The Development of My 15 Month Old Daughter..

I'd take her to a Doctor and have her tested, it sounds like she could be Autistic. I am no expert, just the mother of five and the grandmother of 23. D.

The first 3 years are very important for learning and development. If you have any concerns you should call the state's early intervention system mentioned by others. It is run by the Department of Human Services. Call 1-800-447-6404 (Voice/TTY). For automated service call 1-800-323-GROW (4769)or visit http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30321 for more info.
In all likelihood, there is nothing to worry about but if there is, then it is best to get it addressed as soon as possible. There are a variety of conditions such as autism that can involve regression (doing something and then not being able to do it anymore). So a free screening is the best thing you can do.

Give her time she is just 15 months old. It sounds as if she is doing very well. I speak from advice, both my brothers and cousin are mentally disabled and I am also a teacher ( I primarily teach special education students). Children cannot be tested or diagnosed with a learning disability until they are at least 3 years old. This is plenty of time for her to pick up on her speaking abilities. Just try not to push her to do it too much, let it come natuarlly!

My son has always been really physically active and really great with even fine motor skills. However, there was a period when I was worried that he wasn't even trying to communicate. I figured out that it kind of takes turns. He was more interested in being able to figure out what he could do for himself and how he could get around, then talking to anybody. Once he got to a point where he kind of mastered everything he could at that time, he would seem to concentrate more on communicating. He's 30 months now and is talking up a storm. Not as well as some other kids his age, but he can physically keep up with much older children. I think that it's just what keeps their interest at that point in time. The talking will come soon enough.

I think the best advice you have gotten this far was from Bridget T. You should call Child and Family Connections and have your child screened. I would do this right away, simply because if she does have a speech or developmental delay, early intervention is very, very important. I guess the most concerning part is that she used to mimic you but now she doesn't. That is regression, and that is not something you should just "wait and see" or not be concerned about. That is a red flag.
At 17 months my son stopped mimicking me. By the next month very slowly he started to lose words in his vocabulary. Pretty soon he stopped doing a lot of things he used to (not physically - just verbally). I was glad I got my son screened early for what I thought was a speech delay. Turns out he has Autism. These are not signs that that you should take lightly, no matter what other people say. You are her mom and you know when something isn't quite right. If I had listened to what every other parent said "they all learn at their own pace" or "he will catch up, don't worry." He wouldn't be doing as well today.
Good luck!

K.,

First of all, I'm not a doctor! Having said that, it sounds to me like your daughter is doing just fine. From what you've said, I'd say that she might just be stubborn! My oldest and now my youngest would never wave or say bye-bye until whomever was leaving was gone! Then they'd just whip it out. My oldest (who's now 10 1/2, a straight A student, advanced dancer and musician) used to wait until the door shut after Dad left and then say "Bye-bye, later Dad" when she was about your daughters' age. Did you ever see that cartoon with the singing frog? The one where the guy discovers the frog that sang and danced - but would never do it in front of anyone else?! That's about what it feels like! All the things you describe your daughter doing sound just about right. I've found that sometimes when they learn something new, they file away something they've already been doing. Babies have so much going on and so much to learn; I think it may be their way of dealing with so much. As far as being a worry wart, I think I may be the queen! Even after four kids it's still a mystery. Good luck to you and your little girl!

No matter what your concerns are, you can have your child evaluated by early intervention--it is free! Call "Child and Family Connections" and tell them you self referred, or call your pediatrician and ask them to refer you. They will evaluate in your home and tell you if she qualifies for services or not. Don't wait on this, because if she does need help, you want to start asap because early intervention ends at 3 years old. If she doesn't need anything, then at least you will have some peace of mind. Good luck!

You should definitely discuss this with your pediatrician.

I understand your concern, but just remember that every child develops at their own pace.

If it makes you feel any better, a nephew of mine didn't even start mimicking until after he was two years old, and with some speech therapy, he can now say several words. He was late developmentally in other things too, but is perfectly normal, as I'm sure your daughter is.

To ease your mind, check into your county's pre-school screening program. Here in Lasalle county, they test three and four year olds for free, and the testing includes speech, social and cognitive skills, hearing, and sight.

Take it easy, and just enjoy your daughter. She's fine!

