Lea, it would depend on what the problem is, if it's a problem with how he uses his tongue, then I would say no it wouldn't effect his cognitive (thinking) processes, but if it were a hearing problem, then possibly it would cause he can't hear to learn things, then it could be a problem with how he processes language, so it would be his thinking processes that is the problem, affecting his language....there are so many things it could be!
Have you had his ears checked lately? Maybe he has a problem hearing?
And that info I gave is just a guide, there is always going to be children at both ends of the scale, maybe Nixon is just at one end of the scale. Don't get too worried about it, he's only a baby still, and if he does have a problem you have caught it early which is great! Don't stress! Just get he assessment done and go from there.
he will 'talk' to himself and others as though he's holding a conversation
he can follow a simple one-step instruction
he is developing a vocabulary that will contain appox. 50 words by the time he is two years
By two years:
he can use words to communicate most of his needs
he can construct longer sentences that use more precise language
he may stutter when he's excited and rushing to communicate
he can follow a more complicated two-step instruction
he will know and be able to sing familiar songs and nursery rhymes
he is starting to use words that express emotions
What can I do to encourage his language development?
Talk to him! The only way for him to learn to communicate effectively is if you communicate with him.
Point out and name familiar objects and encourage him to copy your pronunciation
Don't correct every word he says - this is an exciting time of learning and he may become discouraged if you are always 'teaching' him.
Read books with him. Point to the illustrations and name objects. You can also ask him questions about the story - you'll have to give him the answer but he'll quickly learn what you are asking him.
Signs that suggest a developmental delay in a 1-2 year old:
he doesn't babble often
he isn't attempting to communicate using meaningful words
he doesn't listen when you talk to him
he plays mainly silently
there is little or no response when you talk to him
Isn't able to point to objects when they're named
Uses signs, grunts or gestures only when he wants something
All children are different and develop at different rates, so don't be overly concerned if your toddler is acquiring new skills at a different rate to those around him. But if you are worried about his development or it seems to have stalled or be going backwards, talk to a health professional.
(information from kidspot)
Last edited by Astrolady; October 5th, 2008 at 10:14 AM.
Lea, to clarify, I think you should have the assessment. But I don't think you should worry. Even if he is delayed, speech pathology can really help if you start early.
In the meantime, you can help him to improve his vocab by encouraging him to use different words, and longer phrases. For example, if he says "milk" try to get him to say "milk please" and keep repeating that phrase. When he gets that you can lengthen it to "milk please mummy" and then "may I have some milk please mummy" etc. Even if he can't say the different words or longer phrases, keep repeating them yourself. He will get there.
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