Advice on Delayed Speech

Language is not one of those milestones like walking that 99% of kids hit within a small time frame. Some kids just start talking later than others and there is nothing wrong with that. I didn't speak until I was 3. My son only said about 10 words at 2 (but understood MANY more and could also follow directions). He's almost 3 now and doesn't STOP talking--lol
So honestly I wouldn't worry at all--she's already talking more than both me and my son and neither of us had/has and developmental problems.
My pediatrician told me to write down all the words he knew, and then keep track of the new ones and if he didn't get up to 25 words in 3 months to call him and we would reassess.
SO my suggestion is just to keep track of things and progression.
Kids hit a language "explosion" after they learn about 50 words they start adding multiple words daily and then soon start putting them together. Honestly, it sounds like you have absolutely NOTHING to worry about...

Start getting concerned when she is 2 1/2. For now just keep trying to get her to say some small sentences. She'll catch on.
I would mention it when you do make it to the doctors again but it's not a very big deal yet.
My son will be 2 1/2 next month and only just recently (the past few months) has started to really put sentences together. He was 5 weeks early and has had slow progress on certain things. The sentences where one of them.
Just keep talkin' small sentences, she'll figure it out.

She's fine. Ask again when she's 3.

Hi Lynn,
I have a 2 year old same as you. My son doesn't talk as much as your daughter seems but he understands and follow directions perfectly. What I did was, went to his doctor got a referral. Since in Florida insurances don't cover unless is a pretty serious illness. I contacted Early Steps/Part C program. They have them in different places around the state. It's free, doesn't matter on the income, it does take time but they assessed him, referred me for free to Easter Seals for a hearing test for free. And now, I'm in the process of getting Speech therapy and occupational therapy for him too because of Early Steps help. For right now, they have been great. But do it before she turns 3, because they only help out till they turn 3 then they keep referring them to other helps. Good luck. and let me know if you need anything else.

Most public school systems have a program in place to test your childs speech skills. My son didn't start talking until he was 3. At 2.5 we put him through all the tests: hearing, speech, comprehension etc. He was just fine and we were told he was taking his time! So as long as he understands what you are saying, the rest will come when she is ready.
Best of luck!
Jen

I don't think there is anything wrong with her. She will pick it up when she is ready. Each child learns at a different pace and you just have to allow her to learn at hers. I also think that after just recently turning 2 she will start learning more and picking up on things more. As long as she is understanding what you say, takes direction and listens (for the most part) then I don't think I would worry about it right now.

If you are truly concerned about her speech, I suggest that you have her evaluated. Here in GA we have a program called "Babies Can't Wait". They will come out to your home and do a complete assessment of her developmental progress, based on her age. This includes speech, as well as fine motor skills and the the like. If any services are needed, they will provide them for you. As far as I know, it does not cost anything. "Babies Can't Wait" works with children up to age 3, after that you can have the school system send someone out.....even if they are not yet school age. I understand how you feel, because I've been there. After my niece(9 months) and nephew(2 years) were placed with me by DFCS, they were experiencing delays in alot of areas. Even though I was sure they just needed a little "opportunity and exposure", I was afraid of what would happen if I let it go only to later discover it was something they should have been receiving services for. I had a great experience with "Babies Can't Wait" after they came out to evaluate the kids. Turns out that it was due to the neglect, and once they came to live with me they quickly made up for the lost time. Now that my nephew is 4 he receives private speech therapy for a lisp, but is otherwise developmentally on "schedule", if not a little ahead. My point is this: Your daughter is most likely perfectly fine, just taking things at her own pace. By the time she is 3 years old she will probably be talking up a storm, and you'll be amazed at how much and how well she can speak. But if you are concerned, my advice is to listen to your instincts and have her checked out. If it turns out to be nothing, then you'll be relieved and will not spend your time needlessly worrying about her speech and development. If you are unsure about a similar program in your area, contact your local health department. They will be able to give you information about programs in your area, as well as contact information.

Hi Lynn
I would suggest less tv and more interaction, one on one. Take walks together. Lay on the floor and color together and interact that way. Do you read to her in bed every night? I would read the same book over again each night and try to skip a page or line and see if she catches on and tells you what you did. She'll learn to put sentences together without you having to teach her. SHe'll learn by listening to you read.
T.

You should try reading her more books. By doing this she will see how words are put together and that should help.

I am a speech-language pathologist and my suggestion is to get your child an evaluation if you are concerned. It does not hurt and it will put your mind at ease one way or another. If there is a problem then you can get intervention now. At the age of 2 your child should be able to do these things:
-understand simple questions & commands
-identify body parts
-carry on a "conversation" with self & dolls
-ask "what's this?", "what's that?" and "where's my___?"
-compose sentences of 2 or 3 words in length
-refer to self by name
-use 2 word negative phrases such as "not go", "not right", "no want"
-form some plurals by adding "s", such as book/books
-have about 300 words in her vocabulary
-ask for drink, toilet, food
-listen to stories with pictures

Things you can do to help her:
-read books with simple colorful pictures EVERY DAY
-Being a good model with your speech
-repeat new words to her many times
-Talk about what you are doing at any given moment
-play music
-listen when she talks to you, NEVER say "I don't understand you"
-praise her for telling you some of the things she is doing as well as her efforts to say things
-take her on trips and talk about what you see
-carry on a conversation with her
-ask her questions to stimulate her thoughts and language

I hope this is helpful!!

i would say she is fine as long as she is saying some words. you will be surprised at how much she will learn in just a few months, if she is not talking a lot by 2 1/2 or 3 then get her evaluated. just be sure to encouraging talking and talk and read a lot to her. she will pick it up.

lEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND LAW MAY COVER THIS. CHECK WITHYOUR SCHOOL SYSTEM. iF HER SPEECH IS IMPROVED BY THE TIME SHE STARTS SCHOOL SHE WILL LEARN EASIERAND CAUSE LESS PROBLEMS AND COST ON THE SHOOL SYSTEM