My daughter is 2. Her vocab is like she's 1. How can I get her to talk more?

Question

She has problems with frequent ear infections and fluid in her ears. Could that be part of the problem?

Answer 1

I'm a speech pathologist. She possibly could be having problems with her ears, or she could just be developing normally. If you suspect that she is having a problem, then call your local school and have her tested. She is eligible for services through the school system even though she isn't old enough. She'll be able to get free services until she's 21.

Go to www.asha.org for more information (for both hearing and speech). Lots of luck!

Answer 2

Her ear infections and fluid in her ear can most definitely cause that problem. My daughter had the same situation when she was about a year old. she had tubes put in at 18 months and went from a vocabulary of 6-10 words ( mostly names of family members) to a vocabulary at age level by age two. Because of the fluid in her ears, she did not speak clearly for a few more years.

As our doctor told me at the time, having fluid in your ear is like trying to hear under water. And, if she can't hear clearly, she can't learn to speak clearly.

Talk to your doctor -- ask for a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist. The specialist can help you decide if tubes would help. It is a simple procedure and she would not even have to stay at the hospital overnight.

Answer 3

With an ear infection and fluid in ears what she hears is what you would under water. It causes speech delays. Call the local school district special education office and ask about Early Start services. They are free services for children birth-3 years old and include speech therapy.

Answer 4

My niece is 2 and doesn't talk much either. My sister had her checked and they said that she is very intelligent but has trouble expressing herself. Perhaps you should have your daughter checked by a professional and see what could be the problem. But, my mom said I didn't talk at 2 either. I just screamed. And eventually when I was ready, I talked. Kids are funny like that. I would have the ear infection thing checked out too.

Answer 5

Her ear infections probably are affecting what she hears. Read and talke to her more, even if she doesn't understand. But some kids progress at slower speeds. My daughter didnt start talking until after 2 and now she talks all the time.

Answer 6

Definitely. If she can't hear well, then she won't speak well. Tell your Pediatrician your concerns (don't take the usual "just wait and see" answer)...that's not a solution. Also, you can call your local Early Start program and if she qualifies (after many tests), then she'll receive free speech therapy until the age of 3. But the first step is to demand the Pediatrician do a hearing test. Go from there.....

Answer 7

I'm sure that could contribute to the problem. My grandaughter never ceases to amaze me with what words, et al she knows. I watched her viewing dora the explorer and some other online children shows where she actively participates. She also brings me books to read with her, Dora and the like. During the reading sessions she usually has a lot to say about the book. Just my thoughts. Have a great day

Answer 8

The ear infections could be a BIG part of the problem. If she can't hear, she can't learn to speak well. Take her to the doctor to have her hearing tested...and if she can hear ok, then start reading to her...read to her every day.

Answer 9

Yes that could be part of the problem. Most children have to store up 1,000 words before they attempt to start talking in short sentences. She may say Mama, Dada, juice, milk, etc but will not make sentences until she stores the words necessary. I would not worry about it until she is 3 and then she may need to see a therapist. Ask your pediatrician next time you see her/him.

Answer 10

I was talking like crazy by that age according to my mom and I ALWAYS had ear infections. Make her say what she wants. Do not give it to her until she says it or something that at least resembles it. Oh and make sure you dont baby talk her.