Hi there. I am asking this question on behalf of someone else. But they don't know I am asking. I'm worried because they aren't worried, ISWIM.
In brief, my SIL has a baby of very nearly two years old. He has never made many sounds and most of those that I remember from him have been high-pitched squeals or guttural croaking. No vowels, no consonants, no babbling at all. About 6 months ago, he was diagnosed with glue ear and was fitted with grommets around two months ago. There has been no improvement in his speech at all. But I know a lot of children take longer to talk and this on its own wouldn't really concern me that much. The thing that really worries me, apart from the lack of babbling and sound production is that he appears to have very little understanding of what is said to him. He cannot follow any type of instruction, like show me your toy or point to grandma or similar.
I'm really worried about him and have tried to talk to SIL and MIL to suggest that he may need some help but they don't seem to understand what I mean. They insist that he can understand everything that's said to him and interpret the fact that when you ask him where someone is and he looks randomly around and the questioner reacts with delight when he happens to scan the correct person as evidence that he understands what's going on. I really really think there is a problem of some kind. You can ask him anything at all and he looks randomly around the room and waits until approval is shown before fixing on the 'answer', if that makes any sense at all. So he understands social cues (he's very smiley and likes to wave at people) but he doesn't seem to understand speech, not even if he is looking directly at you while you talk to him. I don't think he understands when you say his name.
Can anyone give me any pointers as to how I should handle this and should I just butt out? I am just worried as I feel that he does need some help and the earlier this could happen the better. I have a child of my own and do understand how worrying any idea that your baby may have a problem could be.
Or alternatively, is this normal for this age? It doesn't seem normal in my experience (lots of younger brothers and sisters and cousins as well as my own child) but perhaps my experience is too limited?
Sorry, said I'd be brief but that's a bloody essay!
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Behaviour/development
WWYD? Nearly two year old not talking, no words, barely any sounds, not understanding speech
33 replies
HarumScarum · 05/09/2013 22:34
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