DD not talking at 2.2 years.

[booksandchoc]

Dd is 2.2 and barely uses 10 or 15 words. She can say no and go perfectly fine, mum, dad, di for the dog and duh for her dummy. A few other sounds but mainly just communicates by pointing at what she wants. I encourage her to say what she is pointing at but then I give her what she wants, otherwise it would end in a major tantrum. I've got her an appointment with GP, but HV already told me they won't do anything about it because her understanding is fine. I'm not sure what to do really, except persevere with the encouragement and hope the GP doesn't laugh in my face.

Hi. I am a speech therapist. First of all to reiterate what someone else said - you don't have to wait for a health Visitor or GP, you can self-refer to speech therapy - Google your local department and give them a call. Also, do get a referral to audiology as well, just in case. It's always best to get hearing checked even if you're not really concerned about it.

It sounds like your DD has lots of positive communication which is great. She may well be fine, but it's always worth getting a child referred. The main thing is to keep her communicating in whatever way she can - the more she successfully gets her message across, the more she will be willing to try. I understand your concern about signing, but it actually usually has the opposite effect - it takes the pressure off from speaking, which then often means children are more keen to have a go. It also helps them to look at you when you're talking if you're signing too, to focus on particular words and to learn all about conversation, all of which will help. Once children can say more, they naturally drop the signing, but it can be really handy at this stage. Don't worry if you can't find local groups or courses - just use made-up signs or watch Something Special and look at their website.

Other suggestions are - lots of action songs, animal and car noises etc praise any attempt at a word even if it sounds nothing like it, ready steady go games (say ready steady and see if she can fill in go before blowing bubbles, knocking skittles down, rolling a ball - whatever she enjoys). Offer verbal choices - eg do you want milk or orange? Hold both up and to start with she will just point, that's fine, but as you give it to her, say milk (or whichever she has chosen) again for her to hear. Spend a few minutes a day playing 1:1 with her if you are able to - play with whatever she wants to play with and comment on what she's doing with just 1-2 words ( eg teddy...... Teddy sleeping.....wake up etc). Pause lots to give her a chance to talk but don't worry if it takes a while before she does.

Sorry, I've just bombarded you with ideas, but hope at least some of it is helpful! Feel free to private message me if you want to.

I wouldnt worry about nursery too much.
Mine doesnt go and has 300+ words at 21m. I find young kids dont say a lot in public and especially when playing.
I used picture books with like a dog, cat etc on each page.
When she was little it would be point at the/ where is the..
And now it is what is this? Etc
I read they need 50+ words to start joining them together.
We play nursery rhyme cds during the day and on car journeys and she sings along.
We did do baby signing when she was 6-9m old.

Fantastic post from Curlyfrizzball.

Your DD will only benefit from nursery if she's really in her element there and she has far more opportunities to engage in high quality conversations there than she does at home, i.e. if she's confident and outgoing in groups of other children and she gets very few opportunities to interact with you when you're together. From your previous posts I don't think the second applies at least. Only you can judge the first.

With you she'll have a quieter environment, probably feel more relaxed and conversations with an adult who is interested in her and happy to follow her interests, all of which will support her language development.

Our local S&LTs have told us we should refer any child we are concerned about at this age because they would rather see 20 who will catch up by themselves than miss one who needed their support. You need to find out if you can self refer and get it sorted.

Nursery can be good for all sorts of reasons but like the message above says it doesn't benefit speech in every situation. My advice is get the ball rolling as soon as possible by self referring, in some areas you can wait months. Dont worry about it not being enough of a problem a speech therapist is never going to be unhappy if there are no real issues and therapy advice tailored to you individual child is extremely useful.

Your HV doesn't sound very helpful, she could have told you that you can self refer to speech therapy and she could arrange the 15 hours of free childcare at two if you think your LO would benefit from a few hours of nursery.

The two year check is no great shakes to be honest. I echo what the above posters said about the self referral or through your Gp. Stubbornness and no fear are VERY normal toddler traits. Best to get her hearing checked to be on the safe side but she sounds like she's just taking her time.
Sorry if I appeared rude by asking if there were any other issues but speech delay is really quite common, it's just when it's combined with other things that can be concerning.

My advice while you wait is to try and withhold your language to her. When she points for something that you know she wants give her a choice of words to use.

For example, when she's pointing for a banana, hold up a banana and a sock (or whatever is to hand) and ask her "Banana?OR Sock?" then wait....and wait some more. Try and count to ten. Give her a chance to let the question sink in. If she gets upset and shouts then get down to her level and give her the item and repeat "Banana".

You are giving her a choice of a preferred and a non preferred item and making it very easy for her to make the choice.

Try and hold back your language to two words and keep the words the same all the time for example when going out "Coat on" all the time. Not "Jacket on"some times and "anorak' other times.

Does this make sense? The hardest bit is waiting. You need to try not to fill in the spaces with questions and lots of language. Keep it short and model the language you would expect her to picking up.

have not read any of the responses so might repeat what others have said.

if GP or HV won't refer, then self refer. google you local Salt department and give them a ring.

Get her hearing checked (even if you have no concerns). GP should be able to refer to audiology.

My middle child didn't talk much until nearly three, and I'd say her speech wasn't really clear until 4, maybe even nearer 5 if I'm honest. She's now 6 and never shuts up bless her. Also many of my youngest child's peer group (all around 2 and a half) only have a handful of words and don't talk in sentences yet, where as some of them talk all the time.
Obviously I'm not at all saying don't get it checked out, I think seeing the doc for a proper check is a good idea, just wanted to reassure you that from what I've seen children all develop speech at a different rate. So don't worry too much, this time next month your ears could be ringing from constant toddler chatter and you'll be hiding in the loo for a moments peace .

I do think nursery is very valuable btw - i've seen many reception teachers here comment on just how much more of an adjustment it is for the ones that have never been to nursery.

DD1 went to nursery. Had very few words at 2. I can't remember when she started with more words but I know I was worried sick for ages, although HV not concerned as her understanding was good. She started talking eventually and my goodness she doesn't stop now, ever, apart from when she is asleep ( she is now 4). She is shy and a perfectionist and self conscious and I suspect that is why she was quiet. Hope all turns out ok. Don't waste too much time worrying.

I do think nursery is very valuable btw - i've seen many reception teachers here comment on just how much more of an adjustment it is for the ones that have never been to nursery.

Yes. Six months or so in a group setting before they start school is a great idea but at 2.2 it is unnecessary in terms of supporting the child's development, unless there are significant problems at home.