I totally know how you feel! I have a 15 mo boy and am constantly evaluating his development. From what you mention, things sound A-o.k.! My son also did really well with different words (even said banana, manzana, pelota - we're bilingual) at around 1 year then about the last month or so, he's dropped those words - hardly ever says them anymore - and does a lot of "baba"'s. Doctor said it was normal. Basically, what happens is that they give up some words to learn others and they may drop most words while learning a new skill like walking, running, teething, etc.

My son also doesn't wave bye on demand - usually long after the person has left. It has to do with the speed their brains process information. I take a Kindermusik class and we sing a hello song with different actions (clapping, waving, patting, etc). The teacher said it was normal for babies to do the previous action when the class is on the next one because it takes them a while to see what to do, think about how to do it, then actually do it. I also don't think it's uncommon for some kids to not be into the kissing thing. Sometimes mine looks like he's biting me when it's really his way of kissing!

You are a wonderful mama for caring so much for your child! Keep being sensitive to her needs and offering her nurturing experiences. I would keep an eye on her after shots. With all that's going on with regards to autism, it can't hurt to be really vigilant to any changes you see in her behavior/health/mood after each set of shots. If you want to read more on vaccinations, go to http://www.mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?f=47
K.

It sounds like you shouldn't worry, K.. I know my son went through phases like that where he was saying things for awhile and then just quit. My daughter did too. My son (first child) did not really start saying words until 15 months and then, by about 21 months, began repeating everything you said. Until 21 months though, he only had a handful of actual words like "gog" and "dight", in addition to "mama", "dada", and "ba(ll)". So I wouldn't worry at all for a few months anyway. She sounds advanced in every other way, and I don't think she's behind verbally compared to other babies.

Blessings,
K. B.

Hi there, your daughter sounds beautiful!
Have her hearing checked out with her pediatrician. Speak is part of our hearing. SHe sounds like a very healthy sweet baby! And you are a great mommy!

Hear, hear on Bridget and Amanda's feedback. My daughter acted similarly at 15 months and everyone was all like, "Oh, she'll grow out of it" or "My nephew didn't talk until he was in sixth grade," or whatever. Of course, I blew off the two moms we knew who recommended getting her an eval. Boy, do I regret not getting my kid services earlier. I waited until her day care red-flagged her at 2 1/2 years before I had the eval. Yeah, I know, 2 1/2 is still pretty young, and my daughter's done so well with the therapies/special ed she's had so far, but every day I think about how much further along she'd be if I'd only put my fear and ego aside earlier.

You can get the eval for free through the Early Initiative program. (Blago may be corrupt, but at least he cares about my kid.) Who knows, maybe they'll say she is fine. If she doesn need the help, though, they can connect you with some pretty great therapists. I LOVED two out of three of ours.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

My daughter is the same way. She is 20 months and only says a few words, but it took her awhile to even do that. Her doctor said not to be concerned with the language until she is 2 years old, and then maybe we will do some speech. He was more concerned if she had "receptive language," which is when you give them instructions and they follow it (e.g. give baby kisses, go get your shoes, wave bye, etc). And don't be worried if she only does it when she feels like it, the point is if she even knows what you are talking about, which your daughter does. My daughter also took her time in learning how to drink from a sippy cup (we had to go through 4 different brands before we found one she liked), drinking from a straw, etc. Then, one day she picks it up as if she has been doing it all her life. From what I read in your posting, your daughter seems normal, but still talk to your doctor about your concerns. :)

She sounds perfectly normal. A great book to ease your fears is "What's Going On in There" - all about how babies' brains develop. In fact, it says that there is typically a language regression when they learn to walk - they stop using words that they once said often. A few months after they *master* walking they typically have a language 'explosion' where they resume picking up words.

My first child, as others have expressed, was the same way at that age. He was right with the charts for the amount of words he was saying, then all of a sudden, he would not say "duck" (his favorite word), then all the other words disappeared, too. He was reaching all of his other milestones, just fine. As months went by, the charts said he should have more and more words, but he had none. As sudden as he lost them, right around 23 months, he started to put 2 - 3 word sentences together. By 26 months, he was spelling, reading and learning US geography. So, just because there is a small delay or setback, does not mean it is putting your child behind any. Of course, as always talk to your doctor, but if it was me, I would wait to do anything drastic, since everything else is just fine, for right now.

