POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy10 months agoA. It's not uncommon for toddlers to go through phases in their speech development, where they may stop saying words they previously used. Here are some possible reasons and suggestions to consider for your 17-month-old daughter:
Possible Reasons:
1. Normal Developmental Phase: Many children experience periods of regression in speech as they focus on other developmental milestones, such as walking or exploring their environment.
2. Distraction and Interest: If your daughter is more engaged in physical activities or play, she may not prioritize verbal communication as much at the moment.
3. Changes in Environment: Any recent changes, such as moving to a new home, changes in routine, or starting daycare, can impact a child's behavior and speech.
4. Selective Communication: Some toddlers may choose to communicate non-verbally, using gestures or pointing instead of words.
Suggestions:
1. Encourage Communication: Engage your daughter in conversations by talking to her throughout the day, asking questions, and encouraging her to express her needs and feelings.
2. Read Together: Reading books together can stimulate her language development. Point to pictures and name objects to reinforce vocabulary.
3. Play and Sing: Singing songs and playing interactive games can make learning fun and encourage her to use words.
4. Model Speech: When she communicates, respond by modeling the correct words. For example, if she points to a ball, you can say, "Yes, that's a ball!" to reinforce the vocabulary.
5. Limit Screen Time: Ensure that she has plenty of opportunities for interactive play and conversation rather than passive screen time.
6. Monitor Progress: Keep track of her speech and language development. If you have ongoing concerns or if she does not begin to use words again in the coming weeks, consider consulting a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist for a thorough evaluation.
When to Seek Help:
If your daughter shows little interest in communication, does not respond to her name, or seems to have difficulty understanding simple instructions, it may be beneficial to seek professional advice to rule out any underlying issues.
Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and there can be a wide range of normal when it comes to speech and language milestones.
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