I Have Twins That Are Not Talking Right..

A.,

preemies can be a little slow at doing things in the begining but they do catch up. right now they have each other to learn from and yes they do have there way of talking to each other they relie on each other they will talk out loud when they are ready don't stress out about it yet, remember they pick up on that

Ya know 2 is still quite young. My 3 yr old just started talking I was always a little worried because it took so long but all kids are diffrent. My dr. said as long as he is making progress even just a little then he is fine. He is also very shy I think that had a factor in it too.

There are three sets of twin in my family. Are the twins talking to each other? Twins have a language of their own which they use to communicate with each other. It may not be a premee problem. It may be related to the fact that they are twins....

I have a 2 1/2 year old son who I carried to full term, so I don't have a preemie story but I can certainly sympathize with you. At 2, he only said 4 words. I noticed he was "behind" with his speech at about 18 months when I looked back at my first child's baby book and of all the words she was saying at that age. I brought it up to my family physician who told me to wait until he was 2 and then he would make a referral if necessary. So needless to say, my son did not make a whole lot of progress in the next 6 months so he made the referral. After a very upsetting appointment (which is another story in itself), we basically ruled out Autism. We then got a number to the Birth-to-3 program through my county who set us up with a speech therapist who comes to my home to work with my son. In the last 3 months that we have been with the speech therapist, my son has made leaps and bounds with his language and speech development, however he is still not at his age appropriate level. I know how frustrating it can be to have a child(ren) that is behind. My advice is to take advantage of programs that are offered through your county and hang in there, they will eventually catch up.

Hi A., I have 7 yr old twins. Its amazing how fast it goes once they reach 3!! It is completly normal for twins to devleop language later then other single toddlers do. The reason for this is that they have a unique communiction with their other twin. you might hear them babbling in their own language and laughing amongst themselves and wonder what you missed out on? Mine did that all the time. The reason singletons learn to speak so quickly is their desire to communicate with us. Where twins already have a little buddy who understands them, the need to learn big people language is just not on the top of the list.
They will get it, just keep at it and they will eventually take off. Raising twins is the best! I am single as well and I couldn't of asked for a better gift!
God Bless, J.

I have the exact same thing. My twins where born at 33 weeks. The always had there own language we call it twinism. They are now 5 and I have had them in speech since they was about 1 1/2. We had a time period of about 8 months that they did not go and it really hurt them. They were in the infant toddler program until the was 3 they came into our home and worked with them for an hour 1 a week. When they turned 3 I was understood they had to do the preschool program through the schools and I did not want to do that, but have since found out that is not the case. We now go to the local school 1 a week for an hour and they work with the speech therapist. I very strongly recommend you start them throught the infant toddler program because it helps as they get older. If you would like a little more detail let me know I would be happy to share what I have one through. ____@____.com

Don't give it a second thought. I also have twins (boys) that were born at 32 weeks. They are 19 1/2 months and don't talk at all. They can say mama and papa and ball, but are not interested in the least bit in saying anything else. They communicate with us with their facial expressions, grunts and groans, but simply won't say words. My 3 1/2 year old (girl), on the other hand, was speaking full sentences at 19 1/2 months. My husband did not start talking until after 2 years old, yet his brother was talking soon after 14 months. All kids develop and reach milestones at different stages and ages and it's all perfectly normal in most cases. My guess is that your twins are just fine and are probably communicating more than you think in ways other than words. I wouldn't consult any "specialists" or "experts" in speech or development unless it is free at this point. Even my 3 1/2 year old has some speech inconsistencies with certain letter sounds, but it's not because she has any issues with development. She is just learning and practicing how to say things correctly. If you're worried about them, ask their regular pediatrician at their next well visit before you do any expensive consultations because they probably don't need any intervention yet. But all this is just my humble opinion from my own experience and the experience of other mothers I know. Good luck with everything!

