How old do kids start talking at?

Question

My cousin is going to be three in October and she still doesn't speak. She has her own language of gibberish but she doesn't even say Mama. Her parents are always trying to get her to talk, they get her all these learn to talk books and movies and are always talking to her. Also, I don't know if this is relevant but she is really good a puzzles. Like, the 3+ ones. She does them faster then me and she's not even 3 yet. She does them with no help at all. My other aunt and I were talking yesterday while playing with her and we were kind of wondering is she might be autistic? Any thoughts, from someone who really knows what they're talking about?

Answer 1

For what it is worth, my brother uttered his first word at age 4 - "potato".  He always loved puzzles and still does...He went on to score 800 and 784 on the SAT tests and got his PhD in computer science. Still competes with other puzzle lovers on the internet and is one of the top contesters from all over the globe!

Answer 2

It is a sign, but usually a couple more signs need to show before any testing would be done. Is she sociable with family/friends even with her gibberish? Or does she stick by herself? If she stays by herself, that may be another sign. But all she may need is a speech therapist. Most insurance companies cover this. (Two types I have had do cover this.) So, ask the pediatrician or a referral to one. The speech therapists are also very well trained on identifying signs of diseases such as autism, even mild cases.

Answer 3

Could be autistic spectrum, there are a few red flags here.  She is definately speech delayed and would qualify for free the preschool.  She should be screened by a neurologist.  P,B,M the bilabials (2 lips) are a 12 month skill. cvcv (mama) should be no later than 18 months.  I have a 33 m old PDD.NOS (autistic features) son who also does puzzles without trial and error.

Answer 4

My daughter didnt start talking until she was like2 1/2 and that was only because she was at daycare. If her mom can afford it I would suggest her going to daycare a day or two a week and play with other kids and she should start talking then. If you think she might be autistic I would take her to her doctor and have her checked. Good luck.

Answer 5

There maybe a chance the child is autistic, all children grow and does things at different rates. Maybe the parents didn't talk/ interact  all the time to the child- that's has its effects, maybe the child has a pacifier- that'll slow it down. My best piece of advice is for the parents to take the child to the Pediatrician bc they will know whats going on. Good luck I wish the best for the child!!

Answer 6

Our school district has a child find program that can diagnose things like autism or other issues the child might have . They have a pre-school for those children also. My friends little boy was diagnosed with autism at 2 1/2. He didn't speak either. He is 5 now and he speaks a lot. You might see if there is a program like that near you.

Answer 7

having an autistic child can and will be an exciting journey!  they are extremely smart! (in their own world) only because we don't understand them and we label them as being different.  i don't know if she is, but might be autistic. also, the parents could be pushing too hard and she's rebelling in her own way.  many 2yr old's don't talk yet.  however, they can say mommy and daddy.  i think it's too early to tell (for a fact) but seeing how she doesn't say ma&pa might be a sign of something.   at this point, only time will tell.    God bless.