I would not wory at all. While I'm not in any way a early child development expert, I am a mother of a 9 yr. old and a 2 1/2 yr. old. I don't even think at this stage you need to be worried about your 15 mos. old not talking. I know of many children who weren't really talking much at 2 years old. If you are very concerned, however, to put your mind at ease, you might want to check with your state's early intervention program. In our state it's call First Steps. They can come out and just do a general evaluation on your daughter to see if she has any delays. If she does then they would offer any recommendations for you. My 2 1/2 year old was born with some orthopedic problems and she gets weekly physical therapy. The therapist comes to our home and we just have to pay a very small co pay which is based on your total household income. She also received OT for a while and Speech Therapy for only a couple months. She's doing FANTASTIC and I don't think she would have been doing as well without all of this help. Sounds like you're really a great mother! I really wouldn't worry but this might give you some options too.

Hi K.,

I'm not an expert by any means and am hesitant to even try and given an opinion about your daughter's development. Kids all develop at their own pace. However, I do know of a web-site/blog by a speech therapist that has some resouces that may help: http://mommyspeechtherapy.com/?p=82 (This particular page is her post on "Important Communication Milestone").

If you are concerned, I think you can ask Child and Family Connections to have a specialist evualate your daughter's speech and/or congnitive development (it is a free service). Here is the website with information on how to request an evaluation in DuPage: http://www.pactinc.net/how%20do%20I%20refer%20a%20child.html

If your daughter does have a significant delay, you could be eligible for therapy services through the state. If she does not have any significant delays, having the expert evaluation may set your mind at ease.

I hope everything turns out well.

Hey! I have 2 yr old twin girls and one of them does have a speech delay. The best advice i can give is if you think there is a problem have her evaluated. You can start by calling SEDOl and the will help you through the process! I will say it was the best decision I made having her evaluated and begining services! She has made a ton of progress and I love the speech theripist I was set up with! I need to mention also if she does qualify any services your daughter will recive will be very affordable! The state picks up most of the cost. Sorry to be so wordy but I have been there and come out on the other side. I hope this helps!

L.

Hi K.,
It sounds like you have a smart little girl! I can't diagnose it, but it sounds to me like she may just be concentrating so hard on learning other things right now that words have gone by the wayside. You may want to talk to your pediatrician about it, but in the meantime, just give her a little time and let her develop and see what happens. Best of luck!

Hi K.,
I am not sure where you live. But when my second child was around 2 I noticed alot of things that were alot different from my first child. He would not sit down for even a short time and he really was not speaking. I thought he was just a late talker. So when we went to the doctors she suggested that I have him evaluated through Early Intervention. SO I called to see when they would have evaluations held. They did and they found out that he had sensory intergration and also a speech problem. They gave him theraphy and when hw started school they worked with the district to still provide services. If you are concerned about your child you can find out if they have a Early Intervention program and have her evaluated. She may be fine and then you can rest easy. But she may need some type of services and it is better to get them when they are young so that they can start therapy if needed and then they learn so much faster. They don't realize that they need some extra help they just play while they learn. Also they are not to young to start learning. I think it is a wonderful thing to read to them and it sounds like you have a very smart and wonderful baby. Good luck and I hope everything goes good for you.
M.

From what you said, she sound fine. Kids are just little people. Put yourself in her shoes, would you do EVERYTHING on demand all the time EVERYTIME someone told you to? She is probably not in the mood for giving a kiss when she doesn't give you one. Also I think moms like to kiss their children more than kids like to kiss their moms. Also, speech is very individual. You won't know for sure where she's at untill she is a little older. Maybe by 2? I'm not really sure but you can always ask her Doctor if you are concerned. GOOD LUCK!

My daughter whom is almost 4 now was alot like your little one when she was her age. The first thing we did was to have her hearing evaluated. My daughter really didn't start talking until she was 2. Best of luck.