Hi A. -- If you figure how old your twins would be if they had been full-term they're quite a bit younger than two years, so maybe it's not surprising that they aren't too verbal yet. Also, I think I've read that twins are often behind other kids verbally because they are so in synch with each other that they don't need to use words and this makes it less important to them to develop verbal skills to use with the rest of the world.

My daughter is 13 months old and she was born at 26 weeks. The doctors told us from day one to adjust her age for all of her milestones until she is 2-3 years old. So her adjusted age is 10 months. We've been fortunate that so far she's meeting everything by her adjusted age if not even her actual age. But when she came home from the NICU, I contacted our local Early Intervention program. They come to our house every month or two just to make sure that she's on track so that if she would start lagging on something, hopefully we would catch it soon so that we can intervene. Its probably not much to worry about, but like you mentioned it can't hurt to contact your local Early Intervention program.

While children all develop at different paces, I think it's a good idea for you to contact your local agency. I used to work with preschool children who had speech difficulties and the Speech Pathologists always stressed how important early intervention was. They can assess whether your children actually need assistance or not and they can give you ideas on what to do at home as well. As others have stated...at least it gives you peace of mind to be doing something...

Hi, I have identical twin boys that are 4 1/2 years old. I had them at 31 weeks. It took them longer to walk (at about 14 months) and they are both still very small (about 30 lbs). They did talk at a very early age and they haven't stopped! LOL! Have you talked with their doctor to have their hearing/ears checked? Also, I've heard that if there are older children in the home that the young ones let the older ones speak for them. Just a few ideas.

In our area is a program called "Early Intervention." They deal with all types of developmental delays and difficulties. My second son was born at 29 1/2 weeks. He was involved in Early Intervention from the time I brought him home from the hospital until he was nearly 2 years old. They helped him with his motor skills and his self-help. They also deal a lot with speech delays. Find Early Intervention in your area, get your twins evaluated, and get them started in speech therapy.

A. I have a 17 yr old daughter that was born at 35 weeks and is still having some trouble with her motor skills she is like 3-4 minuets behind on her reaction to catch or throw a ball , etc she ges god grades in gym but she still struggles . so me and my husband have been working with her like playing foot ball with her or toss a ball with her .or other activities that will help her with that aea . maybe try to workon talking with them with small words and repeat themm over and over until they get it , .
C. N

I had my first at 36 1/2 weeks. Not as early as yours. But still early and she was very small. she was never behind in speech, but she was always quite behind on her gross motor skills. now she's caught up (age 2 1/2), but one thing I realized is that every child is different. Other kids her age aren't talking yet, while others have been talking for a while. Some walked 7 months before she did! I wouldn't worry. they really hit a HUGE language spike at 2 1/2. But one of my daughter's little friends still hardly talks at 2 1/2. Honestly, I wouldn't worry. If they're 3 and still having issues, then maybe talk to a doctor about speech therapy. My neighbor's 3 year old did that and within 4 months was caught up. Good luck!

If you ever had any concerns about a child under 3yrs old you should call your local Early On.

My twins were only 2 weeks early, and they are just now starting to talk- I was asking the same thing when they turned 2, they are now 2 1/2. They will start talking before you know it!

One of mine talks better than the other (my son) and his twins sister is mimicking how he says things. He is more adventurous with the words, she says them very quietly until she knows she is saying them right... it is quite cute.

A.: Hi! I had my fraternal twins (girls)at around 32 weeks as well. They were just little peanuts at about 4-1/2 lbs. each. They were small for so long, but showed continued growth at each dr. visit. That is the most important thing.

Their speech was one thing that I was the most worried about as they grew. I surfed the web for information, what to do, etc. I voiced the concern to their pediatrician, but he didn't seem worried since they were growing/developing in all other areas. This just seemed to be one that was taking more time. Even though I was still concerned, I kept at it...talking to them, reading, playing and eventually they got it.

