Knowing How To a Handle Twin Toddlers Speech Delay is important as you help your children build their vocabulary and communication skills. Whether they are staying at home with you, or attending a traditional daycare or preschool facility, speech development must be mastered. Delays are common and not something to be fearful of. While you need to be aware and actively working to increase speech and vocabulary, some setbacks are to be expected. We have compiled some tips for helping you to successfully handle your twin toddlers speech delays without fear.
Related: What Causes Toddler Speech Delays in Boys?
The main thing to note is that handling twin toddlers speech delays really isn’t any different than handling a toddler speech delay in a single child. These tips work just as well for those instances too.
How To Handle Twin Toddlers Speech Delays
Evaluate their communication and comprehension development. One of the first things to consider when your child has a speech delay, is if they are communicating in other ways.
- Are they making sounds?
- Letting you know their needs in non verbal ways?
- Do they understand your verbal communication?
- Follow directions well?
- Do they seem to have their own “twin speak” system of communication?
If you can answer yes to these questions, your twin toddlers may still have a speech delay but are reaching important milestones. A toddler should be able to respond to sounds around them, enjoy music, play games with other children or buy themselves, and understand your communication with them. While they may not be verbalizing, they may still be fully communicative. There are many causes for speech delays, but your largest concern should be with their cognitive function in regards to communication.
What to do if they are not meeting goals? If your toddlers not communicating in other ways, don’t play well with others and aren’t able to follow directions, it is time to look at further problems. Sometimes speech is simply delayed. Other times there are underlying issues to be concerned with.
- Check for hearing issues or ear damage
- Evaluate for autism or similar developmental issues
- Ask for speech therapy through your physicians office or childcare/preschool
- Don’t give up on improvements
While twin toddlers speech delays are of concern, you must consider all factors involved. If your children are progressing well in other areas and communicating with understanding, you can work on speech therapy and wait patiently for those words to form. If your children are acting behind schedule, not reacting to noises and directions or seem to be in pain when attempting speech, it is time for medical and professional intervention.
What to Expect from Your Toddler’s Speech Therapy
Diagnosis of a medical issue or developmental delay that requires special treatment does not mean your children will never speak. It simply means you have a bit more work to do as a parent, and must be proactive to ensure your twin toddlers get the best care possible.
Did you deal with a twin toddlers speech delay? What tips and tricks can you offer other parents in the same situation?
I have a friend with twin boys who had delays in their speech. My friend had them going to a speech therapist. I wonder, though, if it’s something we really should just be patient with. I know I always ask questions if my son doesn’t do things that others are doing yet.
My grandson, who is two, has a speech delay. My daughter has a speech therapist that comes to the house to work with him.
My son lagged slightle behind his twin sister. We just worked with him and it was not long he was right equal.
Some of the smartest people in the world had percieved weaknesses at one point. Hard work can gradually change any situation. Thank you so much for sharing and I know that all will be well! :)
Don’t give up is a good tip! My doctor wanted to monitor my son’s speech so this is helpful.
My dear friend is a retired school speech therapist and this is a great post.
When I worked as a mental health therapist, a mom brought her son to my office convinced he had autism. After some diagnostics, it turned out he had hearing loss!! Needless to say, mom was relieved! I’m glad you included that in your list of underlying issues to look out for.
Great article and tips that you could use for any child too. With the right help and guidance, children seem to overcome so many problems that face them.
This is probably a difficult challenge, but at the same time, if two children are learning in similair ways then perhaps it is beneficial to them to see the other facing the same obstacle. Maybe is helps build their confidence? :)
Having one child with a speech delay can be frustrating. Having two would require a lot of effort from the parents, but I agree- don’t give up hope!
That has to be challenging. Thanks for the great information and helpful advice.
So much great information here. It’s hard enough to deal with one child’s development — I can’t imagine the challenge of two.
This is super interesting. I had neither twins nor kids with speech delays but I’m glad to be better informed on the issues.
My little one had a speech delay. It is important to get them help as soon as possible for sure
Are children and all cases of Speech Delay are different. I agree that if a child does not speak at the time that is considered “normal” then you should not give up hope. Keep using various forms of communication … I would say stay away from sign language … unless is needed
This is great information. My kids didn’t have speech delays but I didn’t have twins either.
Funny story, my husband did not talk until he was three, his drs told my MIL he had nothing to say. HE is very successful now.
Early intervention is the best thing. Perhaps they aren’t too delayed but if they aren’t hitting the milestones it needs to be addressed.
What a great article. I think the important thing is once it’s recognized to act on it quickly while they are young.