my 22 month old isnt talking...help!?

Question

All my daughter can say is ball,she only says mama when she is crying.my biggest concern is that she isnt showing any signs of progress.Other then this she seems very intelligent,she can point to all of her body parts and several other objects.Could it simply be that her older sister does her talking for her?If anyone else has had a similar problem please let me know!

Answer 1

Most likely her older sister does have alot, or at least something, to do with your younger daughters speach delay. Often times the youngest child in the house starts talking at a much older age than her older siblings because of just what you said your daughter does, the older ones talk FOR the younger ones, eliminating the need for your little one to talk. Why should she if she has someone to do it for her? Rope your daughter in to helping her sister learn to talk rather than doing the talking for her. Explain that while she's being a good sister by wanting to help, you know of a better way to help her little sister, than get her to encourage the toddler to use her words whenever she wants something, and to show her new words etc.
Make sure you are playing your part as well, getting her to tell you what she wants instead of just handing her what you already know she is asking for, giving her choices she has to answer ("would you like juice or milk ?" instead of "do you want milk"?), make sure you talk to her constantly, even if all your doing is explaining what you yourself are doing ("mommys making dinner now. I'll get the pot out of this cupboard....."etc.)

Just to be on the safe side, talk to your duaghters pediatrician and explain your concerns they may suggest hearing tests or meating with a speach therapist to rule out any underlying problems. Another thing to look for would be if she was advanced in any other areas, did she start walking early, is she doing anything that many children her age can't do yet? often times when a child develops fast in other areas, other things are pushed to the side. In other words, a child who develops early pysichal skills may be slower to speak or potty train.

also, it was mentioned in another answer about t.v. watching deterring speech. this is absolutely dead on. BUT, it also need to be added that the computerized voice, which many many toys nowadays rely on for entertainment, is not properly picked up by young children. Listen carefully to some talking toys and it is clear as to why. but even the ones that can be understod well by adults are not on correct decibel levels for a childs comprehension. and, as with t.v. lack the added benifit of being able to see how a mouth forms the words.

Answer 2

Most likely, it is that her older sister does her talking for her. She probably doesn't feel the need to talk. Just remind big sister that the little one can "talk for herself." Even if she isn't using words, she can still tell you through gestures what she needs, and hopefully will start adding words. However, you are right to keep your guard up. It could be a sign of a lot of things, such as autism, hearing problems, or many other communication disorders, among other things. Watch her development in all the other areas, and let your doctor know about your concerns. Autistic children usually are VERY intelligent and Autism has such a broad scale, that it can be hard to define. But at 22 months, I wouldn't worry yet. A lot of normal babies have nothing to say at this age, but Good for you for being so observant!

Answer 3

My daughter was like that until she was three then we couldn't understand and she would get frustrated she has a teascher in every month up to that time as there is an amazing program in Alberta ,Canada called parents as teachers. The teacher suggested we get her a 3 year old screaning early. As we knew there was a speach delay so she was sent early to preschool at first it was 2days a week and I changed it to 4 days. When she got around other kids all the time (that were not related to her) she had to start talking for herself. The preschool program also included speach therapy once a week. This is her second year and we can't keep up with her at all she has come so far its amazing. When we got married at New Years she even got up on her own and thanked everyone for coming. I would just get her her checked as some children don't speak until later. The speach therapy will ask you to get her hearing checked and give you lessons to do with her as homework. It really helps. In Alberta there is a lot of funding for speach and almost all children get at least a little now its not a baad thing at all. It will also help if you read to her and don't let her watch a lot of tv because children can't see how to make their mouths to make different sounds which can cause speach problems.

Answer 4

I haven't had this problem, but I know several parents right now who are going through it.

It's very possible that her older sister is talking for her. She senses her body language and other signs, and then takes it upon herself to help her little sister. I've heard of that happening a few times.
Another possibility is that you react to her body language and signs and know what she wants, so you give it to her right away. That's just a sign that you know your child.
Neither of these things is a huge problem. If she can understand and respond to the things you and others say, she's probably fine, and will just wake up one day speaking in full sentences.

Your daughter has a well-baby check-up in a few months, and if nothing has improved, you should bring this up with your doctor. It may be a hearing or speech impediment that should be treated right away. It's probably not a problem, but getting her hearing checked and a quick visit with a speech therapist can ease your mind.

Answer 5

Kids talk at a different pace. My youngets will be 2 in April and the only time I can really get her to say anything is when her sister isn't home. Usually my little one will point and grunt and her sister gives her what she wants. Don't be too worried though. My oldest did this for a few months too. A month after her 2nd birthday is when she really started tlaking. Some kids just up and pick up things in a matter of days.

Answer 6

She doesn't have to, so she isn't.... have big sis not jump in so often, and make the little one verbalize what she wants before she can have it... drink...juice....cookie.... She'll be chatting away in no time, give it a couple of months and you'll notice a huge difference.

Make it a game with the older one.. "If you stay quiet so Jennifer can talk to Mommy, you get a star!" Then actually do a little chart and give her a gold start every time she goes quiet and lets the little one get a word in edgewise.

Answer 7

You should have her hearing checked, I wouldn't put off having her tested. My son was the same way, I waited until he was three to have him tested, he is now in preschool and speech. I have seen a huge improvement. Most places have first step programs for children that are not developing on schedule. I wish I would have relied on my instincts instead of listening to what everyone else was telling me.

Answer 8

I wouldnt worry quite yet, Although it is something to bring up to her pedi at her 2yr checkup. My daughter started with speach therapy through Early Intervention right after she turned 2. If you are really that concerned, when she turns 2 contact your local Board of Health and they will put you in touch with the right people. they will evaluate her and determine whether or not she needs speach therapy. good luck.

Answer 9

you need at his 2 yr check up have your dr recommend for testing in delays. My son is extremely intelligent. knew all his colors, shapes, numbers , alphabet and every body part , over 500 word vocab by 2 and counting to 35. Yes they say hes a genius but he couldnt put words together to form words, he has asd, autistic spectrum disorder. NOW this doesnt mean your daughter does BUT its better for early intervention now.
If you have questions please email me

Answer 10

My lil boy is also 22 months and isnt talking.... i took him to a doctor and they said hes fine.... his hearing is good.... and he bables like hes talking in another language..... he tries so hard he just cant get the words out.... try talkinf to him 1 on 1 or reading more often he needs to hear the words.... get him to stare at your mouthas you say words youll notice hell try to repeat what your saying by making the shapes with his mouth...!!! good luck!!!