speech delays and fustratiuon

we have s 2 yr old daughter who was recentally dx with a speach dealy and possible cognative delays.  She also has a siazure siaorder. We had a referal from the ped nurologist in okc for evaluation because she only speaks 15-20 words.I have also noticed that she is only picking up on rythems but not the worfs is this normal.  we have had some one observe and they though she whas possibly at a 50%delay between the two problems. they also said that children with delays often have behavrial problems related to fustration. should i be worried she doesnt even respond to her own name half of the time and has frequent drop attacks. and has no intrest in books at all when we try to read to her. do you have any idea what may be the problem.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Joanna,

The delay in speech may be a component of an overall delay in cognitive development. Your daughter is too young to know what direction this will all take. But, as the next year progresses, it will be clearer. Be sure to keep her in touch with her health care providers - they can, as a team, keep assessing her rate of development in all important aspects social, emotional, motor, cognitive).