I didn't have any other children to compare the experiences with, which I think helped in the long run. It's hard not to compare to other kids, because as a mom, we want to be reassured that they are doing well. You just have to remember that all kids are different and grow in their own way.

It might not hurt to call your local agency that you spoke of. They would be able to offer some ideas, work with your children if there are delays or be able to ease your mind.

My girls will be 4 in a couple weeks. They are average size for their age and they have completely caught up in all areas of development! :o)

My daughter was born 1 day shy of 34 weeks and she was hospitalized for life threatening influenza A and a double lung infection for 6 weeks right after she turned 2. She had similar problems. She spoke very few words but we taught her some simple signs (please, more, hungry, thank you) that speech therapists consider communication, which doesn't always have to be speech. And she understood perfectly what people talked to her about. Have them checked out by your local school district. They have programs for children who meet certain criteria. If your twins meet certain criteria they may qualify for preschool through the school district. I am a high school English teacher w/ a Master's degree and I fought long and hard to get my daughter in this program. However, she only had speec articulation issues and didn't qualify. That's good but I think the program would have been beneficial for her. Don't be afraid of seeking out extra help for your children. They call these preschools "special ed" and often they will do an IEP but this is all for the good of your children. It doesn't mean anything more or less than it is. I know some people are hesitant to get involved in "special ed" because they are afraid of their children being labeled but it really can help and benefit your children. You could also look into simple signs to teach your children so at least they can try to express themselves. My daughter got easily frustrated and became a vicious biter.

Good luck, do some research, talk to your pediatrician, call your local school district.

Hi A.-

I do not have twins or preemies, but I am an Early Childhood diagnostic teacher. I work closely with a lot of speech pathologists, as well as several 0-3 agencies. I would suggest going through your county to see if you could have your boys evaluated through your local 0-3. It's free, and they usually come right to your house to do the evaluation. They will be able to determine if your children are significantly behind and need any interventions. If nothing else, you will have peace of mind knowing that your boys are right on track.

Good Luck!
-L.

I personally don't think that you should worry too much about it. I had twins at 33 weeks and they will be 2 in May. They only say a handful of words and the doc says they are fine. Twins tend to develop their own little language with each other and don't see a need to communicate with others. Also being that they were preemies, they are probably a little behind in everything else as well (mine are anyway). My friend has twins who were born at 37 weeks and they were late talkers as well, they are almost 4 and just fine! I do know though, that my doc said that by 2 she will expect them to pick up on the talking, talk to your doc, she may have some suggestions! Hope this helps and good luck!
B.

I agree with others who say twins tend to have a language of their own. However, being preemies, who might check their hearing. I have a friend whose preemie wasn't quite developing right and they got tubes in his ears and now he speaks great. He has therapy for other things, but is doing well.

I would defenately call the EI agency, if you are concerned. Also twins have their own language, could it be they are communicating with eachother, and just not using that time to communicate with you? I am a twin, and my brother did everything for me, therefore I was delayed in most of my development because of this. It just was easier for me to have him do it for me--LOL! This could be the problem.

GL:)

My nephew didn't speak til he was four; he had older brothers and sisters, too, who understood what he needed without his having to say anything. He is a bright young man now, sociable, contributing to society and enjoying life. Give them a little more time.

Hello A.,
I also have twin boys.They were born at 37 weeks. I noticed from the time they were supposed to be talking that they where not. I also have an older daughter, who I compared them to, as age appropriate milestones were supposed to be coming. They seemed to be way behind in speech and language. No body could understand them as the two of them had their own language that they talked to each other with. which was perfectly fine for them. I voiced my concerns with my doctor. It ended up that they had hearing loss and ended up getting tubes in their ears. They doctor also recommended the County's Birth-to-three program for speech services. They continue to recieve speech thru the public school now. They are doing so much better. Now everybody understands them for the most part. I hope this helps some, even if it is knowing you not alone on this issue.

