My daughter can talk. She makes specific requests but prefers to use her hands and eyes to communicate. Most children at this age are more verbally expressive and I worry that I may be doing something wrong. Her pediatrician does not believe that she has autisim. Any suggestions?
2006-12-19 06:21:06 · 15 answers · asked by daisyjzmum 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Children enjoy being read to. If you get some simple books and point out certain objects that she knows, i.e. cat, dog, apple, etc., she will begin to express herself verbally and not only use her hands and motions, but her voice also. Don't worry though. Children learn and express themselves when they are ready. She'll be talking away before you know it and you'll wonder when she's going to stop. I have two children myself and they both progressed at differant age levels.
2006-12-19 06:32:37 · answer #1 · answered by Nunya 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are NOT doing something wrong. Please stop worrying about that. Your daughter is an individual and she has the right to be unique.
You have some good answers here, especially (1) Stay calm and (2) Don't put pressure on her but acknowledge her and show appreciation.
It's okay for her to delay verbal expression for another 2 or 3 years. (Although it must be terribly frustrating for you!)
I like the suggestion of reading to her, but she doesn't need to learn to read at age 2.
Does she show any interest in art or music? She might express herself better through the nonverbal languages.
Is she telepathic? Does she want you to develop your telepathy skills? I had a telepathic daughter and I used to get so angry with her for not saying things out loud. I wish I had been more accepting of her gift.
2006-12-19 06:39:35 · answer #2 · answered by Emerald Sky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 2 year old son is the same way. HE knows how to speak and can speak quite well, when he wants, but he prefers to point and moan like a cave man. I have found that if I make him say what he wants before I give him something that he will say it, but If I just hand him what he wants, then he has no need to speak. He also has a 5 year old brother who talks for him, so he really has no need to speak till his brother starts school in the fall. We were beginning to think that maybe he wasn't hearing well, but he responds from the next room if he hears us mentioning candy.
Don't worry, some kids are sometimes slower to speak then others. If I remember correctly, my oldest was late to speak also. I am sure you are doing fine, maybe try for instance (have her say "cup" before you hand it too her, or make her say milk before you pour her a glass.) You know what words she is used too, try to focus on those and introduce more words as she accells. A picture book would be good too.
Good luck
2006-12-19 06:42:05 · answer #3 · answered by Jenni 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you had a hearing test done yet? If so, and all is fine...
Talk to her ALL the time- running commentary. Also, insist that she use words before you fulfill her requests (saying juice when she wants it). Also, Read lots of books and ask her questions about it.
If she is not in preschool, you might want to enroll her 1-2 days a week- this sometimes helps.
Good luck. You can also get a speech/language screening done from your local school district if you are concerned. This is usually free, and may provide services in your home- also free- if they see a deficit. If they don't she a deficit, they can still provide you with strategies.
2006-12-19 06:29:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about it. My daughter barely made noises at 13 months and was getting frustrated so we taught her sign language. Closer to 2 years she was still not talking but could get her point across. Then one day I said something and she repeated me. Has been the same since and everyday she adds on new vocabulary! Now if she's 3 and still not talking I'd be worried. But for now just keep her communicating the way you are!
2006-12-19 09:09:37 · answer #5 · answered by Sunshine Swirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read to her. Encourage her to respond to questions about the pictures and the stories. Engage her in as much interact communications as possible. Don't stress; she can feel it. And try not to worry too much. Also, if she can get what she wants with her hands and her eyes, why should she talk? If it is not a request that ignoring will cause her harm, then do so until she asks with words. My youngest would not talk because she could always get her older sister to talk for her. I had to separate them when I was having conversations with her so that she would be forced to speak for herself.
2006-12-19 06:26:33 · answer #6 · answered by CYNTHIA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Count your blessings....
Actually, if she's pointing at stuff, you make her tell you what she wants - and when you are playing with her, speak clearly and a little louder than normal as to what you want her to say.
My son is 2 and he's a talking machine, but I have two nephews that were born the same year and they aren't as verbal (and he's younger) be patient and try not to compare your child to others as she will be a chatterbox in no time and you'll wish she wasn't - trust me.
2006-12-19 06:25:42 · answer #7 · answered by Stephunny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does she have any older siblings? My 3 yr. old refused to talk when he was 2 also. My mom thought he was autistic but the Dr. was not concerned. Turns out my son never got a chance to talk because his older brother was constantly talking for him. It made him self conscious i think. But when he finally started to talk he spoke great. Now we can't get him to stop talking and he speaks almost better then I do. Try not to worry. I'm sure everything is gonna be just fine.
2006-12-19 07:14:30 · answer #8 · answered by Kristin B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister was the same way when she was 2. We tried everything to try and get her to talk. Now, at age 3 1/2, we can't get her to shut up! Yup, in a couple years, she'll be able to out argue her brothers who are 3 and 5 years older than her!
It's like they always say: You spend the first couple of years of their life trying to get them to walk and talk and the next 20 trying to get them to sit down and shut up! Consider yourself lucky that she's not a motor mouth yet and wait a little longer...she will be.
Reading helps to develope children's vocabulary. Also, if she points at something she wants and whines, tell her that you're not giving it to her unless she tells you it's "name". It worked on my little sister.
2006-12-19 06:32:37 · answer #9 · answered by ღQueenღ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't give her things unless she asks verbally, she will be frustrated at first but eventually she will talk, or you could wait for her to go to school so she sees that communicating verbally is the way to go
2006-12-19 06:32:05 · answer #10 · answered by Pastvarient 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