Granddaughter doesn't talk yet

My MIL once told me that her eldest son barely uttered until he was 3 - she was getting really worried. When he did start, it came out in whole sentences. He subsequently got a scholarship to Cambridge and later did a degree in Paris, in French.

I think I read somewhere that Winston Churchill was very late starting to talk - might be mistaken, though.

And in addition, I know this is a sensitive subject, I think the prevalence of TV, computers, ipads smartphones etc as a substitute for personal conversation and physical activity has a lot to answer for in the apparent increase in language delay .
Which is part of the "autistic spectrum."

I just want to support NemosMum's input in this thread.
I was an EP for many years and we had a Speech and Language Unit on our premises which did brilliant work, (1970s -80s) various professions on the staff including 2 specialist speech therapists. I'm still in contact with the teacher in charge, one of my best friends.
But in addition, having assessed many very young children, it's fairly normal for them to be advanced in some areas of development, and delayed in a few others. When language is delayed a hearing test is the first thing to do. Don't babies have a routine hearing test now? and are they reliable at a young age?

All you proud grandparents out there (and I am one, of course), I know you want to reassure, I know you want everything to be alright, but sometimes, just sometimes, it won't be! There are lots of reasons why children are late to talk, and in many cases, everything will turn out fine, but not every late-talking child will be an Einstein (who, by the way, almost certainly had Asperger's). I used to have many a granny come to my clinic assuring me that there was nothing wrong with their DGC, who were embarrassed to find that there was a hearing loss/developmental dysphasia/verbal dyspraxia/dysarthria of speech/phonological disorder/autistic spectrum/selective mutism to name but a few of the conditions which I saw daily. Please do not let the rose-tinted glasses of grandparenthood stand in the way of finding out if there is a problem. Speech and language disorders affect a child's education, social development and psychological adjustment. If there is a worry, get an assessment! At the very least, get the Speech Quest App (other Apps are available) to see if you have something to worry about. Wishing best of luck to all.

What is that about dummies impeding speech? My dd2 had one and didn't give it up entirely until after she started school, but she talked as early and as fluently as dd1, who never had one.
When she was just 3 we were in the car with my folks after not seeing them for ages, and dd2 was chattering non stop. My mother, half laughing, said, "where do you get all your talking from?' Dd thought a moment and said, 'From my mouf!'

For the record, a BIL who was/is extremely clever, barely uttered until he was 3. My MiL once told me how worried she'd been - but once he started, it came out in sentences. He had evidently just been taking it all in, in his own time.

My DD1 started talking well before she was one year old! and has never stopped talking since I might add! When she was 15 months old we went on holiday to Yarmouth, and in the train station there was a booth where you could record a short message. We made a recording of her saying nursery rhymes and telling us what present she had bought for her nanna.

Just wanted to add, there are some quite helpful Apps these days. One of which I am aware is Speech Quest. There is a basic free version with advice etc. then there is the all-singing, all-dancing one in which you can record your child's progress and give indicators for professional input. I think it's less than a fiver to buy. Was well reviewed in professional journal as a good aid to parents/grandparents. Good luck with your endeavours.

IMO, NemosMum has some excellent advice. And obviously, she knows more than me. I just want to add, once again, that, in the end, only the parents can make these decisions, not a granny (unless she has custody/guardianship). So you can relay this advice to the parents, Margsus, but then it's up to them. I hope they make the right choices for their child.

I'm also wondering if the adults in GD's life talk to her very much. Since her understanding is good, they probably do. But if they/you don't, maybe it's time to start. And I don't just mean the obvious comments, which, clearly, are already being made. I remember reading, when I was a young mom, that it's good to talk to babies about anything and everything, even stating the obvious ("I'm changing your diaper now," "Look! Here's your bottle!" "Ooo! Hee, hee, hee! I'm tickling your tummy!" - all while making sure she sees your lips moving. That may help and it's something you can do when you're around, if you haven't been doing it already.

Best of luck!

My eldest son was 2 before he began to speak properly and then spoke in sentences. He is now an articulate, intelligent man so I wouldn't worry just yet. Give her time.

No, I wouldn't worry. Lots of children bide their time with talking. My grandson couldn't be bothered to talk while he had his slightly older brother to do it for him. He's four now and talks quite happily when he chooses to. He thinks a lot, takes everything in then speaks when he has something to say. I wish more people were like him, lol.

My brother had his own language until he was four. By eight he was taking books from the library like 'Teach Yourself Serbo Croat' and went on to study several languages at university.

It's natural to worry about child development but important not to compare or pay absolute attention to 'what's normal' charts. Also, children hear everything and soon pick up on chit chat of adults around them which can have an affect on them.

I was a special needs teacher for my whole career, working with many pupils who had language difficulties alongside other problems. These children were generally picked up as having problems when they were at nursery or pre school.

