Is It Toddlerhood or Adoption?

with Rita Taddonio, CSW
Director of SPARK (Child Development program) at Spence-Chapin

Judy: We live in NYC and my 2 year old (2 months home) doesn't speak but has very expressive grunting, babbling and singing. He gestures, points, takes my hand. I read that some children don't speak until their original language is completely overtaken by new language. Is this accurate?
Rita: It is true that the native language diminishes before English really picks up, but your child may be delayed in his native language. I would suggest an EI evaluation.
Judy: He has been evaluated and is starting language and physical therapy in a few days. His comprehension is amazing, though. He can follow complicated directions and answers questions - such as where are the house keys - by showing me. Complicating his situation is the probability he's 2-4 months younger than his assigned birthdate, according to 2 physicians and the three people who evaluated him for early intervention (we're in NYC). So, how does this factor in?
Rita: His actual age should be to be factored in but honestly, if he is eligible for services without adjusting his age I'd go for it because every child can use a little push and he will qualify more easily.
Judy: I agree. Plus, all this emphasis on "achievement" makes me a little anxious.

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JulieP: Angela, What kind of symptoms was your 3.5 year old exhibiting in her language skills?
Angela: She would talk and even had sentences. But she barely understood what was going on around her. In the screening, she was asked. "How did you get here?". She was not certain about the question so she faked it. She started talking about her adoption story and traveling.
JulieP: That sounds a little like my son. He will constantly ask questions regarding things that he should know. Such as, "Is this a red firetruck?" He knows very well that it IS a red firetruck because I had told him when he asked five minutes before, one hour before, one day before, etc.
Rita: That's the thing with toddlers - you have to keep repeating stuff with them for them to learn. Sometimes, it is just a way of interacting with you for them.
JulieP: I wondered if he was a little insecure about the names of things. In Ukraine, he knew a lot of Russian vocab surprising our translator. Then all of a sudden everything had new names. Maybe he is just making sure the names didn't change again?
Rita: I wouldn't worry about the repeating. Perhaps he is making certain or perhaps it's just the learning process. It may drive you crazy but be patient.

Unfortunately, our time was over much too soon, but we will be having an Expert Chat on the third Tuesday of each month. Watch the site for announcements!

If you would like to reach Rita Taddonio by email, you can contact her at rtaddonio@spence-chapin.org.

• Page 1: Opening Remarks
• Page 2: What's "Normal"?
• Page 3: Hitting When Frustrated
• Page 4: Early Intervention
• Page 5: Language Skills

Comments

This is a great article for those who are adopting a toddler. This article discuss the differences that you may see in your adopted toddler that you may need to seek Early Intervention assistance for. Asking for help is not a bad thing, it is a good thing when it comes to your child getting the help that he or she needs to function in the world. Make sure that you ask questions even if you are unsure whether it is just the age that they are or not. Talk to your pediatrician if you are unsure. Being your child's advocate is the most important part of being a good parent and getting them help early is a wonderful way to reduce problems later on down the road.

Posted by: conservation at 12/06/2005 03:57 PM

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