Speech Delay - Skokie, IL

My daughter was evaluated at 19 months because the only word she used at that time was "NO". Speech therapy was recommended, but I opted to wait because I truly believe that children develop at their own rates. However, Dyllan was responding to her name and all other things you would ask her to do. If you told her to get her sippy cup, she would go get her sippy cup. So, if your daughter isn't responding to her name, I'd check with your pediatrician. If she does respond fine to most requests, I agree with the other response...start baby signs. We began with just two simple signs, more and help. Once she understood the signs and how to do them, she started saying them. Her talking has totally taken off. She is now 2 1/2 and talks in complete sentences. It is still a bit hard to understand unless you are around her, but the progress has been amazing. I wish you lots of luck! If you want to talk more, feel free to send me a message.

I have cared for a few children in my child care program, which is in my home, who have spoken later than usual. I know it can be worrisome, but every one of the children I have known do begin talking and often in complete sentences. Some as late as 2 1/2. If they seem to understand everything you are saying, I wouldn't worry about their hearing. Some of the parents have taken there children to an ear, nose and throat specialist to be sure there were no physical reason for her not talking-but no one I know has had that problem. There is a very wide range for speech. I have a just one year old who can say about 18 words, but this is unusual. Yet, I have had children over 2 1/2 just begin to use speech. Be patient. Keep on reading to her and talking to her as you go through your day-expose her to speech. If she begins using signals to get her needs met-urge her to answer you instead. Best of luck. B.

FIRST, DON'T PANIC.

I had the same issue with my daughter. Children develope at different rates. I was lucky enough to have worked in fields that helped educate me as to what to do. If you're already taking her to a speech therapist then that's good. The only other thing I would suggest is when she wants something (food, a toy, a movie) make her say it. It may seem harsh but that's what helped my daughter.

Good Luck!

My little girl is 18 mos old..has been getting speech therapy since she was 15 mos..she had a repeat sedated hearing test just to make sure she did not have any hearing problems. She passed that one.

My daughter doesn't really use much words either, but she says some. She understands a lot of words I say. Does your daughter understand words? Usually they understand and respond to words before they say it themselves.
I'd frankly ask your speech therapist what else u can do to stimulate her speech. Ask her if the fact that she is not speaking is a real concern now.

I use board books with simple pictures to point out what is what. I talk to her alot and also incorporate sign language.

I'd go to www.babycenter.com and type in "speech delay" and they have great advice when to really worry. Basically, if she is responding to your cues (not all the time, u can't expect that from a toddler), is interactive with you, and her hearing is fine, then she'll be okay. Good luck.

J.,
My son had a speech delay as well. What really seemed to help him, in addition to the speech therapy, was teaching him baby signs (i.e. sign language). This allowed him to communicate earlier and reduced his frustration when he wanted something. Also, once he started signing and using some words we were better able to see where he was at cognitively. If your daughter is not responding to her name, that is something to worry about. You may try having her hearing tested again if you haven't already. She should be able to respond to simple commands at this age (e.g. give me the book). Sounds like you are already on top of things. Keep at it and good luck to you!

Karen

PS. We had to change speech therapists at first because the first one did not know any signs and was not very experienced. Let me know if you need a referral.

I agree with the others about it possibly being developmental. However, if you are still concerned,and your child is in Early Intervention, talk to your service coordinator. I didn't realize until I began to attend parent meetings for EI that I could request more services if I felt my child needed it, and his therapist agreed. (And if you and your therapist disagree on this, you can request a new therapist.) The "once a week" per service seems to be standard unless the parent pushes for more, which you have the right to do. I wish I had known about this sooner, because my son turned 3 soon after, and I had to negotiate with the school district and spend more out of pocket for private therapists.