2 year old vocabulary... Do I get her some speech therapy?

[sweetiepie1979]

Dd is 2 tomorrow. She has about 18 words other words I know she is saying but wouldn't be recognisable to others. She babbles all the time, loves talking and singing but it really is babble. Spoke to Hv who said not to worry they wouldn't do anything to she's about 3 anyway. Hv will see her at 27 months for assessment but I'm worried about the speech. Anybody any experience or can guide me with this?

DS2 was like this.At his 2 year check he had about 20 words.Could not say his own name or his brothers,no animal names except dog,could do animal sounds.then a few other words like mama,dada,no,more and a few sounds but not proper words like lala (do it again) oo (poo) etc.He knew colours and could point correctly to colours in a book and also to some numbers.He did know the names of Thomas trains but could not say them,just "no" if I pointed to ,say,Thomas and calked him Percy.He could also understand instructions like "Go and get your shoes,""eat that with your spoon" etc.
HV did refer him to ST.They saw him about 4 weeks ago.They said until a child has 50 words they do not start putting them together.Also,however the child sounds,they think they are pronouncing the words correctly.
ST said it was a good sign that he was following instructions and responded appropriately although his speech was about 3m behind for his age (he was 2.3 when seen).
Anyway,since then,total coincidence but has suddenly starting talking.Can now count to 10,say things like "I hurt my knee,""I want white ice-cream,""You wipe my hands mummy" etc.
ST has arranged to visit again in 5m but said would only be concerned if there had been no progress or regression.
Anyway,obviously there is no problem now and he is catching up.DS1 was talking really well in proper sentences at just after 2 so it was interesting (and slightly worrying) to then have a child who was not.But as you know they all develop at different rates and speech is no exception.Hope that helps to reassure you.It doesn't sound like they are particularly worried about your DD.

There is a useful tool on www,ican.org.uk that takes you through some standard assessment questions and then advises on next steps. How is her understanding? Very normal for children to understand many more words than they say.

My DS hardly spoke at all at 2, all rubbish, babble he thought made sense. Just the occasional word, car, digger etc. Nursery picked it up and he's been put forward for speech therapy which can take up to 6 months for initial assessment. Since then however his speech has come on leaps and bounds and I don't know if he'll need the extra help. Some kids do just take longer. But as their mum, if you feel something isn't right ask to be referred as the process is so long it's worth getting in there now even if you end up not needing it

Babouche and charity Mum thank you both very much for your replys. Her understanding is good so that's a good sign. Her speech is very much as you have described Babouche. They see two year olds now for 27 month assessment instead of 24, I suppose to give some toddlers a little bit of catch up time. Charity mum I'll have a look at this website, thank you. And Thank you again Babouche for such a through reply.

Sweetie I wouldn't be too concerned if understanding is good but would have a look at the local sure starts. Both of mine have speech & language therapists on staff who you can see and also run communication groups run by s&l team.

my advice is not to worry until LO is three and even then they have funny phases - stutters, not pronouncing letters properly etc. We have been told my son is quite advanced speech wise for 4, yet he had some of the above problems.

Read to LO as much as you can, as hearing you is how they learn best. Do not correct her speaking directly, I think this caused the stuttering - better to read things with those words in. Also, a bit of cbeebies can help - you find them chatting to characters / repeating what they say.

Children develop at different rates, just review every 3months - enjoy your LO! Happy 2nd Birthday to her:)

Thank you all again for your thoughtful replies and birthday wishes. I'll continue to keep an eye and read as much as poss. Tv is an interesting point. She dosent get any tv, partly because she isn't interested and because I was taking nhs advice but I think I will start introducing it and watch something with her for 20 minutes.

My DS (2.6) has been having intensive speech therapy for nearly a year but that is because he has a hearing impairment. I just wanted to say that a book that really helped us move on from having just a few words to combining words and asking for things is Hanen's It Takes two to Talk. It might be in your local library and is definitely worth looking at for techniques in helping them kick on.

I will have a look at that holly thank you. Hope your dc is getting in well with ST

Vocabulary and speech explodes between the ages of 2 and 3. I was a little concerned about my DS at the same age. He's now 2.6 and i literally cannot shut him up. His comprehension of language, the clarity of his words and even his understanding of grammar are now what i would consider to be quite advanced (and even complete strangers have commented on this, so it's not just me being PFB!) I really wouldn't worry just yet, just continue doing all the things i'm sure you're doing already. If you don't see a marked improvement in the next few months then speak to someone about your concerns.

Okay Mantana thanks, hope your right. Glad to hear your experience. Thanks for sharing

My DD said 10 words at age 2, by 3 she hadnt said much more! I began to panic and we cannot shut her up age 3.5. She really talks so very much and I keep reminding myself she is just practising language. I would say some children pick up language almost overnight. Dont worry just yet. Birthday wishes to your DD.