Personally, I'd leave it a bit longer, meanwhile making sure that there's lots of opportunities for the child to interact with adults and other children.

Elainel mentioned baby babble which is why I mentioned not having dummies during the day. It never ceases to amaze me how you can have a "conversation" with quite young babies and it's such fun to "goo goo and ga ga" at each in expressive tones while maintaining good eye contact?

DD1's son was talking really well at age 2. DD2's first daughter was slow talking in comparison, but before long we were trying to find her 'off switch'. Her sister will be 2 in June and is also only saying a few words, but after our experience with her older sister we are not worrying. Her hearing is good and she understands what we say. They just reach different milestones at different times.

My grandson is also 2 in May and doesn't really talk - a few odd words and also a lot of incoherent babble. Although the health visitor was not unduly concerned, she arranged for him to see the specialist. He was found to have glue ear, which is often a reason why children have more difficulty with speech He was also referred to the speech therapist and during a very relaxed meeting, she gave lots of tips to help him e.g. making a point of naming things very clearly in not more than one or two words. Although saying a few words at the same age, his brother did not really speak very much until 3yrs old. He is now 4 and his speech is so advanced that many people comment on this.

My eldest son didn't say anything---even Dada and Mama---until he was three. He obviously understood every thing that was said to him so I wasn't worried and I think he knew that I would anticipate his needs without him having to ask.At three , he started at playgroup and had to communicate his wishes, so suddenly started talking in complete sentences. He eventually went on to get a first at Cambridge!

DGS aged just 6, spoke very early and could read 'fluently' by 3.5 and is exceedingly articulate. His 4.5 year old brother, who is definitely as bright as his big bro, didn't say anything intelligible and spoke total non stop gobbledygook until he was 4 is now having 5 minutes therapy a day in his reception class and has improved considerably. I reckon he doesn't have a chance with his older brother forever answering for him . Their Mum, who only talks when necessary, used to say all her words backwards - sow for house, saw for horse etc. but managed a 1st class Hons degree in the end . All children develop at their own pace. I wouldn't worry, she's only 2!

In my area the Speech Therapy service won't give an appointment unless hearing has been checked.
However, I most definitely agree that you don't need to particularly worry if a not quite 2 year old isn't using proper words yet. My suggestion would be for you and others to talk to her in a conversational pattern (and body language) and then pause. She may well respond in her baby talk, in which case this will show you she is picking up her conversation skills.

I was a nursery teacher and I would say don't worry at all yet.
We often had children starting nursery not talking at 3 who improved dramatically over the year. With all the budget cuts many areas won't consider any form of speech therapy for a child so young.
If she is understanding I really would not worry. A hearing check is the only thing I would do at this point.

My middle son couldn't talk properly until about 7, he was statemented and suggested special needs school but we persevered main stream with intensive speech therapy both before and during his early school years
It never held him back, he had lots of friends and was happy and extremely healthy
He was never academic but can make or fix anything
Still doesn't talk much ( apart from to me ) but he's such a delightful kind man
Just enjoy your beautiful granddaughter but if speech therapy is needed so be it, he always enjoyed his sessions, it was his own special time

Margsus - nothing to worry about at not yet two !!! Our two and a half year old grandson is just now speaking in phrases. Our three year old grandson has been fluent for about six months. Granddaughter, 7, started around two and a half as did grandson, 6 and both non-stop chatterboxes. My own son - now 41 and particularly articulate - needed speech therapy at age 5. I am sure this time next year you will be amazed at how much she IS saying.

My second son spoke in sentences at 9 months old.My forth son didn't say anything until he was well over 2 years old.When he started I couldn't get him to keep quiet.If she clearly understands what you saying to her don't worry.They all do things in their own time.

Sounds pretty normal to me, good advice above here on pre-language development. If she understands your spoken words then even better. A couple of pointers that may help. When conversing with her stop what you are doing and make sure you are at her eye level making interaction more equal whilst giving the message you have time and interest. (i know you have both, but it reinforces the message to the child.).

My daughter used about a dozen words by the time she was one, son didn't say anything until he was 2 1/2. Good advice given above, I don't think I would worry yet.

My gd was gone three before she spoke and when she did it was completely out of the blue with whole sentences. It was as though she had decided to only speak when she had completely mastered it!

Exactly. We took my DGS at 2.5 and he did need help not with speech as it turned out but with other issues. He had less than 50 words then and was not putting 2 words together. We are so glad we went for an early referral. There is nothing to be lost and much to be gained. A special bonus if there is nothing wrong which there probably isn't in your case.

All telling good stories with good outcomes but I am sure you were worried at one time.

Unfortunately sometimes help is needed and the sooner the better. No one should be discouraged from seeking professional guidance as soon as possible especially as waiting lists can be long. You can always cancel an appointment if a problem resolves itself.