I am very concerned she may be autistic, I have read some things and see some similarities, but then again not all, I am a little cofused but mostly worried.
Thanks
2007-11-11 17:20:44 · 18 answers · asked by wow p 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Kids develop at different rates, so there is a wide range of "normal" ages for every milestone.
That said, 2.5 is probably a little outside the norm to not even be saying "Ma Ma" or "Da Da" yet. Many toddlers are stringing together words into brief sentences by that point.
Have you addressed this with your daughter's pediatrician yet? I'm surprised it hasn't come up at any of her regular check-ups yet...our doctor always inquired about the typical developmental milestones at each visit.
Although you may find that its nothing to be concerned about, its certainly worth having a physician examine your daughter just to be safe. They may even refer you to a hearing and/or speech specialist. If there is a problem, the earlier its detected and treatment/intervention begins, the better off your daughter will be.
Good luck!
2007-11-11 17:36:16 · answer #1 · answered by sarah314 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You need to make an appointment with both a paediatrician and a speech pathologist. The speech pathologist will evaluate her speech and language. A paediatrician can help you in terms of your concerns re: Autism. A speech path can also identify possible Autistic tendancies but will prob just refer you to a paediatrician as well anyway so the sooner you book with both, the less time you have to wait for your appointments.
In the mean time, the following strategies may help in further assisting your child's language development:
1) Speak primarily in single words (instead of saying "do you want a drink of juice?" just say "juice")
2) introduce key word signing. Always ensure you use the spoken word with the sign. Many children that do have Autism benefit from sign language as they are very visual learners... it can be easier for them to pick up than verbal speech. Like I said it is essential to use the spoken word as well. You can pick up books on child sign language at any good book store. Even if your child does not have Austism, this will be beneficial
3) Encourage ANY communication attempts. That means if your child says "bah"... respond immediately with clapping smiling, words anything to show your child that communicating gets a positive response.
4) give choices. Offer Juice and water... use the words in a simple sentence (e.g. "juice or water") and show your child each item as you say the word. Encourage her to use the word but even if she just points, repeat the word for her and give her the one she has chosen... do not try bribe her into talking by refusing to give her something until she says a word as communicating will only become a negative experience for her.
Hope that helps... Oh and book her in as soon as possible for a hearing assessment even if you are not concerned about her hearing. It is much better to rule it out as an issue now rather than get 6 months down the track after numerous other assessments and go... oh so that was the problem
2007-11-12 01:36:45 · answer #2 · answered by ஜBECஜ ~Mama to Lucy & bump~ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am the mother of a child on the autistic spectrum. I understand your concern and your instinct. Please know you will be fine. Here are my suggestions:
Make an appointment with your child doctor, have her tested for Rhetts, and other metabolic disorders, and request an audiology evaluation to make sure your child does not have a hearing difficulty, and an appointment with a developmental pediatric doctor.
You should at the same time consult with your local Intermediate Unit. The IU does evaluations for the district where you live for children under the age of 5. They do all of the educational evaluations, speach and language, behavioral, physical and occupational therapists to rule out autism and other issues that could be there. Best situation is she is just has a speach delay. Please remember autism is not the worst and early intervention for children is remarkable. Please do not ignore this, it could be "nothing" like others say however, this is your child. I would rather be safe than sorry.
2007-11-13 23:41:37 · answer #3 · answered by irishlass 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This could be anything, just because isnt talking doesn't mean she is autistic. There are tons of reasons that a child's speech is delayed. The only way to find out, is to take her to the doctor and ask him for a recommendation for a speech therapist to get her evaluated. You should do it as soon as you can, the sooner the better. This way, they can find out what is wrong and get her the help she needs with her speech.
Good Luck!
2007-11-12 09:23:11 · answer #4 · answered by bearlyme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First take her to her doctor and have her hearing checked. This is one of the major reasons why kids don't talk well or at all. My step-daughter had an inner-ear defect that caused her to only have 5% hearing in both ears until she was 5. It affected her balance, and today, at age 22, she has a distinctive speech problem due to it not getting noticed at an earlier age.
2007-11-12 01:27:36 · answer #5 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You should deffinetaley seek help by your daughters pediatrician. But it could be a delay in her speech. Usually no words by 18 months or no sentences by 2-and-1/2 years would be a good time.
2007-11-12 02:37:54 · answer #6 · answered by sw_eeter_than_you 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
there may be an absolutely logical and easy to solve reason as to why your daughter isn't yet speaking ... but I must say I do tend to agree with the person who reacted in a surprized manner that you haven't sought professional advice BEFORE consulting Yahoo Answers....
Girls TEND to speak at an earlier age than boys .. my own daughter was already speaking in (albeit LITTLE) sentences at one and a half .. BUT she WAS an early speaker....
she may have a hearing problem, she may be autistic BUT I am really curious as to what you have done to solve this PRIOR to asking us .. and what you were told then .. I can't believe you haven't ASKED a professional
2007-11-12 01:33:58 · answer #7 · answered by ll_jenny_ll here AND I'M BAC 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You really just need to have her evaluated by a speech and language pathologist. It's certainly notable that she has no speech at age 2.5.
Good luck.
2007-11-12 01:23:24 · answer #8 · answered by UofMWolverines03 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would talk to her Doctor. They will usually check her hearing. They can also send her to a speech therapist to see what's going on.
Good Luck.
2007-11-12 01:26:37 · answer #9 · answered by OCMama 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
some kids develop at different timed some develop srtealth before speech my son is like that don't worry soon she will be talking don't push her work with her encourage her to simulate her talking you can talk her to to the doctor and they can do some tests to help determine if its a problem or if its only slow speech building
2007-11-12 01:30:05 · answer #10 · answered by s.cheryl79 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