 3, it was like a lightbulb went off in his head, and started talking up a storm! give it a little more time. if he hits 2 1/2 -3 and still hasnt started really talking, see his doc because there might be something else. also, have you tried sign language? I have a cousin who's son wouldnt talk, and they taught him some basic signing. (yes, no, more, thank you, etc) within a few month, the same thing happened where the lightbuld went off and he (cousin's son) started talking.

hope this helps :)

I was going to mention the Help Me Grow program, also. It is a free Ohio program. My friend just had her two adopted children evaluated and had a great experience with them.

My first two children talked very early, so when my 3rd child still wasn't talking much at 2 I started to worry. At two and a half he finally started talking and was talking in complete sentences with perfect pronunciation! Even his older brother and sister were shocked. I thought at the time that he was afraid to talk unless he knew he could say the words correctly. I now believe that was the problem, as he still (at 4 1/2)won't sing a song or say a prayer unless he knows it perfectly. The other day we had his IQ tested for entrance to a special charter school. His verbal IQ was 124- in the superior range! I couldn't believe how ironic that this was my child who waited so long to speak.

Anyway, don't worry! It sounds like you are doing everything right. He is lucky to have such a great mom!

I have 2 1/2 year old little boy. He is currently in speech therepy and the Help Me Grow program. For a child your son's age about 20 words is great. And he can understand 2-3 part directions which he should be starting. Things they do with my son are they teach him his body parts, a really good game to play is to buy some of those wooden blocks with the alphabet on them, and teach him to stack them as high as he can by himself. If you are truely concerned call your county health department and as to talk to the person in charge of the Help Me Grow program. They are truely wonderful and very helpful. They will test him and tell you if there is anything that you need to work with him on and they will actually provide the help , and all of their services are free of charge, and they come to your house to do it. If you have any more questions feel free to ask me.

Good Luck!
L.

Hi R.,

I'm thinking that it sounds like he might be OK for his age. Although I can't determine for sure. Each child develops differently. Sometimes boys are a little slower then girls, then they just take off with or without help.

I would recommend that you call you local Health Dept. ask for the Help Me Grow Program. Early Intervention is part of this which would probably include a visit in your home and possibly an evaluation to determine if he is a behind for his age. All counties do things a little different so I couldn't say for sure what they'll do. They would be able to explain their process better, and some of the options you may have.

The expectations increase when kids turn 2 so if he's evaluated after his BD he would be expected to be saying more. There are options for you if he qualifies which they could tell you about. All of this is free to you.

Many kids @ this age may begin to show some signs of frustration when they try to tell someone something that can't be understood. There are 2 types of communication receptive (understanding what's being said) and expressive (verbalizing his needs). Glad to hear that he understands & will follow through with what is asked of him his receptive skills sound like they are fine.

Take care & I wish you good luck!

K. :)

R.,
I Wouldn't worry to much at this point. There are just some words that are harder for little ones to say.
They come with time. My daughter has a wonderful vocabulary at this point and she will be 3 in April. However she still has some words she still slurs at this point.
Believe me I know its hard not to worry. I see kids my duaghters age doing things she can't do yet and wonder if she is ok. She is still sturggling to be able to pedal a big wheel bike we got her for her 2nd birthday last year.
The other thing is that she can do some other things better than her cousin who is a year older than her. Kids do things at their own pace. Unless they are really behind then talk to thier doctor.

R.,
My son is currently attending special needs preschool, partly due to speech and communication development issues. He didn't say anything until he was 2 1/2, and even then it was limited.

I now have a 19-month-old daughter that isn't really saying any clear words, so I just had her evaluated by Help Me Grow and an early intervention program to see if she qualifies as special needs or speech delayed also. They thought not. So if your son is going on two with a number of words, I would venture to say you are in good shape.

In short, though you will undoubtedly see some young ones rattling off full sentences far earlier than yours (why I worried about mine in the first place), don't let the comparison worry you. Every child is different!