I am a mother of a 28 week preemie. Preemies do develop many skills as walking, talking, eating solids and even fine motor skills slower than most children. I, too, was worried about my little guy developing on track. He is now three years old and talks better than most kids his age. I found when preemies are developing a particular skill a little slower or "later than the books say" I focused on the most recent skill he learned and build on that. My preemie had perfected several little things that other children his age were just starting to learn. Such as feeding himself, interest in books, learning animals and their sounds, etc. I had my little man evaluated for such services as well, most of those agencies evaluate the kiddos at there gestation age. I am sure you are familiar with this when they evalaute the babies based on the how old they would be should they have gone full term. That is comforting as well. When my little one was a little slower, my doc reminded me..........."he's only 18 months in real time," when in fact he was almost 2 years old. I hear and relate to your concern, but rest assusred, my little one is now much closer to being on track. The preemie books I read, said when they are about 3-3 1/2, they will start developing skills closer to the kids their age. Like these kiddos didn't have enough to go through by just being preemie, huh?! Best of luck. When you find a way to poddy train these little ones.........I am all ears!

Hi A., It's so hard to know so if you're unsure professioinal assessment can be helpful but in the meantime I have an idea for you. I teach Kindermusik and I know a lot of speech therapists in our area recommend these classes to children who are slow with speach. Singing slows down language and gives children a chance to explore mouth and lip formations, moving air, using the tongue....plus they are having fun. A child is much much more primed to learn if they are having fun. I've seen a lot of break throughs in my classes!
Y.

Hello - Very often twins have their own language with eachother and therefore have less of need to communicate or 'talk' as we hear it. Also, I knew a mom that had twins with delayed speaking - I noticed she would not give them enough time to answer - when she asked them a question, she would give them the answers and wait for them to nod or grunt yes or no. If time and patience is not the answer and you want to be active and seek a form of treatment, 'cranial sacral' therapy can work wonders especially if the boys were born via c-section.

BW

I had my fraternal twin boys at 36 weeks and they are both now just beginning to talk as well. They are now 22 months old. One is in speech therapy because he was born with a cleft lip but the other isn't saying a whole lot either. Everyone just keeps reassuring me that they are just slower at developing speech than girls and it is nothing to be concerned about?? I can't compare them to my daughter that was already talking complete sentences by their age. They at least seem to be attempting to talk more in the past few weeks and I am trying to appreciate all progress.
But I do agree that you should follow your instincts and get assistance. I started my son really early because I wanted to make sure he got the help he needed. We have a program in our area that offers free speech therapy in our home once a week. Every little bit of encouragement helps!

I had my daughter, who is now 9, at 27 weeks. She was behind in everything! She did not crawl until she was 12-13 months old. When she went into kindergarten at 5 she did not talk well, at all. They put her into speech therapy and she just tested out of speech in 4th grade. They informed me that preemies are behind in their development about as early as they were.(e.g. she was 3 months premature so she would be 3 months behind in her development). She has now caught up to where she should be. I suggest enlisting experienced help if you think your children are behind, they very well could be. "A Mother knows best". Good Luck and God Bless.

A.,
I am a twin as well and why I never remeber my mom saying I didnt talk I do rembmer my mom saying she couldn't understand me. And until I was 4 she diditn realize instead of making me sound words out she just asked my twin sister what I said. I had to go to speech thearopy. I suggest that you get some help but be careful to watch if one is ecelling more than the other to be careful and dont let them talk for eachother.

Also tho twins do have there own language and as long as they communicate with others and are working on that also let them have there own style with each other. Its a twin thing!

I actually have friends with kids that were not premies that didn't start talking until they were 2. By 3 years old, you couldn't tell the difference between them & any other kids. Kids just develop at different rates & it doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem. That being said, it doesn't hurt to check in with any resources that may be available to you.

