My 21 month old toddler > Looking for Advice/Experiences Regarding My Toddler's Behavior and Speech Development

Hey mommies, I’m feeling a little concerned about my 21-month-old daughter. Lately, she hasn’t been responding when we call her name, and her Montessori teacher mentioned she’s noticed the same thing. She listens sometimes, but doesn’t always obey, and she’s only saying about 7-8 words right now. I’ve already booked a pediatrician’s appointment, but unfortunately, it’s not until January 2025, and I’m feeling pretty anxious about waiting that long. Has anyone else experienced something similar with their child? How did you handle it? I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences you could share. I’m just really worried right now. Thanks so much!

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Yes I did. Took a while for us to get services but we did get a referral immediately from his primary doctor for speech therapy and qualified for early intervention. I’d recommend starting there

I can try to dig up some resources we used back then. Some ideas I remember are … 1. repetitive phrases, ex. “ready set go”- where eventually you pause to let your child finish your sentence. 2. Sounds words: ex yay! Wow! Uh oh! 3. Focusing on one word and then building on it. Ex. One time the therapist had little bears and said hop while making the bear jump. Did it over and over until he started trying to say hop. She said if he started saying hop, add another word like bear hop. 4. Create opportunities where the child needs to get your help and encourage language use : ex. Putting a toy in sight but out of reach, or in a container they need help opening 5. Teach signing and gestures to communicate

5. Give choices. Ex. Offer banana or apple. Say”do you want banana “ while holding banana next to your face so baby can see your mouth moving, “Or apple “ then hold up apple. Pause and wait for response -gesture or word.

Thank you so much Julia... 💓

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