Boys do tend to talk later than girls as a rule. In early intervention class, there were almost no girls with speech development issues. A majority of boys with speech delays just talk late - not a permanent problem.

From some of the other examples you gave, it sounds like your son's comprehension is fine, which rules out something more serious than a speech delay.

If you feel there is a significant deficit, contact Help Me Grow. They can have your son looked at - in your home at no cost. You can also have your pediatrician refer you for a speech evaluation. This may ease your mind if you are concerned.

Best wishes,
S. :)

He sounds normal to me. I know you've heard it before but each kid learns at a different pace. If you're really bothered by it as your dr. but I'm sure he's just moving at his own pace.

S.

My daughter is the exact same... She did everything right on schedule developmentally but is taking her sweet time to really pick up on talking. I just try to remind myself that every baby is on their own schedule and I'll eventually want her to just shut up! =) Also, she's an only child at this point so she has both my husband's and my undivided attention, so she doesn't really *need* to talk...

It is frustrating. You are not aone. I started to think my son had something wrong with him, but then one day it was like someone turned a switch on and he spoke clearly. Keep up the good work, he will get there. Good Luck.

Hello R.,

My son was two in december and i have felt the same way for months. He was tested at 21m for speech delay, He has speech twice a week. If you are really worried you can have him tested through Help me grow program. I am not sure if you live in wood or lucas but they both have wonderful programs for children under 3 another place that can help is harbor behavoral,ask for josh he is the best

R.,
Our daughter was the same and is now 4 and catching up great. I wouldn't worry to much yet.

Here is something I found in a reference book I have called the "Encyclopedia of Children's Health":
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Communication is the process by which information is exchanged between individuals. It requires a shared understanding of symbol systems, such as language and mathematics.

Description

Communication is much more than words going from one person's mouth to another's ear. In addition to the words, messages are transferred by the tone and quality of voice, eye contact, physical closeness, visual cues, and overall body language. Although the verbal milestones follow one another in roughly the same sequence for all children, there is significant variability from child to child on when the first word is spoken and the first sentence is composed.

Language employs symbols—words, gestures, or spoken sounds—to represent objects and ideas. Communication of language begins with spoken sounds combined with gestures, relying on two different types of skills. Children first learn to receive communications by listening to and understanding what they hear (supported by accompanying gestures); next, they experiment with expressing themselves through speaking and gesturing. Speech begins as repetitive syllables, followed by words, phrases, and sentences. Later, children learn to read and write. Many children begin speaking significantly earlier or later than the milestone dates.

Parents should avoid attaching too much significance to deviations from the average. When a child's deviation from the average milestones of development causes the parents concern, a pediatrician or other professional may be contacted for advice.

Toddlers one and two years of age experience the world through the physical senses. Language development for toddlers includes: using two-word combinations, taking turns speaking and listening, using the word no frequently, and using gestures to express needs and desires.

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It sounds like your son is very bright and maybe the two of you are so well connected that not a lot of words need to be spoken between you to get his needs met. Try introducing him to different and varied social situations that allow him to stretch his need to be more verbal. If your still having concerns in 6 or 8 months - have him checked out with a doctor.

Good luck, I hope this helped.
S.

R. B.,
I was in you'r shoes at that time with my youngest daughter Tara. She's four years old now and talks up a storm. She's spelling words and writing words too thanks to my oldest daughter Brandy who loves to play 'school' with her! Anyway, at our well-child visits at our pediatrician's office; they would tell me that she should be saying 20-30 words at a certain age. Then ask me how many words she's saying. And I'd answer them honestly... "Oh about six or seven". I always got the same look, and the same answer. "Well, I'm sure it's nothing... We'll see how she's improving at her next well-child visit". I wasn't concerned about it. I knew inside that she was smart. I don't know how she fares in a national average. But I do know she's as articulate as the other children her age that I know in my own family and at church. So, don't be discouraged. He'll catch up most likely... mine did! Much love, H. B.

