Okay, so I've done a TON of research about delayed speech in toddlers & I think my little girl fits the bill....somewhat. My little princess is going to be 3 in May and while she had chronic ear infections the first year of her life, she's been tested and can hear perfectly fine. She also understands simple commands and also is very active. My one problem I have (and I'm sure it's with all toddlers this age) is that she doesn't take no for an answer very well. She's very stubborn when she doesn't want to do something & I'm starting to believe that talking is falling into this category with her. She is one of those babies that whines about EVERYTHING to get attention. I have no idea where she picked this up, but this is her way of communicating & I'm about ready to pull my hair out. Would anyone have any suggestions about where I can take her for some assistance on getting her to talk. I've tried everything at home from books, flash cards & educational videos. I know she's getting frustrated too when no one understands her so it's becoming a problem for her at school more than anything.
As another note, I do make sure she's getting all the nutrition needed through daily vitamins. That was also something I found in my research.
You need to have the speech tested. Are you using the parents as teachers program through your local school district? If not start there and they will get you through the state paperwork with no problem.
There is also a book called Baby Signs. It is a wondeful way to get your baby to talk earlier.
Have you ever tried Parents as Teachers? My son will be 2 in a couple of weeks and his speech is delayed as well...but like your daughter it seems that he understands everything but he just has a handful of words in his vocabulary...she comes out once a month to "play" with Ryan. She thinks he is coming along just fine. It's helpful to me because she answered any questions or concerns I might have.
www.parentsasteachers.org
I would contact the school district that you live in and speak to them about what services are available for preschool age students. All Special Education Services including speech and language start at age 3 and before this time services are provided through First Steps (severe delays). Upon your request they should do a screening and evaluation on your child to determine in a delay is present. From these tests, services will be determined (or not). Your description is a little unclear...can you understand her? can others outside the home? Is she speaking in 2-3 word utterances? These are things to consider before seeking services. There is alot that is still developmentally appropriate for 3 year old children. As far as the whining goes, just tell her that you cannot understand her and encourage her to use "big-girl" words. Parents As Teachers is a great resource to use regardless of a possible delay and I would encourage you to enroll in this free program.
When my kids balked at talking, and I knew they were old enough, I would tell them that I didn't understand... that they had to tell me what they wanted. For instance, if my son wanted a drink, he'd point and grunt. I told him that I couldn't understand him and that I didn't know what he wanted, that he'd have to tell me. I would even tell him, "Sorry, I don't know what you want," and then walk away. He'd follow me and tell me what it was he wanted. You might try something like that, before spending big bucks for a class. It's worth a try.
My son had some speech delays. We went to the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic in saint Louis when he was 2 1/2 (he didn't say a word at that time)and now he is 4 and is talking all the time!. The telephone number is ###-###-####. They also have a website: www.srclinic.org
I know that you can also have free help through the school district, you can contact parents as teacher program for some information with that.
Hope this will help,
M.
