if you have a twoyearold that's not talking, would you be concerned?

Question

i have a 2yearold grandson and he's not speaking words, but he does communicate in his own way, he's very bright, knows which block goes in which space, if asked to show you something, he can, he's read to all the time and when asked where is the cow,pig or sheep or anything else he has been taught, he's alright most of the time. he's an only child, but goes to a play group once a week and does a lot of things, color, fingerpaint, glue objects on projects. some one told my daughter she should put him in a special ed class because of his not talking. she tried it and was very against the program, concerned that he would imitate some of the bad behaviors from the other children. my husband and i went and spent the day with him. there were only two other kids in the room, one 4 and the other 5. these were children with learning difficulties and the class was very structured. for kids with adhd i can understand needing the structure. but, my grandson has none of this.

while my husband and i was there 1 of the children made a peculiar sound and our grandson laughed at him. our daughter said the teacher said he didn't need to learn colors,shapes or letters. she has an aide and she had one child at a table doing something on his program and the other at another table doing something else,our grandson was sitting at another table doing nothing. so, i asked her about coloring, she said he was to young for crayons,she also told our daughter the same thing and not to give him crayon because he was to young. now, he color at home and at the play group all the times. he has no learning disabilities, he's not challenged when it comes to doing or talking and he understands when you speak to him, like telling him to stop, pick up toys or anything like this. i believe i will write an anoynomous letter to the school board. even the room isn't child friendly. and imagine trying to make a 2yearold open a carton of milk. they're still using sippy cups.

he's been tested for hearing, and the doctor said his hearing is fine. his pediatricain says if he's not talking by 3 then we could consider speech therapy.

one thing he isn't is hyperactive, or he wouldn't have sat at the table alone doing nothing. he would have been getting into something.
everyone's information was very good and i don't know who to give the ten points to.
but, then again, i was seeking information and ideas.
so, i'm going to put it into voting.

Answer 1

Yes, you can be concern but it is a little too soon to be panic. My sister-in-law did not speak until she was 3. Has your grandchild been diagnostic with a specialist yet. If not then you should. Will decide after the diagnostic of what you should do or don't. Good luck.

Answer 2

I think you should find a speech therapist. Most experienced speech therapists have seen almost every form of common, communication delays. Once she developes a relationship with your son, she will be able to rule out many things. There may also be "red flags" that she would notice that you and your daughter may not pick up on.

Not speaking at age two is not all that rare and not always an indication of a larger problem, but it may be a good idea to check it out.

If you start the therapy, give it a few months, if you are not seeing progress or are unsure of the methods, you can always stop sending him.

Answer 3

I haven't read the others, I usually do, but not in this case, I don't care if is redundant...
my daughter did not start talking till she was almost 3. There is NOTHING wrong with her at all..she is now in kindergarten and all I get from her teacher is how great she is and how smart she is. I was told that it may have been because she has a sister (who talks enough for 3 children), but I don't know...I think that some children are just different and like to soak up information more than anything else.
let your daughter know that it is a great idea to start a pre-kindergarten program for him, if available, or maybe preschool a few hours a day. HE DOES NOT NEED special ED classes UNLESS his pediatrician is recommending them. Which was my only question in this situation...has she brought him to the doctors? if not, and she is still concerned, she might want to try that.

Answer 4

Have you considered getting a referal to a developmental peditrician or a developmental neurologist? A developmental doctor tends to be more familiar with the various disability and diagnoses out there compared to the regular peditrician and current on medical research on disabilities. There are some disabilities out there that are late talkers. In addition, sometimes some of the bright or intelligent kids have a disability attached to it. In regards to the preschool program, have you considered switching him to an inclusive preschool education program and would receive many of the same services he receives now but with both disabled and normal peers? By the way, a special education classroom tends to be a very structured learning environment.

Answer 5

Sorry, couldn't help to tell you not to worry as well. I didn't start speaking until I was well over 2 years old. (I now am a college professor - English- and I have a Master's Degree.) Before I started talking, I would say "ma" or "da," very infrequently, but that was all. My parents tell me that once I started talking, however, it was in full sentences...and then they couldn't shut me up!

My first son did not start talking until he was almost 2 1/2. Because I knew of my "late start," I wasn't panicked. Like me, when my son started talking, it was in full sentences. He also started reading as soon as he started talking. (I thought he was memorizing stories until he started reading words on doors, newspaper/magazing covers, etc.) He is now 13 and his reads at college level.

My second son started talking even later than my first! (I started to get a little worried because he was earlier than my oldest in all the other "milestones.") Like his brother and me, when he started talking, it was in full sentences. He is 9 years old and reads 8th grade level.

Both boys not only succeed academically, but also socially. I think sometimes we jump to conclusions about children. He doesn't sound autistic, mentally handicapped, or anything else. Keep an eye on his progress and don't worry too much. Everyone does things at their own pace.

I wish you the best!

BTW, just like me...once my boys started talking, they NEVER stopped! :)

Answer 6

I am the proud mother of a mentally challenged boy. He started talking at 2 and a half. Even though your grand son seems bright, I would advise to get him evaluated either by school services or by a psychiatrist/psychologist.

Answer 7

Maybe he doesn't have to talk. A child whose parents/caretakers are there todo his every bidding, even though out of love, may need to back off and make him ask for what he wants. If he wants it bad enough he will ask if he is able.

Answer 8

Fear not........
Many "wise" people and prophets refused to "speak" until late in thier lives.
Albert Einstein (for one) refused to "communicate" outside his circle of influence.
I, for that matter was also "an inside-keeper" all throughout my early childhood and now, I'm a TOASTMASTER!

Answer 9

hey, i didn't talk until i was four, and i'm not stupid(really)
plus, Albert Einstein didn't until later too.

Answer 10

ur child is hyperactive person dun worry