Non talking or communicating 2 year old.

[Poohbear10]

Hi, my 2 year old daughter has never said a word, a few little babbles more like blowing raspberries but no words, she doesn’t acknowledge anyone really, doesn’t wave hello/goodbye, doesn’t point or tell me when she needs anything. She is almost always calm and doesn’t really make a fuss about anything. She walks and runs and jumps completely amazingly! I have seen the health visitor and have been referred to speech and language to which awaiting an appointment, which will probably be even longer now because of covid. I was just wondering if anyone else has been through anything similar and can give me any ideas of how to help her if I can? She has 3 older siblings so I did put it down to not being able to get a word in..but even when they are at school it’s almost like she isn’t understanding what’s going on, she LOVES peppa pig and eats a lot! (like me ) any help is greatly appreciated

Awww she sounds lovely!
I have a ds (he's 10) who is a very complex communicator (to put it mildly).

Couple of questions. Does she lead you to things she wants? How is her understanding? Does she respond to her name or simple instructions? Make noise towards you?

Ah Thankyou, she is a lot of fun .

Nope nothing, the only thing she will do is come to the kitchen and kind of do a whinge and I know she wants a drink, but I think I only know that because I know her if that makes sense, someone else wouldn’t have a clue! No responding to her name either, it’s like she can’t hear us but her hearing is fine, no responding to instructions either kinda just plods around doing her thing XxX

Could have written that myself back in the day! Lots of it still applies now. Me and ds seem to have a secret code! The following is advice only that we found helpful. I am not a salt.

Firstly don't panic. There are loads and loads of things that can be tried to open communication whether that be verbal or another method. Great you've got the salt ball rolling but sadly i do think your in for a wait.

Have you heard of pecs and makaton? Maybe do some research so you feel more prepared when you see salt.

Simplify your language and highlight things as you give them to her. For example if your giving her a cup, say cup and give it to her. You don't want to use lots of language. If she was verbalising a little more I'd leave a gap (a very small one) to see if she verbalised anything. You don't want to distress her so you definitely need a salt assessment to assess this.

If she makes noises, copy her! Make noises yourself, will she copy you?

The main goal is to open up communication and if that leads to speech in time as it often does, then excellent!

I mention these as they are the usual nhs salt defaults. There are many many methods so if your like us and you try either of these and they don't work out don't panic, it's just not right for your little one. Lots of other options, they are certainly the most common.

Wow thanks so much for all the advice so kind

I’ll do some research and see what it’s all about. Yeah was prepared for a bit of a wait, I’ve heard these kind of things can take years, she has changed a lot since the first initial meeting with the health visitor, she definitely knows her own mind (can’t think where she gets it from ) and is such a happy girl, it’s like she has her own little fantastic world..and at crazy times like we are in now I’m so glad she has!

You sound very knowledgeable and looks like your son is in good hands! Can I ask if you have any other children? I have a 13 year old who loves to look after her, a 7 year old who is the same and a 5 year old who is the opposite and loves to wind her up!

My husband has taken quite a while to come round to the idea of getting help with her, but he’s getting there!

No i just have the one. I'm a single parent and he's more than enough for me! I've been there and im more than happy to share things that have been suggested or have helped us. My son currently uses an ipad with picture based speech software to communicate, communication comes in all shapes and sizes!

The best advice i can give you is educate yourself. Salt can point you in the right direction but the work is going to have to come from you guys at home. If she's going to speak she will speak regardless of any other methods you use to open up communication.

If private salt is something that is an option for you i would think about it in all honesty. Definitely continue with nhs but unfortunately their resources are spread incredibly thin.

Your other kids sound fab! That's what 5 years old do lol