2 year old grandaughter, concerns

Having currently 2 grandchildren of similar ages to OP's, I decided to observe their communication skills. Neither has very many clear words, but they obviously hear and understand a lot. They respond to name, obey simple commands, such as "show me the car", "where's the ball?"(points). So even if they're not talking much, they are hearing and understanding.
If OP's grandchild is not responding in this way, it would indicate a possible problem with hearing, or something else. However, having alerted parents to it, there's not much more that she can do- should be picked up at routine developmental check around 2.

Most of you kee saying not to worry aboutthe non-talking, what few are taking onbiard is that there are also signs that she is not hearing either.

Possible problems with hearing will obviously contribute to problems talking. You cannot choose which problems a child has to choose to comment on. You need to see both together.

DS#3 was a late talker which worried us as his older brothers were so quick. A doctor friend thought he might have high frequency deafness, where he couldn't hear certain sounds, so we had him tested and saw a speech therapist who told us he was fine and would speak in his own good time. Which he did
He babbled and pointed to things saying Da to everything.

I hope you get to the bottom of it. You sound worried

Einstein didn’t start talking until he was 4. Children are so different.
Your GD may have a problem but she may not. She isn’t two yet and I’m sure that if there is a problem then it will be picked up soon.
Try not to worry too much just yet.

Franbern * Oh dear, another g.parent who thinks they know better about a child than that child's main carers (her parents)*

That seems rather unfair. As Monica points out in her last post some parents do find it hard to see what others see ..for lots of different reasons. They need kind understanding and support to see or to consider the possibility that something just might be wrong and need investigating. There is nothing in the OP to suggest that Mojack wants to do anything other than provide kind support and she is expressing her understandable worries on here. She really doesn't deserve villification for that

Franbern congratulations on your confidence and getting half the problem. You did not mention the doubts about hearing.

This is not the first time that I have come across families where there is a possible problem with a child and the parents have refused to see it. Parents and those arund the family have been aware of the problem but the parents deny it.

When finally the problem becomes undeniable not only is the problem more complex than if it had been caught earlier, but equally important. The trauma for the parents is so much greater because of their upset about their previous determined denial.

The sudden noise hearing test is very hard to do properly. All of my boys were very able to realise when the health visitor was going behind me and knew she was doing something
Have you tried teaching her some Makaton? A lot of nurseries use this now for pre-speech communication. There's lots of stuff on how to do it online. This is lovely
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpWMh-TBtLM

My son babbled, he knew what he was saying but we didn't! I mentioned it at a check up - long story short but he had glue ear and grommets were fitted age 3. Had them replaced regularly and eventually had long term ones put in . Made a huge difference! Speech developed well , although he needed speech therapy. At 11 years of age his face and eustachian tubes grew - no more grommets - no more problems!
I am sure if there is a problem problem with your GD it will be picked up at her regular assessments. Please don't jump to conclusions, I know how hard it is when you worry about GC. All you can do is watch, observe, and drop very gentle hints that you are concerned. As I know you are aware that if there is a problem, whatever that is the sooner it is addressed the better. Good luck.

Mojack, yes of course it is worrying you but now, as a grandparent you have a different role. Step back, be supportive and give advice only when asked. Grandparenting is a secondary role and it is very difficult for a caring person, as you obviously are, to step out of parent shoes and into a more detached role.

M0nica

Babbling is a good sign of hearing as the sounds heard in babbling will be echoing the sounds she iss hearing.

Possibly but deaf babies do also babble away.

Mojack26

Done it already,she doesn't react.

Then hearing is a very likely problem! ...if you are referring to loud noise behind her!

Oh dear, another g.parent who thinks they know better about a child than that child's main carers (her parents).

Obviously, any of the things mentioned here (glue ear, autism,), COULD be the cause. However, the most probable reason is that the child is just not ready to start to talk yet. Babbling cover virtually every known language, and shows that the babe has th ability to talk.

My twins babbled happily away until they were well turned two years old. There were three slightly older siblings and most of my time (language wise) was spent on rying to etend the vocabulary of the three year old and help the 5 & 6 year olds with their reading skills.

At their two yeawr odl check, the elderly, retired Doctor brought back for Well Baby clinic was alarmed at my reply of ' NONE' to how many words they had. The Health Visitor, who knew me, told him that there were three only slightly older children and I was an experienced Mother and Foster Parent and if I was not concerned, chances are nothing tobe concerned about.

At two years and three months, even hubbie, who usually accepted what I said on child upbringing, was expressing concern. It was a couple of months after that they both started to use words - and then (to my total amazement) within the space of a fortnight moved on to whole sentences being used. When I thought about I realised I had not done much of the single word bit to them.

Obviously okay, as this was many years ago and both managed excellent Backelors degrees and Masters Degrees etc.

Babbling is a good sign of hearing as the sounds heard in babbling will be echoing the sounds she iss hearing.

Doubt that as my daughter is very open with me,always has been

Sorry Mojack26 your daughter not your Grandaughter. I’m sure all will be well, relax a little, give your daughter a few months then consider whether she needs help or not.

Hi Mojack26 I think perhaps you are worrying unnecessary your Grandaughter has lots of time to start talking, never the less keep an eye on her. I’d give her another yr or so before I would consider whether there was a problem here.

Me too,thank you

Done it already,she doesn't react.

Yes.. in Scotland,babbling but nothing coherent. Not reacting to her name. Hearing and Autism are my concerns. As a retired teacher worked with a fair few autistic children.

Yes all these things crossed my mind too. As a retired teacher I keep telling them early intervention is key but....what does mum know?

Yes she will get one at 2.

She has 4 months to be 2 y.o.

Those 4 months make a huge difference in development

She is still very young and if she is babbling then that is good. The 2 year check up usually involves a comprehensive questionnaire that covers everything and then a follow up by health visitor (Scotland but should be similar elsewhere). Does she babble "dada, ba ba, woof" things like that? That's the start of forming words. They are all different. DS didn't start words till over 2 as DD spoke for him " D wants this, D says that, D needs milk". Welcome to the forum and ask away. Lots of different opinions and advice.

My grandson has ‘glue ear’ - I’m sure that’s what it’s called. He’s under the care of an ENT specialist.

Stand behind her and make a noise , see if she reacts . That is what the health visitor will do .