My daughter is almost 2 1/2 years old and I have never been one to fret if she is ahead or behind on milestones. Lately, though, I have noticed that other kids her age (and a little younger) can tell me a sequence of events (3 or 4 sentences) of something that happened. My daughter cannot.
Yesterday she had a box of raisins and asked for more. I was sure she hadn't eaten the first box, so I asked her where they were. She just repeated everything I asked her (did you eat them? Did you dump them out? Where are they? Are they in your tummy?).
She is like a parrot - just repeats things.
She jabbers all day (very hard to understand), and she can ask for things she wants, but doesn't have any attempt at conversation. If I ask her to tell Daddy what we did that day, she says "Yeah." If I say - did you ride a pony? She says "I ride pony," and then repeats that phrase over the next few days.
Do I need to take her in for testing, or is she just 2? My hubby thinks she is choosing not to listen - I am getting nervous!
Thanks for your advice!
J.
She is a little young but should be commuticating her need and desires. I would have her tested for your peace of mind and if there is something wrong you will be able to help her. Early intervention is the best way to help your child.
C. B
I would test her also, my oldest, know 17, didn't talk when he was 2, 3, and only said 3 word sentences at 4. SO it's a good thing that at least your little girl can repeat what is being said.
My son's is labeled speech/language/comprehension disorder, and we had him tested and treated, in the beginning, at the Shriners hospital around the age of 2. For him language is very confusing, like the poster before he is visual, and anything involving reading is lost on him, little bits of information he can retain, but what would be considered "normal" for other children would be considered to complicated.
At 17 he will graduate, barely, he reads at an 8th grade level, and comprehends at a level lower then that. School is a huge struggle for him, But I know that had I not tested him when I did he probably wouldn't be where he is at know. I almost didn't have him tested, he was my first and I just figured he was taking his own sweet time, thankfully my family wouldn't back off.
He wants to go to college, that makes me proud, BUT I don't know that he can do it. Test it's better safe then sorry!
Our kids have both had speech problems, so I'm probably a bit more aggressive with it, but I'd say get her tested. So what if you go and they say there's nothing wrong. At least then you don't have to worry any more. We have had very good care at Children's (I think they have a satellite in Pueblo), or I can recommend our older son's therapist. She's incredibly helpful over the phone, and she'd be able to recommend someone in your area. Also, you could try Child Find. They were also very helpful. I was impressed with their employees, but we got in at Children's so I went there since insurance covered it and they have a lot of extra programs. Since she repeats you, she probably hears just fine, but we've always been requested to get a hearing test just to check.
J.-I am a speech language pathologist and from what you have talked about, I would suggestyou get her tested. Start with your State child find or local infant toddler program if insurance/money is an issue. OR find a private SLP and get her evaluated. Without observing her and just based off of you what are saying, that would be my recommendation. Is this a phase she is going through? Tough to say but what would it hurt for your piece of mind and for an extra "kick start" to help her understand the turn taking of spoken conversation. If you have any questions I might be able to help her with-email me!!!! Good luck!
I noticed the same thing in my daughter at that age her old Pediatrician just told me not to worry. But I felt something was wrong. So, I contacted the school district (I believe ALL school districts offer services) and did some testing on her when she was 4. (I wish I hadn't waited so long but after being told she was fine over and over again....that is what I did). By law they can't give a diagnosis, they only treat what they see (or symptoms). I had her special ed teacher telling me she had Aspergers (mild form of autism) or AHDH and her speach teacher telling me no, it was speach related. But these were just suggestions and I needed to figure out the next step on what to do.
I made an appt. with her newer Pediatrician and he told me in no way shape or form did she have any type of Austim nor did he believe it was ADHD. So he referred to a Neuropsychologist that deals with child and behavior.
The Neuropsychologist was politely telling me it upsets him when people that don't have enough education or training try to make kids fit into what they believe they have (and upset parents). My daughter did avoid eye contact at times, but not b/c she was autistic. B/c she knows she can't verbablize an answer and she will look away or try to change the subject. (eye avoiding....can be a sign of autism).
What she has is a language disorder. It is best described or thought of like dislexia...but with language. She is of normal intelligence, but can't communicate like others or understand verbal instruction that quickly. She is extremely visual b/c it is easier for her.
The neuropsychologist suggested we keep doing what we are doing (speech classes) and wait about 6 months b/c disorders like this tend to progress more or show themselves more when children are a little older. So he is going to more extensive testing then to get down to the root of it.
If you are worried, don't wait around. That is what these early prevention programs in the school district are for. Make an appointment and they will be able to tell you or not if something is wrong. Plus, all kids do develope at different rates, so it could be nothing at all!
Hi J.;
I am going to chime in and agree with the others just to make you feel better. I am a Speech Therapist too. Although I see kids privately, I always condone going to free services in your school district. I also work for one of the counties child find teams and have seen the benefits of in home therapy (children under 3 get this if qualify) and the school therapy (children over 3). Good luck and give yourself a pat on the back for following your gut. It never hurts to get checked out. p.s. my experience is also seeing dads more reserved :) You are all going through normal questions and feelings. Take care, email if you need any questions answered.
D.