What you describe would have me slightly concerned, but not overly. It's enough to warrant a trip to your doctor. I would suspect some hearing diffuculty, and since the problem hasn't always been there, it may be due to ear infections. Multiple ear infections can lead to a water buildup in the ears, which effects hearing. My 7 yr old nephew just had tubes put in his ears a couple months ago, and his description of how everyone 'sounds' when he's got fluid in his ears was, "Mommy, it's like I'm in the bath with my face out of the water but my ears in the water so I can't understand you very well."
If you think about it, that would explain why she's not mimmicking, because she can't tell exactly what you're saying. Also explains why she's not responding to your requests to wave or kiss or whatever, except that every baby does that anyway to a certain degree. Good Luck!

I also have a 15 month old. I also have 3 other children. I wouldn't be too concerned yet. My son just started saying mama a month ago and just started giving kisses. Don't worry yet. You can always ask your doctor, but I wouldn't worry. My 3 1/2 year old just started speaking in sentences (that you could clearly understand). It just happened overnight. All kids are different. If when she turns 2 you are still concerned then there are programs paid for by the state you can have her evaluated and if she qualifies you can receive FREE speech therapy and other services. But just sit back and enjoy her right now :) Hope this helps.

HI,,, I'm surely no expert but, I can tell you that my son will be 2 in June... and he still dosen't talk either....but, after worrying about it for months and asking around doc's and friends included.....my son is doing EVERYTHING else ahead of time..... that being said..... If your daughter is hitting all her other milestones and exceeding others....for my son n eways.... its easier for him to grunt....i know what he wants... or can figure it out.... and he knows it!!! For example....every night before bed we read the same "Brown Bear" book....and every night he would point to an animal and i would say what animal it was.... then i realized... he was waiting for me to say the right animal name.....once i asked him where the "blue horse" he flipped rt to the page and pointed......he was schooling me the whole time:) Just keep all that in mind with your daughter since you have said that she can figure out how to get toys w/o fussing.... She sounds like she is doing better than you think:) Good luck

It sounds as though your daughter is developing normally in all aspects. Speech will come; some kids are early talkers and others are late talkers. As long as she is making communicative attempts, pointing to things, making sounds to get your attention, acknowledging you in some way, and is some how ( through sounds or gestures) making her most important needs known she is right on track. My niece didn't start talking until about 20 months, now you can't shut her up :) Hang in there and don't worry. One day when she is talking your ear off you'll think back and laugh that you ever worried!

I really think you need to take this question to a child specialist or pediatrician, as our guesses will only be guesses. I have known other kids who hardly talked much until they were older and they are fine, but you should ask your doctor just to give yourself peace of mind.
Good luck!

I think she's fine and I think it's wonderful that you spend so much time with her. I did the same things w/ my son (my 1st, now 3yo) and he is excelling in preschool for his age. I did sign language w/ him (you can find the signs online) and that will help you both communicate together. babies can pick it up so quickly, too. just sign while you are talking in your daily routine. relax and keep doing what you're doing!

No your baby is fine. My son is sixteen months old and he can talk... when he wants to which isn't very much. As far as kisses go... ha ha... I haven't had a WILLING kiss from my son in three weeks, before that I used to get one every single day... every morning when he woke up... always before bed and nap time... now... nothing. She's fine. She just doesn't want to talk. Children all develop at their own level. If she is making noises... that's good!!! My son just runs around and growls at people now... talking doesn't happen too much anymore either, but he is just fine, and yours is too. Don't worry about it that much

Please call early intervention and have her evaluated . The evaluation is free and if there is cost many times insurance can cover it or you can opt out of Ei and just have the thearpst come to your home and go though insurance. Was this after her 12 month shots the MMR that she stopped talking?? I would listen to your instincts and definitely call the pedatrician until someone listens to you
J.

She sounds much like one of my nephews. His problem is no one requires him to speak..his parents just guess at what he wants until they get it right and give it to him.

So I would suggest a few things:

1.) Have her hearing checked. I have two nieces that had speach problems because their ears were plugged up from numerous ear infections.

2.) Require that her to use words to get what she wants. If she starts to point and grunt/scream...ask do you want a drink? If you know that is what she wants then tell him "say drink" or "drink please"... Make her try to say the words she needs to use. And don't give in...even if she does cry. My second child tried that with us and we had to require she use words if she wanted something because she would just stand and scream and point. She wouldn't talk.

