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My 2 year old son does not use or seem to understand words, though he babbles.

4 replies

MalchowMama · 04/10/2008 23:09

Somehow, it escaped my notice until his second birthday last week that not only does Sammy not talk, he does not seem to understand anything, including his own name.

His hearing has been checked and is fine, and he responds very positively when I sing to him, but does not respond to his name, never mind anything else that is said to him. I just always believed that every baby is different, don't worry too much about what they "should" do by x age, etc. But suddenly, I'm in a panic.

We moved from Ireland to Germany (I'm American, Father is German) five months ago, when Sammy was 19 months, and I know that bilingual children often speak later, as do boys (in many cases), and second children. Since Sam has all 3 of these, it didn't seem too worrying, and when we took him for a hearing check (here in Germany), neither the GP or Ear Dr. seemed unduly concerned.

But then I started realizing that he also doesn't point to what he wants or wave (he has waved, but very infrequently). He says "mamamamama" when distressed, but has never called for me - "Mama!" The only other words he has are no and oh no, which he uses occasionally. He used to say hi, but not for some time now, and "Ree" might mean tree, or is it just wishful thinking. . .

He is very cuddly, kissy, and lovey with me, but pushes away kisses from ALL others, including his Dad. He has always been at home with me and his brother. His physical development seems fine, though he has less interest in playing with toys than many others his age; mostly he likes to knock them off the shelf and kick them about.

So mums, does this sound familiar to any of you? Obviously, we are taking him to a speech therapist ASAP, but am concerned because my German is crap, and Sam would have heard mostly English. So I don't know how helpful I can be if the therapy is in German. Any websites you can recommend would be very helpful, and of course, any experience you can offer would be most welcome.

OP posts:
berolina · 04/10/2008 23:20

Malchow? You can't be far from me (Berlin)

Not pointing is a bit of a red flag, I'm afraid. Does he point to share interest, to show you something he's interested in? Does he do pretend play?

Are you doing the 'U'-Untersuchungen? He's due for the U7, if you haven't done it already. Might be worth raising your concerns with his paediatrician. Take your dh with you, if at all possible. Are you doing OPOL at home?

I am sorry, it's worrying. You can email me on petrovafossil at gmx dot de if you need any help with German stuff or need to vent.

MalchowMama · 04/10/2008 23:38

Brilliant, no we are not far from Berlin. I am not doing any therapy at all, as I said, we just recently sort of copped on that there is a problem. At first we just thought maybe it was his hearing, but that seems to have been ruled out.

First thing Monday, we are making appointments and Vati is definitely attending these, as he will have to do all the talking. I will ask about the Untersuchungen, I may take you up on the Email offer. . .

OP posts:
MalchowMama · 04/10/2008 23:43

And no, he doesn't point to share interest. Pretend play? not much. He does like tea parties, but that's about it. Mostly he plays with water and sand, and he runs alot. He loves going for walks, and would run the whole way if he could.

OP posts:
mabanana · 04/10/2008 23:45

I'd say get him checked by whatever is the equivalent of a developmental paediatrician there.

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