Delayed speech?

[danid26]

Hi all,

My DD is 21 months, she has perfect understanding, will get things I ask her to get etc, she says Mummy, Daddy, Nanny, Yes, No, Hi and cheeky. That's it. Sometimes, she will say a word once and then literally not bother again! Should I be worried? Is there anything I can do to help her along? We read, we have flash cards, play games etc I just don't know if I'm missing a trick here.

Thank you x

I wouldn’t worry she’s only young and her receptive language sounds good.
Does she use any words to make requests or do you anticipate her needs? You could offer some choices e.g. milk or juice? Offer the items at the same time as sometimes a child may repeat the last option. If she just indicates or reaches just name it yourself. Milk, you want milk.
Try to take pressure off yourself and her. I know that may be tough.
I’d leave the flashcards for now and stick to books, rhymes, games play etc.
You could try

• Basic ready steady go activities with cars, knocking towers down etc ( pause to see if she will say go!)
• Anticipation rhymes e.g. round and round the garden pause to see if she will add a word. Start by responding if she prompts you by touching or looking
• Books with repetitive text or rhyme pause for a word
• Use lots of props/ toys e.g. put a little song sack together with items to select a rhyme e.g. a star wand for Twinkle Twinkle
• Make lots of noises in play vehicles, animals etc see if she copies
• Hide items under a cloth and see if she notices what’s missing exaggerate speech

“ uh oh, where’s Teddy?”

• Make personalised photo books with photos of favourite people/ toys. Share and name without pressure for her to name

Above all have fun and enjoy your DD. Sounds like you are doing a great job.

@24Dogcuddler Thank you so so much for your reply, it has been incredibly helpful, and some really great suggestions so thank you again! I have too say, she doesn't really have to ask for much, because I already know what she wants and I just do it if that makes sense? I will definitely be trying some of these out! Thank you so much again x

You are very welcome. Enjoy.

The above advice is great! A speech therapist online shared she doesn’t say “we’re going in the car, can you say ‘car’?”. Instead she’ll say “we’re going in the ”, “let’s put on our ” . I guess the logic is, they probably know the words already, it’s just allowing opportunities for them to say it without us saying it for them or prompting.

Best of luck, OP. My daughter had an vocab explosion at 2. A lot can change in a few months x

edit because when I posted it messed up all my spaces

@MummySam2017 Thank you so much for your reply, and its reassuring too know you were also in the same boat with DD and she is now smashing it! 💖 I have too say, I do tend to just do things, as I typically know what she is trying to communicate, which probably isn't helpful in hindsight!

Thank you so much for your advice, it's been really helpful, I do truly appreciate it xx