Two year old twins refuse to speak!!!HELP!!!?

Question

My sister has a set of 2 year old twins and don't say anything other than mom and mumbling! we are worried... is this considered normal? what techniques can we use to help them talk?

Answer 1

Were they born prematurely? If so, then there most likely will be a delay in development. Most twins could use a little extra help in the speech area because of the time lost in the womb. Have your sister contact your local Regional Center (Department of Human Services or Department of Developmental Disabilities) that will pay for an assessment to have the twins language skills evaluated. Two year olds should be speaking in two word sentences and have a vocabulary of about 250 words. Definitely have their speech and language skills assessed by a professional. Although it is typical of twins to be delayed in their speech, it is to their benefit to get early intervention services that can help them learn to speak. Here are a couple of ideas to help in the meantime:
1) start using alternative communication to help ease frustration, such as sign language (see babysigns.com) and picture cards. Take photographs of common things (foods they like, toys) and print them out on the computer. Then get magnet frames (from Michael's craft store) that you can put the pictures in to put on the refridgerator. That way, when they want something, they can get the picture and you will know exactly what they are saying. Sign language works the same way.... start using the signs for common things they want and use. They will pick up on it fast and start using them. The use of the signing and the picture cards will slowly be eliminated as they develop the words to say the things they want.

Answer 2

I'm a mom of twins and a special ed teacher. You need to get some therapy going. Look into early ed. programs (call your local school district, they will direct you...). The twins sound like they have a language delay and therapy will help greatly. These services should all be free, by the way. The twins will get something called an EIP (Early Intervention Plan) and will get on the road to talking. In the meantime, talk to them a lot, explain what you are doing, and point out things on tv, in stores, etc... (ex. from my trip to the store: do you know what this is? its bread. Can you say bread?) Once you start it will become second nature. Also, sing to them a lot - eventually they will sing, too. My kids are almost 3 and my twin with the language delay has made great strides in 1 year. He is still delayed, but every word he says brings a tear to my eye. These twins will be okay, too. Good Luck!

Answer 3

It is not unusual for twins or other multiples to develop a language of their own. They really don't feel the need to talk to the outside world yet. I would recommend using sign language and at least getting them into a play group so that they are exposed to other children of their own age. It is a proven fact that children learn faster from their peers than from adults. A evaluation by your local school district or by a specialist might also be in order. If they are found to be delayed a IFSP would be written and services by licensed professionals would be very beneficial. An IFSP is a Individualized Family Service Plan and can serve the entire family as well as the children. Good luck.

Answer 4

First, as others have mentioned, please have them assessed for hearing loss and for speech delay. Meanwhile, you might want to "divide and conquer" Do they ever spend any time apart? If not, you might want to consider separating them for a little while each day. Don't make it into a punishment. It should be a fun time for both. Do something exciting that would encourage talking. They might fuss at first if they are never apart but they will get used to it if you keep trying. See if being apart spurs there language a little.

Whatever you do, don't push them into talking. You can further delay talking if you stress too much about it. Get a thourough assessment and go from there. The evaluation specialist should have lots of good ideas for you.

Answer 5

Hello! I have nearly 2 year old twins myself. They were only born 4 weeks early, so I knew they would be a bit behind possibly. They are also not speaking as well as my two singleton children, whom at this time in their life they were talking so much. The twins I have really only talk in twin talk to each other, I try to get them to say things but it just doesnt seem to be working. They are still young so I am not at the least bit concerned yet. As your sister shouldnt be either. They are twins, give them time. Especially since twins have someone who is so close to them that speaks the same language they do. I dont think twins really want to communicate with adults as much as singleton kids do. Let your sister know this is absolutely normal for twins. Also when she takes them to the pediatrician for check ups the pediatrician will let her know what steps to take and what stage they are at and if they are behind or where they should be. Just remind her that teaching a language takes time, and lots of it. Tell her to repeat words constantly, thats what I am doing with mine and they seem to enjoy it alot. I will say for example "hot" they try so hard to repeat me. Show them the thing or object that you want them to associate the word with so they know what it is and what it means. Cup, show them a cup, food, show them food, bed, show them a bed, see what I mean. Tell her good luck with the twins, and if this is the only concern she has right now, shes lucky, mine wont listen very well and are acting out twards me badly. They are gainging up on me! Good luck!

Answer 6

you can use all sorts of techniques really. my son didnt speak for along time and i was very concerned and took him to our doctor. as tiny babies were they very vocal atall? if you are worried id strongly suggest seeing a doctor or specialist because im glad i did, i had to push for help but turns out i was right all along. he is 4 in october and can only just make a 3 word sentence. go with your instints.
anyways on things you can do (all things my sons speech therapist has said) - talk to them constantly. when your sister is doing stuff around the house get her to do a running commentry of what she is doing, when playing games always talk about things again. reading books is good - simple picture books and pointing to animals or objects saying the word loud and clear. thats about all i had to do when my son was that young. good luck - im sure the twins will be fine but if you are concerned like i said seek help - better safe than sorry.

Answer 7

They might be considered behind or you being someone outside the home may not be able to understand them... She could try contacting commuity bridges in her local area and have them evaluated. Some areas only have an easter seals. Any how if she doesn't know what agency does it there their doctor would know.

Their mother and the family should be careful to speak clearly to them, no baby talk, say things like" Tommy would you like a cup? and encourage him to say "yes please" "Thank you, Yes I would like my cup" by saying it to them and having them repeat it.

Another thing to do is look up simple signs online and use those along with the words your trying to get them to start saying....

Most children catch on unless they truly have a disability. They start kindergarten and know just what to do!

Answer 8

Ask for help, I let time pass and my twins are now 2 years 10 months and still can understand anything they say besides mommy, daddy, I got help from BACH is a program that helps them with speech therapy they just started but I wish I did that sooner.

Answer 9

For one I would make them tell me what they wanted, not just get it. Also find some cartoons such as those on nick jr. that ask the kids to help them out by speakin. You should find them talking to the characters.

Another I know works, because it did for all 8 of my nieces and nephews. Is to get another kid around 5-9 that talks well and likes to talk, that likes little ones, and have the older child vist often. The little ones will learn to speak by choosing to assume the older childs vocabulary.

Answer 10

My twins used to talk jibberish to each other. Our pediatrician called it "twin speak". They devised their own language and spoke it to each other, each one knew what the other was saying. We began to crack their code and tell them the English word for what they were saying. They are now 6, in the first grade, speaking better than many adults I know, and talking a lot..... It's hard to get a word in edge wise with them now.

Twins will speak a bit later than single born children. A lot of the time, they don't need to talk to us because they have each other to talk to. Don't let them slide with just pointing at something they want, wait til they tell you.