Hi my little man came just over 34 weeks. His vocabulary is HUGE, but he didn't start walking until 22 months he will be 2 on the 21st of February. He was definately concentrating on other things like talking for a very long time. He was slow to crawl also, he liked to roll everywhere! I even jokingly said to a friend when he finally started crawling "at least we know he won't be rolling into highschool!" Look at the things they are doing well and continue to work on the ones they aren't, visit with their Doctor and see if he/she is concenrned or not. Many kids don't talk well at two! With twins I have heard that this is even more common because many come up with ways of communicating with each other without using conventional speech.

Good luck!

Hi A.!

When you say your boys are not talking right, are you stating that they are talking later then your other two boys did or are you stating that their pronunciation is not correct? How long have they been talking?

My name is C. C and I live in Council Bluffs IA. I am an Edcuational Consultant and I would enjoy meeting with you to share some educational products that you may be interested in. My email is ____@____.com

I do have to say that it is important to follow up with a physician so go with that instinct. They say a mother's instinct is always right! :)

Have a great day!

C.

A.- my oldest was born at 33 weeks and was slower on talking, first teeth, walking, etc but now at 9-he is reading on a 6th grade level in 3rd grade! It is hard not to question yourself, I know, I did it. One of the things I did was never talked to him like a baby. I carried on normal conversations that I could wih him wherever we were. He is now a very bright, perceptive child. He has a very large vocabulary now. His teacher does call him the absent minded professor-and I agree! If you feel better having them tested, then do it. You have to do what feels right for you and your children. Good luck

A.

A. -

I first have to tell you how much I admire you being a single mother with 4 children - including 2 year old twins. What a busy life you have - I sure hope that you have good friends and family that pitch in to give you a hand!

I have identical twin boys that just turned 3 the end of November. We had the same experience as you in that when we went for their 2 year appointment, they barely had a vocabulary of 10 words and they rarely spoke. Like you, I was very worried and expressed this to our pediatrician. I couldn't understand why they weren't talking because we spent a LOT of time reading and teaching them. Their DR told us if they didn't have at least 45-50 words in their vocabulary within 4-5 months after that appointment, he would recommend a speech therapist.

Let me tell you, suddenly one day their vocabulary exploded!! They don't stop talking!

My only advice is to give them a chance and hopefully you will have a similar experience.

Please keep me posted. If you'd like to get in touch with me, you can email me at ____@____.com luck.

C. Shrader

Hi! I'm a twin so maybe I can help! Twins tend to develop their own way of talking to each other, so it may not be that they aren't talking right, just that they're talking "twin" talk - they won't be like your other kids - don't even go there - one will walk later than the other, because the other one will bring things to his/her twin - they'll have a bond between them that your other children don't have - this will be a totally different experience for you - don't compare them to the other kids - they may walk and talk later, but they'll be fine - Hope this helps - My sister and I were a month premature, and I was in an incubator for a month - Hope this helps some -

Hi, I had my first daughter at 34 weeks and it seems to me she did things a little behind other kids her "age". To my estimation it seems like it is about 6 weeks behind others, which is what she was early. She didn't teeth unitl 10 mo, crawl at 10mo, and walk at 15mo. She will be 2 in April and has just started to say words others can understand. I don't think it could hurt to take them to the agency and see what they say. Just when I start to worry she finally does something I have been waiting for her to do! :) If you have more questions on preemies go to www.shareyourstory.org it is the march of dimes website and all the mothers on there are very helpful with other preemies experiences! Hope this helps!

P.S. I also want to tell you how much I admire you being a single mom!

I brought home 2 preemies. One was 32 weeks gestation and my other was 25 weeks gestation. My 32 weeker was very slow to speak. I wish I would have known about the rescources available 19 years ago when he ws born. He walked when he was 17 months old and his speach was not too good until he was about 4. He spent 3 years in speach therapy.
My 25 weeker didn't speak until he was 3, but according to the therapists, he understood his environment. We taught him a few words in sign language until his speach was there.My 25 weeker didn't walk until he was 22 months old.
Good luck!