Two Year Old Speech Problems
Dear Dr. Susan:
I am worried about my son’s speech. He is 2 years old and does not put 2 or more words together. He has “made up” words for a lot of things and really only me and his daddy can understand what he is saying. He was in speech therapy for about 2 months but was taken out for insurance reasons. I am currently working to get him another therapist but there are waiting lists months long. I am worried about him. Is there anything I should do besides what I am doing. I try to get him to repeat after me but he has a mind of his own and won’t or if he does he uses his “made up” words and doesn’t try to say it correctly. Am I enabling him to use “made up-“ words or not to speak at all because I can understand him so well? I feel so sorry for him. He is a very bright child. He is completely potty trained, knows all the primary colors, and can count to 5. He is very independent and can learn easily…just can’t talk. What should I do? Is this a typical problem? Should I be worried? All the other kids we are around that are his age can talk very well. Thanks for your advice.
Shawn
Dear Shawn”
Thanks for writing. You are correct in thinking that two year olds generally do put 2 and 3 words together in a string and talk up a storm. Children seem to talk a lot, but it’s jargon and nonsense – style talking. Since you had speech therapy for him, you need to act on the information they provided. What was the therapy goal? What kinds of activities did they use during his treatment sessions?
You can get instant support if you call your county health department and ask the WIC coordinator or social worker for the name of the nearest Early Head Start Program or Early Intervention program. If you get nowhere, call your local health clinic, free clinic, etc., and ask them for a referral. All cities and towns offer mental health services, in the form of support groups for moms and dads whose children are behind in their speech or other areas of development. Your pediatrician should be willing to evaluate him as well. Children generally communicate with words easily, but some are delayed because of other reasons.
Does he have any other issues that worry you? Since he seems bright and can count and likes to use the toilet, it may be he is using his “made-up language” to get attention. Stop giving him what he wants until he says the word for it clearly. Is he a good eater? Are his mouth and throat muscles working properly? Give me more information if you need more help.
Thanks again,
Susan H. Turben, Ph.D.
