How do I get my toddler to talking regularly again.?

Question

Just about a week ago he was talking fine; however, now he is refusing and points at averthing. Even if I promt him, he is not cooperating. He also seems to force himself to say certain words and seems to stutter them out. I try to slow him down and tell him to use the words slowly. I am worried about this situation though, anyhelp will be appreciated.

Answer 1

Your child is aware of his stuttering and prefers to point to things instead of stutter.  He needs to be reassured that things will be fine, that his speech reflects his being tired or excited.  If there is anything different, it could be stressful and be causing the stuttering to return.

Stuttering may commonly occur in the normal language development of toddlers 3 - 4 years of age. It occurs because ideas come to mind faster than the child is able to express them. It more commonly occurs if the toddler is tired, stressed, or excited.

When the child is speaking, give your full, prompt attention, and do not comment on the stuttering. If the stuttering is accompanied with other signs, such as tics, grimacing, extreme self-consciousness, or if the stuttering persists longer than 6 months, consider having the child evaluated by a speech pathologist.

Your best source of help for stuttering, especially with a young child is The Stuttering Foundation of America.  Check out www.stutteringhelp.org and you will find tips for parents of ways they can help, if and when your child needs to see a speech therapist who specializes in treating stuttering, a list of referrals to specialists all over the world, online videos, helpful books you can find at your library or in the estore, etc.  They are a nonprofit group started by a man who stuttered.

Answer 2

has he had any imunizations lately (mmr) ?

Answer 3

you should take him to his pediatrician. they should give you helpful advice.

Answer 4

How old is your toddler?  Toddler is a pretty big age gap. :)

A lot of children go through a phase where they do this - I actually have a 4 year old in my day care who last year, at 3 years old, did the same thing.  

You need to refuse to help him if he won't use his words.  Say he wants a cracker from the counter, and he points at it.  Look down at him, and say "I can't understand you, you need to use your big boy words!"  And ignore any further attempts at pointing/whining to get what he wants.  They get the picture pretty quick.

If he's stuttering be patient with him.  Do not point out that he's stuttering, or that he's having a difficult time with a word.  Allow him to say the word at his own pace, and DO NOT correct him.  Repeat what he said in the correct form of speech without letting him know you're correcting him - that way he gets to hear the word spoken correctly.  (i.e. if a child says "I have shoes on my foots" adult would say "I know I see the shoes you have on your feet!")  Same guidelines apply for stuttering.  (i.e. "I want a-app-apple" you would say "You want an apple?" in a clear voice.)  

If the stuttering becomes a big issue or lasts past the age of 2 1/2-3 years old you may want to call the pediatrician and speak with him about the regression and new stuttering.

Good luck!

Answer 5

he may have a speech conditon....selective mute, autisim....maybe take him to see a speech therapy or something, but seeing as he was fine a week ago, he may just be going through terrible 2's.