Temper & Talking

[TXmomma51298]

My 2 year old son is not talking.  He says 3 words (thank you, Spongebob & look) but not even mommy or daddy.  He will be 3 years old this November 19.  He will point and make a whimper like sound for something he wants to communicate, but if its something he can't have it will get ugly real fast.  He will throw a fit big time.  Since he does not talk its hard to communicate rules to him.  He does not seem to understand of doesn't care to listen.  Mostly I try to avoid things that I know will set him off.  That will work some of the time but there are times when I just don't know how to handle him.  He has had regular check ups from his doctor and is a very healthy boy.  I am not sure whether I should worry about his behavior or let some time go by and realize that when he is age 3-4 he will start to do better with his communication.  He is very loving and has lots of energy (climbs anything, jumps on furniture, plays in the pool, runs & plays ball....100% BOY) but his temper tantrums and not talking are really hard to deal with.  Also his older brother is 12 and went threw a similar pattern with delay in talking and bad temper tantrums but by the time he was in first grade he was caught up and his temper calmed down.  He is an honor roll student in the 6th grade now.  So maybe this is a pattern in my family?  Or should I be concerned and reach out for help for him.  What could be causing it?

[greeneyedblonde1]

Two things for you-get his hearing tested and stop avoiding what causes his tantrums.  He is manipulating you and you are allowing it by giving him what he wants.  If he can't hear that does not mean he can not understand.  Start with the hearing test.  Your doctor can refer you to a pediatric audiologist do not let him blow it off.
If can hear then determine if he can understand.
Also, if he can say spongebob he is watching too much television.  Turn that off first, get his ears tested and get out some books and start reading to him.  If you MUST get a spongebob book to get his attention then do so.  That should also tell you he can understand if he knows who that is.  Read to him but not the story in the book.  That will be too much.  Just turn the page and use two word sentances.  Then ask him to show you something and ask him what it is.

[mendmorg]

Your Son should be speaking in three word phrases...rule of thumb 2 years old 3 word phrases 3 years old 4 word phrases.   If he is turning 3 in November he is eligible for services from your birth to three program or your local school district.  Don't assume he will be OK.  Get an evaluation and let the experts decide if he needs help or will "grow grow out of it."  What ever IT is.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

While his development may proceed much like his brother's did, it would be unwise to assume this. At the very least, arrange a Speech/Language evaluation.