My little girl has never called me Daddy, and has never called my wife mommy, nor has she called herself by name or even said, me. She has walked since 9 months, she never stopped babbling or learning. She can count to 15 in english and backwards from 10, and is able to count to 10 in spanish but uses few to no words to communicate. She understands the words, such as bye bye: it will make her sad, with her repeating Gye gye in a weeping voice. Her pronunciation is difficult at best to understand. Unless you have seen that particular episode of Dora the Explorer, you would have no idea what she is saying. she repeats words, but does not use them in context.
She is very very independent, and she only wants to cuddle if she just woke up or is sick. I have read every thing there is on autism but she doesnt fit bill. She says more and more each day, but the communication lacks the "im tired, YES, NO, im thirsty, im hungry, or the word: more." Whats her deal. :confused:

Maybe you always know what she want's noverbally so you do it for her. She points to the juice and you get it for her, so she doesn't have to use the words. Maybe try modeling what she sould say when you get something for her. " I want juice, please" and then get it for her. Or have her use her words if she wants something. When she points say "what do you want I don't understand - use your words".

Sorry if this is not helpful or if you have already consistantly tried this - it was just the first thing that poped into my head when I read your post.

Good luck.

Hi; There can be a number of reasons for a speech and language delay. The best thing you could do is look into Early Interverntion program who will will evaluate her and see where her languange skills are lacking and then get a program set up for her. Also I would speak to her Pediatrician about sending her to a Developmental Specialist for a full evaluation. If there is a problem, the earlier the intervention happens the better the outcome for the child.

She could be having a problem with expressive speech but not receptive. If the problem is in both areas of language though don't wait too long to have it checked by a professional and get her into speech therapy.

Look up: Semantic Pragmatic Disorder, Apraxia, Dyspraxia, and don't rule out the Autistic Spectrum Disorder. She doesn't have to meet all the charactartistics to be on the spectrum, but language delay and babbling are definately one of the big red flags.

It could be just a language delay and with some speech therapy her language could take off. Also there are sign language Videos out there which really help too. Signing Time the video is something you can work on with her by signing the word and saying it at the same time. Just a thought. Good Luck

My now 6 year old was the same way. I could not understand a word he said. He babbled. He pointed. His words were not recognizable unless I knew what he was talking about or pointing to. He never looked me in the eyes when he spoke. At 2 1/2 I called for an appointment to have him checked at a speech/language place, had his eyes and ears checked too. The appointment for him was 6 months away, and I was in tears. Every day I would count how many words he knew, or that I could recognize. Within 2 weeks of his appointment he just started finally talking. He was not fully understandable until he was just over three, but he was saying new words every day. I never did take him to the appointment.

Here's what I did to help him along. 1. Make her look you in the eyes when she speaks to you, and do the same to her. 2. Make her ask you for what she wants, not just pointing or grunting. Tell her to use her words for what she wants. Even if it is not understandable, if she is making an attempt, be happy for her. 3. Read lots of books to her. The same ones over and over is good too. Hearing the sounds of words repeatidly(sp?) will help her learn how to pronounce them. 4. Don't make a big issue out of it. Relax, and enjoy. If she needs help , there are many resources that your doctor will help you along with. She could just be stubborn! Today my son won't shut up some days.

What's ironic is that my 15 year old, and 12 year old both talked at 1 and were reading at just under 4. My six year still can't read as well as they could at 4..so I just have to work with him more. Every child is different. Rejoice in that!
Good Luck

We put my son into Early Intervention because my daughter had been diagnosed with Apraxia and went through Speech Therapy. Since my son was having the same symptoms, they evaluated him him as a precaution. Although he was my third child, everyone thought it was because everything was being done for him. As is turned out, his speech delay was because he physically didn't know how to form the words, even though he knew what they were. Once he went through EI and a little speech therapy, his language skills have just exploded.Now you can't get him to be quiet. Hw's almost 4 now, and hasn't been in Speech Therapy for 6 mos.

I would, at the very least, check into EI or speech therapy.

I would get your daughter tested by a developmental pediatrician. Or at least talk to one. My first impression by what you described would be autism. My son is on the Autistic spectrum.

She sounds like a very smart girl but she just can't do the 'social' aspects of language.

Jeannie