Should I be worried?

Question

I have a 2 year old daughter, she doesn't talk much, she only has a few words, but shes getting to know more. I have her in a speech class, we go once a week, and we are working on sign language... But my question is, I just got a letter or an invation in the mail, asking me to come to a meeting for special needs children, and children with autism.... They never said she had autism... She's really not hyper, I always thought she was more relaxed than anything, she has her days, she gets mad, but what child doesn't? She can sit down and do a 4 puzzles at once, put on her own shoes, and socks, not always on the right foot, she can run, go upstairs by herself, feed herself, so her gross and fine motor skills are great, Her speech "people" told me that, she just isn't talking as much as she should be.... What is going on here? In advance, thank you so much for your answers.

Answer 1

I am a preschool teacher and a graduate student in early childhood education working on my masters. I also have a 2.5 year old son that is not speaking recognizable words, but he loves to babble, point, and talk in his own language. I understand your concern! I also worry and am tired of friends and family always asking if he is talking. My son did not walk or crawl on time, so I would not expect him to talk on time either. I have worked with several children that did not talk until they were three years old. My mother sent me an article that stated Einstein didn't talk until he was five. All children develop at different rates. It is good that you are working with a speech therapist. The best thing you can do is to label things for your daughter, so that her language comprehension continues to build. Once she starts talking, she will catch up quickly, because she has stored all that vocabulary in her brain. If she responds to your language, like requests to pick something up, then I would not be too concerned. Has her hearing been tested? Delayed speech is considered special needs, and federal law requires that counties and schools provide services to all children from birth on. Where did the letter come from? Your pediatrician would be talking to you about autism, if that was a concern. I think the letter is covering all special needs children, and since you are already receiving speech therapy, your daughter qualifies. Try not to worry. Make a phone call and ask why you were invited. I hope this helps.

If you are interested in natural, educational toys, I have a blog reviewing them and other issues regarding early childhood.
http://www.ecochildsplay.com

Answer 2

Autism is different than ADHD. Kids who have autism generally have difficulty socially. This is often shown in young children by not being as vocal as their peers, not connecting emotionally with parents, and sometimes getting irrationally angry over something that seems small. Based on the information that you gave and only going on the fact that someone sent you this invitation, if she does have a form of autism I suspect it is mild and perhaps asperger's syndrome. Generally, this form of autism does not effect a child's intelligence significantly. I am sure that it is alarming to get this type of invitation without anyone having mentioned this as a possibility. I would contact your child's pediatrician and explain your concerns. Your daughter is VERY young to receive this type of diagnosis, and it is something that a doctor would need to identify and investigate. Don't start worrying yet though, it's possible that your name just got on a mailing list and this invitation means nothing... Call the doctor ASAP for an explanation! Good luck, and don't worry about this yet! If it does turn out to be autism there are diets that can help improve the symptoms a great deal including eliminating Wheat from the diet.

Answer 3

Do some reading on autism. There are so many levels of autism. A relative has a mild form of aspergers, and leads mostly a normal life, with some assistance needed in some areas. She is also brilliant. Other forms are like you saw in Rain Man. If someone referred you, it wouldn't hurt to go. See what you think. Speech teachers see a lot of this stuff, and often they are the ones who catch stuff first. (my relative didn't get diagnosed until she was 5 - we just thought she was bored cause she was so daggone smart) The sooner you catch stuff, and the more help you get EARLY the better.

Answer 4

All children learn to speak at different rates it sounds to me like you are being proactive which is great. You cant look at other children and compare, even though a lot of other people tend to do that, it is very frustrating, I know. Your little one is just taking her time. Who exactly sent the letter, and how would they send it to you w/ out telling you your child could possibly have this (Autism) prior to the sending? Sounds very odd....On the Autism front I know that there are varying degrees of Autism, so it is difficult to tell you anything w/ info provided. Check w/ your pediatrician. Good Luck :)

Answer 5

it sounds like shes within the normal range for a 2 yr old. as for her speech she may need some more help. kids that are having some sort of therapy do better if they are exposed to other children that have difficulties. I think you are reading too much into the invitation. go and have fun. My grand daughter was refered to a speech therapist at 2 yr old . she didnt say much till she was 3 then look out . now she's 5 talks a mile a minute and is very very smart. no problems at all read read read to her

Answer 6

hi there! i have a 2 year old daughter, who isnt doing alot of talking either. i found myself worrying about it more when i compared her to other kids her age, and read all thoes milestone charts online and in books. one person told me she should be speaking three word sentences and counting to at least five. i was like, she's 2! are you telling me that at 2 1/2 she should be doing algebra? i have had people tell me that i should have her in speech classes, and that i should have her checked by a dr, but i know she's fine. i know she is very smart, she just dosent feel like talking. you want to know what i think about all thoes milestone charts and things the doctors say? i say, let the poor kids develop on thier own! we as good parents know when there is something wrong. if we keep pushing our toddlers to be the best and rush them into doing everything better and being smarter than other kids, what is thier life going to be like? a competetion? dont get me wrong, its great to be concerned, and i'm glad you have your daughter in speech class, i just wish some people would back off, and love thier children for who they are, and not how they develop. here's some advice. if people make you feel bad for your daughters delayed speech, point out to them all the great things she does! as for the letter you got in the mail, it probally came from an agency that is affiliated with the place that you are allready taking her to. its like a telemarketing thing, only by mail. just remember, you are not alone! you sound like a very loving mom!

Answer 7

Go to the meeting. Also, read up on autism. People with autism aren't vegetables that sit in a corner rocking themselves. There are MANY different types. Some are severe and others are barely effected. Just go. You might learn things that can help your daughter progress.

Answer 8

When my 4-year old son wasn't talking much (he did a lot of running around and giggling) I took him to a child psychologist who did a raft of tests that showed that he was within the developmentally appropriate range, and then, bless her, said, "My sister never talked until she was seven and now you can't shut her up!" This was at a university, so it may have been a less formal environment. In any case, my non-talking toddler, as an adult, got a linguistics degree and teaches English as a Second Language.... as a matter of fact, he also tests professionals who want to emigrate as to their English language competence. So, I don't think you need to be too worried if your child isn't talking up a storm at 2.

God bless!

Answer 9

I hope this helps. I had a nephew who did not talk until he was four. He did have painful ears (aches) and we suspected deafness and did tests for autism. However, when he started to talk it was in full sentences. It turned out he just didn't want to talk and he got everything he needed without talking. He is a very healthy happy 30 year old. Good Luck

Answer 10

i'm an analogous way. There are a number of at homestead remedies you could attempt. i come across rest ideas which contain yoga, respiratory workouts stretching can paintings. finding a chuffed place, a relaxing reminiscence or popular interest you could think of roughly. For some human beings song will paintings, taking part in a prevalent song can adjust you techniques-set. in case you experience as though not something works that's continuously recommended to circulate communicate over with a therapist. there is something triggering your tension which would be resolved. sturdy success.