3.) Do not use baby talk in any circumstance. Don't know if you do or not, but if you do then stop. Baby talk encourages more baby talk...it does not teach better vocabulary or any kind of advance speaking abilities. Don't let her watch things like Tella Tubbies (spelling?)...it does not promote or encourage advanced speach.

4.) Talk to your daughter all the time even about things she may not understand. While shopping ask her about the things you are buying or need. Talk to her like she's an adult shopping with you. REad to him from books you are reading. Talk to her while cooking dinner about things on your mind (silly stuff of course...nothing too adult). Talk to him while he's watching a dvd if you allow those.

5.) Limit dvd's or tv time to only one show or two (max) a day. Try to stick to educational type shows like Signing Time which could encourage him to communicate.

I would think she's fine otherwise.

Have you talked to your Ped? I think your daughter sounds normal, kids all develop at different rates and it sounds like your daughter is taking in the world, I wouldn't be quick to jump to conclusion that she has a learning disability she is only 15 months give her a time she sounds like a very bright child and she will be talking probably in complete sentences before you know it.

I was told by my ped that kids tend to focus on one aspect of development at a time, so relax and enjoy her and stop worring if she has a learning disabiltiy until you talk with your ped.

A.
mother of 3 year old daughter

Your daughter sounds a lot like how my three were at that age and to some extent still are. Because I was concerned about their speech, I did have them evaluated and all three now have speech therapy once a week.

It wouldn't hurt to have her evaluated - EI evaluations are free and they can make recommendations, if needed, so that you can decide if any therapy (speech, developmental) is necessary. I would also call your pediatrician and share your concerns with her. Your doctor may want to her to be seen by an ENT to make sure there isn't a physical impairment.

K.,

My 17-month has some of the same issues. She has had many ear infections over this winter and we are going to have an ENT check hearing and potential tubes in the ears situation. I don't know if your daughter has been sick over the winter; however you might have hearing checked. Just another thought.

I am no expert, but I am a mom of 3. I just want to say that my son, who is 16 mos. old is doing some of the same things. He knows how to say certain words and lately does not say them. However, with all the skills they master at this age, they are so busy learning the next new skill that sometimes what they know takes a backseat for a bit. So right now my son is big on learning to climb, and not saying all the words he used to. Or wave bye bye as much as he did. It is like, ok, mom, I did this for you a million times and now climbing onto the kitchen chair is more fun, and what I want to focus on.

Has she been in for her 15 mo. checkup yet? mention it to the doctor and he will let you know what to watch for.

My sister in law went through a very similar situation with my niece recently who is now 2 1/2 and really just started talking. She consulted with her pediatrician regularly and they decided to have a speech therapist take a look. After a few tests and meetings the verdict was she is fine, her hearing is fine and she will talk when she was ready. She still took her time and is just now starting to respond with words to many situations. We were all concerned but she is just fine. I'm sure your daughter is just fine as well but don't hesitate to ask your doctor if he/she suggests talking to an expert to see if there is something you could be working on in the interim.

Good luck!

I'm glad you gave the full story, an abbreviated version might have drawn a very different response. As long as she continue to show other signs of mental and physical development, I would not be concerned it sounds like a phase. Some kids choose to talk "baby-talk", and yes, some kids will end up needing speech therapy. But it seems much too soon to begin having such concerns in your case. Plan to talk to your Dr about it at her 18 month check-up. By then she may be done expereimenting with the current sounds and on to some other action to cause you worry and concern.

about me mom of 3 (ages 7, 5 & 2)

I think she sounds perfect. Stop worrying. You are doing everything right, so relax and keep up your good work. I always found it satisfying to read the books "What to Expect With A One Year Old" and a "2 Year Old", "The Toddler Years", etc...I always found out that I didn't need to worry and you will find out that, too.

It sounds like she is doing fine. I was worried that my daughter was not talking much until she was two. But she understood, communicated in other ways like sign, and was developing normally in every other way. Eventually she started talking and is a great talker now (she's almost 4). She might just be a late talker. If you are concered, ask your pediatrician at her next visit, because you should listen to your gut in matters like this. But he or she will probably tell you to give it more time. Don't worry too much and just try to enjoy your daughter. She'll get there.

