Two Year Old Not Talking
Dear Dr. Susan:
I have two boys. The youngest will be 2 years old at the end of June. Should I be worried if he hasn’t said any words yet and doesn’t do little things like clap and wave even though I’ve shown him these things and played games with him all his life. I can’t find much information about what he should be doing at this age, but it seems like the other kids his age are doing them. What problem could he have with talking? Don’t all kids just talk without any reason? Thank you.
Wanda
Dear Wanda:
Thank you for contacting us. I am pleased you notice how important it is to use words to communicate by age 18 months. You have an older son, so your younger one may be the kind of child who watches and looks on, but learns vicariously that means he doesn’t like to imitate and show others what he can do. If his personality is very laid back, and he is an observer, then he is just waiting and watching – almost treating his family like favorite toys to play with. Does he like to be cuddled? Does he make fun sounds and laugh and play easily? Is he a sleeper? Is he awake early? Does he call out ”mama” when he wants to get out of his crib? How does he communicate? Does he “pretend” to feed his dolls? Does he roll his toy trucks on the floor? Does he like to bang kitchen pots and pans? What does he do all day when he is awake?
If he is not doing much communicating by pointing, gesturing, and calling for you, then he needs to be checked out by his pediatric team, and if they don’t see signs of normal speech and language capacity (sucking, swallowing, or using his tongue), then you need to be referred to an early intervention program for 0-3 year olds. All counties are mandated to have these programs in order to prevent learning and developmental problems later on. Contact your pediatrician and write me if you want to be more specific.
Thanks again,
Susan H. Turben