R.,
I have a 2 year old (Dec.) and he doesn't say many words at all. Sounds like your son actually has more words than mine. My son has had great comprehension skills for a long time as well. We take him to see a speech therapist weekly. There are many reasons why this may be the case, but for us it is due to both his ears (he finally got tubes this week) and his muscle control around his mouth (he has CP). If it concerns you a lot, take him to a speech therapist. I bet when he is ready he will talk up a storm. Just sounds like you understand his needs without him talking much. Good luck!

L.

Hello R.
Sounds like he is doing fine to me! I have a sister-in-law that has a little boy and you couldn't really understand him until well after his second birthday. I always read that girls start talking sooner than boys but every kid grows and develops at their own pace. Maybe girls start talking sooner so we can start to nag the opposite sex!! Ha Ha. Anyway, my daughter didn't say very much until around 2 either but then she took off!! Give it time and keep working with him and reading to him and he will start before you know it. Then you won't be able to shut him up!

R.,

All toddlers learn at different levels. It sounds like your child is excellent at motor skills. The two year olds that you hear talking up a storm may not have the great listening and direction following skills that your child has. It will come with time. Make sure that you read to him at least fifteen minutes a day and point out pictures in the books for him to mimic the words. Hope this helps.

My little girl had some serious speak problems even though she under stood everything...she went to speach class since she was three,...I think I contributed to the problem because I was so close to her and could understand her baby talk so well,she didn't need to speak more clearly...she made a bunch of sounds and I gave her what she ask for..in public or at day care her sister translated..I believe I failed to encourage better speach..practice ...practice..practice..and have the Dr. check his tounge ,to make sure he's not tounge tied..

R.,
My oldest daughter didn't talk in complete sentences until she was 3. And my son is 2 1/2 and still only talking in 3 word sentences. But both had/have great comprehension skills. The Dr. told us not to worry. I know there is a ton of information on getting your kids tested early etc. BUT if they aren't developmentally ready to talk, then no speech therapy in the world is going to "MAKE" them talk. Some of my friends put their kids into speech early and then say oh speech therapy helped when in reality after 5 months their kiddo was probably going to do it on their own anyway. Don't stress it. I would ask your dr. if you are concerned but don't worry. It will come with time. I would worry if he were 4, not just turing 2. Good luck.

R.! You just described my son! I am so glad to read your response. In fact, just last week, I took my son to the YMCA b/c they had a "child check" day. (Checking children from 0 to 3 years old on cognitive, motor, communcation, and other skils.) I was extremely pleased to hear that at his age (my son is literally one month younger than yours) it is not a "problem" that they don't put two words together. I think my son only says about 15-18 words as well. And just like your little guy, he understands everything I say. To my amazement, he brings me my robe in the morning before I get out of bed! (For example.)
The intervention specialist said for his age, he's not below but just to keep an eye on him. Practice two word phrases or commands (juice please.) She advised I bring him back in 90 days, but did not say she saw any major red flags.
Just like you, I've been concerned. I ask people about it and everyone says "you worry too much", "he's fine", "he will talk when he's ready." As a mom, however, we always want to make sure they are on the "right" track. Not to mention if there is anything we could be doing.
When I wrote my first mamasource e-mail, I had a great response. One was to get the Baby Einstein flash cards. We have been using flash cards of our own, but not Einstein.
I know it's hard, but don't worry. Our sons are deep thinkers and probably very creative. Best of luck and remember you're not alone!
G.

my daughter was very similar. she turned 2 in november. after she turned 2, it was amazing the difference. she now is closer speaking wise to other 2 years olds. i was a little concerned before she turned 2, and many others told me after she turned 2 i would see a big difference and i did! i would say if he's not any further along by his 2 1/2 year doc appt to then talk to the doctor about it. i wouldnt worry about it right now.