Your daughter should be able to say some words fairly soon independently. Some kids develop speech early and some take a little more time. If she's really moving along in other areas, speech may not be her focus right now. I would keep labeling EVERYTHING for her. Just say the one-word name for items as you come across them. Eventually you should see her start to name them as well. If you have continued concerns, don't hesitate to call you local school and as for a referral to the birth to three year old program in the area. It's free and they do a GREAT job! Best wishes to you!

B. (a speech-language pathologist with three kids of mine)

She is very set in her ways and she sounds like she is doing great!! She does what she wants when she wants to. Your are doing great K.. I have 4 children of my own and had in in-home daycare for 8 years so its all good!! :) Firstborns are always a learning curve--

Make it a great day!!

T.

Hi K.,
It sounds like she is fine, if she can do things once it means she can do them she may just be very independant and want to do things on her own terms. If you need some reassurance you can ask your doctor for information on early intervention. A friend of mine has a 3.5 year old that did not start talking till alomst two. She was worried but everything else was on track and her doctor told her to wait a little longer. She went from only saying backpack, which only her mom could understand, to speaking full sentances and having conversations. She is a very bright girl and can read most of her books on her own and recognizes words already. She is just a strong willed child and wants to do things perfectly before she even tries. One of my sons is like that but he had an older sister to talk to so that came a little ealier than 2 but he did not even attempt to walk until he could do it just right. He is five and still the same way, frustrating at times but now that I know he is just like that it helps. Trust your intincts and if you feel something is wrong then there prob is. With all that doctors know now, if you catch it early it can be fixed pretty easy. Early intervention is a program that anyone can take their child to and they will evaluate her and help with any services that she may need. Good luck, she is prob fine.
W.

Dear K., It's good that you are concerned but I wouldn't get too worried. My son is now 8 and is fine - he too had the same issues. Your daughter is only just over a year old and children develop at different speeds. My mother was telling me the other day that I would not even try to walk until I was nearly 2 years old. I agree with one of the other posts, go and have her ears and eyes checked. The other major thing I noticed helped my son was to ensure he went to a day care center (without me there) a few times a week. He was forced to interact with other children - some older, not just other babies. His speech was forced to develop as he started to play and interact. This is something that was suggested to me at the time by my doctor.

Remember, your daughter is only 1 year and 3 months old - she is still a baby - don't be too hard on her or you! People always compare their children to others and this just isn't always realistic.

You can have her hearing checked. She may hear differently but she sounds bright to me

Hi K.,
I totally understand what you are going through. My son (second born)wouldn't talk much at all... and when he did it was just sounds and grunts. I kept asking the Ped about it and he would always say the same thing... he's fine. I tried to make him use his words, and worried there was a problem, then one day when he was almost 2 he opened his mouth and started speaking in complete sentences!! Be patient, some kids are learning even if YOU don't see it. She will speak when she has something to say;-) My son just turned 9 and is ALWAYS talking, now my husband keeps reminding me that I really did want my son to talk;-) lol But if you are still concerned, definately check with your Ped.
I hope I helped.
S.

I'm no expert by any means but I have read that babies with mathmatical and problem solving skills don't see talking as a priority. They would much rather figure things out, tinker, and experiment. I would just keep working with her and then talk to her doc on her next visit. My son is going to be three and is just now really speaking in sentences. Our doc is not worried and once he gets into preshcool he will most likely catch up.

K., any time you are concerned about something like this, you can take her to a developmental specialist at an agency near you. We have these sort of things at our local college- they have the full gambit of speech, hearing, etc..Don't let yourself worry too long about this. IF she would have a problem, if you take him to the appropriate place for analysis- then you can get on top of things. If it helps you feel better and worry less it's all good!

Let us know how it goes!

