2 yr old obsessed with NUMBERS/LETTERs but limited speech!

[Bananasinpyjamas1]

Anyone else got a child who can read numbers and letters but can't speak in sentences? My child is nearly 3 but doesn't ask for anything, can say words but has NO sentences at all. Yet he can do the alphabet, count numbers and recognise basic words.

Hearing is fine. He can say things. He just doesn't have a clue what 'I want juice' means and doesn't respond to questions. Only just responding to his name!

As people always say: All children are different! Writers and publishers make money from books that tell parents the various stages of development etc, but in practice only YOU really know your own child.

I don't doubt it is ALL sinking into his brain, and when he has sorted it all out - what is relevant; what he likes and doesn't like; who he can trust, and who he is wary of - then the language will come, and you may find yourself wishing he would be quiet for five minutes!

Some people advocate 'baby signing' as a way to early communication, and signing is easier than manipulating mouth and vocal chords at an early age.

What form does his access to numbers and letters take? Do you mean he can sequence number or letter cards in the correct order? Does he know what value the numbers represent, so could he place the appropriate number of counters, or Smarties, onto a number card? I rather doubt it.

Read to him, talk to him ALL the time, count Duplo bricks and tell him their colours. Avoid too much TV or other 'screen' activities; play in the garden, go to the park etc.

If you are still concerned after trying all these ideas, see your HV, but I doubt you will need to.

have you had any Salt assessment? your DC seems to have trouble understanding language too which would concern me more than the delayed speech. I would discuss this with the GP or HV.

DC1 was like that and we now have a dx of severe ASD. not saying this is the case with your child but with the delayed speech and limited understanding I would want to get things looked into.

Ferguson - things don't always just sink into childrens' brains and when they are ready, they don't always start talking with parents wishing they would be quiet for a bit. what an ignorant thing to say!

Bananas have you spoke to his HV or GP? You probably know that what he is doing/not doing isn't really normal so the sooner he gets assesed at the better.
The most important thing is he has a caring and loving mother which you clearly are so he will do well no matter what. Good look and lots of love xxx

Google hyperlexia. It sounds very much like it could be that.

I have spoken to his GP a while ago - she looked to see if DC had glue ear but wasn't too worried as he was younger then. HV a bit useless, tried to get an appointment 3 times - as his 2 year check he just took a tantrum and wasn't properly assessed. Have booked a private OT session for ADOS (autism assessment) just to see next week.

Thanks for the hyperlexia - have read quite a bit and that fits more than anything. DC doesn't go to any nurseries or anything so have no outside opinion. As he doesn't talk there is limited communicatioon - although he does say 'Look' and 'Peekaboo', has good eye contact and loves tickling play and that kind of thing.

I wonder what the assessment will be? In a way, if it shows nothing I still have a child who at the minute is very different from the other kids... I've started writing words on cardboard and showing them to him - like 'juice' 'bread' and then putting them into sentences 'I want juice' - he immediately can say a word if I show him but still doesn't get the sentences at all. He also does a lot of autistic like things like lining up all his toys, hating loud noises, twirling around etc.

He also had a habit recently of putting stickle bricks into colour coordinated shape sequences, triangle, square, circle and leaving them in similar combinations under cushions, under sofas, in cupboards, and in the fridge! He's a sweetie really.

I would go back to GP. make a list of symptoms and demand a referral to a developmental paed.

you can also self refer to Salt. just ring your local salt department. stress that he is not really communicating. This should get you seen sooner.

Have been there and done that and 'the system' failed us badly. I had to push long and hard to get referred. good luck.

Thanks OPs, will push harder for some help.

I thought "hyperlexia' when I read your description.

My advice is keep pushing and don't let the window close for early intervention; IMHO it makes a vital difference for any developmental challenge.

I agree with all the other posters who are suggesting that you push for referrals to S&LT and the Paediatrician. There are several things you've mentioned which would give me cause for concern. The sooner you are able to access early support, the better.

From your title, and your opening post, I have to say my first thought was possible autism. I wouldn't have written that, as obviously, we have no way of telling across the internet, but I was going to ask lots of questions you answered in your second post.
You are clearly already thinking it.
You need to go to your HV (or GP if HV is useless) and insist on a referral to a Paediatrician for further assessment.

From what you say, your ds is 'reciting' words, not communicating with you. It's not the lack of complete sentences that concerns me so much as the lack of communication.

Hello Bananasinpyjamas1 I wonder how is your DS doing now?