C

I would have her ears checked too but I would only be mildly concerned. Think about adults and how they learn, some of us are auditory learns - they do best when told. Some are visual - do best by watching. Some are kinistetic (I can't spell worth a darn :P)- they learn by touch. We don't grow into what we are, we are what we are from the start! Not all babies are going to talk right away. It seems to me she is very independent, precise and doing just fine. =) Look at what I said above, what type of person do you think she is? And knowing what she is you can try to figure out ways to stimulate her learning. An example;
Put a ball, book and teddybear in front of her so that she sees all three. OH Billie! Look at the teddybear! But pick up the book. She will probably look at you weird. Look confused and say, Isn't it a teddybear? If she reacts the way I think she will she will PFFT book mommy! =)
Here is an a story that might make you laugh. My brother in law was watching my stepdaughter one day. She was in her highchair next to the phone and it began to ring. My BIL looked at her and said, "Christina answer the phone" (she was 2 btw), Christina looked at him and kept eating her lunch. He said it again louder, "Christina answer the phone", she looked at him slightly irritated and went back to eating. She rarely said anything so he didn't expect her to say anything, he was teasing her. Again he told her to answer the phone and this time she looked him straight in the eye and said, "I can't it's too far". *blink* =)
Relax, you are doing the right thing! *HUG*

K.,
I understand your frustration! My son is exactly the same way! It seemed that as soon as he learned a new skill, he would stop doing it, even though we knew he could do it, like saying certain words, waving, etc. We felt he was being stubborn. After his 15 or 18 month check up, we were concerened enough about his lack of talking to have him checked out by Illinois' Early Intervention program (which is very good, ask your ped for info). They told us that he was borderline for speech therapy because he said so few words or sounds, however there was nothing physically wrong with him. They gave us some exercises to work on with him (honesty, didn't do them very often). When he turned 2, he just turned into a little chatterbox! My philosophy on the whole child rearing subject is this: kids develop at their own pace, whether that's slower or faster than the neighbor's kid is of no consequence to my son. As long as his ped says he's doing fine, than I'm OK with that. I guess the bottom line is, I know it's VERY frustrating, but she will get there in her own time.

T.

Regarding what Jenn N. wrote about her nephew - my 2 year old granddaughter had tubes put in her ears not even a month and a half ago. She's always had a big vocabulary, but I've seen so many changes in her enunciation since they were put in - she used to call me Rah-Rah, now I'm Gramma, and it's so funny, because she keeps repeating it. Initially I thought she was trying to get my attention, but I think she just likes saying it, because the real word sounds so different from Rah-Rah. Her big sister's name is Ramona, and now sometimes she's "Ramona" instead of "Nona" (but I think "Nona" will stick for a while - her little nickname for her big sister). I was amazed when, just a week after the tubes, her enunciation was suddenly changing.

As a teacher, I think she is doing just fine. If you are truly concerned, have her evaluated for speech.

You might also bring up your concerns with her pediatrician. He/she will have developmental checklists that you can review together... which could tell you where to go next.

A question to consider would be, does she have frequent ear infections? If so, that might be part of the problem. Frequent ear infections can lead to reduced hearing, which could translate into speech and language delays.

Try not to give her visual cues when you talk to her. Don't point or use any gestures, look at her and ask her to "get" something or "give it" or even simply, "come here." See if she is able to follow those directions given only the sound of your voice. If she has problems, it could be hearing.

Good luck!

L.

I have 3 kids - 3 yrs in April, 17 months & 4 months yesterday. My 3 yr old, was talking at 9 to 10 months. She started with "Kitty" and went on from there. My 17 month started showing signs of talking around 1 year with words that sounded like "juice", "snack", and "please". Then her brother came home & we got nothing. She finally started with "es" for "yes" just out of necessity to get the things she wanted. I was beginning to think she might have a speech disability too. I knew she was okay with everything else because she crawled & pulled up at 7 months then took off walking at 9 months. She will watch everything and knows exactly how things are supposed to be, but she won't say a word if she doesn't want to. Just in the last two weeks she has started saying "daddy" and "bubby" and "butterball" (the last are her brother's nicknames). She seems to be on her way to talking, but is definately taking her time and won't do anything like wave or give kisses unless she wants to, then only with her dad & I. I've decided it was the disruption of having a new baby come home & now that she is okay with it, she is picking up where she left off and is just going to be a little behind where she should be. Has there been any major disruptions in your daughter's life/schedule that might have slowed her down? Good luck! Hope things turn out okay and you get a good answer so you don't need to worry.