I baby sit my cousins daughter every Tuesday and Thursday from 8-3. She is 25 months. While she talks, I’ve noticed her speech seems kind of different. I also have a daughter of similar age and her speech is not like this. She seems to repeat the last word you say. An example would be “do you want a cookie” she will respond “cookie” or “what color would you like?” She will respond “color” “isn’t that cool?” She will respond “cool” “let’s get your shoes off” she will respond “shoes off” she does put words together but it’s mostly things she has heard before, not something that is her own thought. An example would be “let’s go” or “itsy bitsy spider” or “I see you” A lot of things she says are also very hard to understand. My cousin understands her a bit better than I do, but even she is confused about a lot of it. So, in short, she does have a lot of words, but most of them are repeated words and phrases. Is this normal and just something my child doesn’t do? I’m not around a lot of kids this age other than her and my daughter. If it isn’t normal, how can I help her along? I don’t want to bring this up to my cousin unless absolutely necessary, as I feel she would be quite offended. I’m just concerned, and since I have her two days a week, I’d like to help if I can.
Help a mama out and respond anonymously on our forum. I am concerned about my cousins daughters speech: Advice?
I’m not sure if it’s autism related or if other kids do it as well but my son has autism and he started off doing this before he spoke sentences
Every child develops at their own pace. You can not compare her to what another child her age does. If the child’s mom is concerned, she can speak to her pediatrician and they will have specialist come to the house and observe her
My son is 2 and is in speech therapy he doesn’t put sentences together as much he says words but not a lot. He also has a tongue tie as well
My child has autism and he also did this as well.
My son had hearing problems, which caused delayed speech. He had to get tubes twice. 
Well she’s 2, and learning… so before something being wrong is your first thought, give her time… my son didn’t talk much at all at 2- my daughter has been saying sentences since 18m. Every child is different…
In my experience kf 2 children yes this could possibly be autism given this information but also it just depends on how the parents are working with the child on speech at home but I don’t think it’s too far off of what they should be. Are they around lots of other children regularly do you see signs of growth. I have a friend who’s Dr hasn’t been concerned about speech until now. She’s 5 and does this but she’s not autistic at all. That came from education children parenting etc.
I think it’s normal part of language development at that age.
Maybe she’s deaf? My parents noticed my speech was off around 2-3 and then, bam. I’m deaf. Look into that? Sign language helps a lot too
Every child is different. If mom is concerned she needs to bring it up to the dr.
My son did this and he is typical and ways above grade level.
My daughter did this. Not autistic but has speach apraxia, memory of mussel movement of mouth and tongue. She’s been in speach for 3 years. She just tries to say the words she knows and now she is saying sentences more often and she practices words she knows she has a hard time saying.
My son is autistic and he always repeats himself which I found is a common symptom. Though sometimes it’s just a phase and kids grow out of it so I would just keep an eye on it and have her keep updated with her pediatrician.
This is called echolalia.
All babies are different. It is not fair or right to compare children on their milestones… she is barely over 2, I personally don’t see any reason to worry at this point… 
Sounds like she’s doing great for 25mo. All kids develop different. I was worried about my son to he’s 2 1/2 an he did the same thing. Now he speaks sentences an blew past the kids who were talking better than him.
My brother did that when he was a kid but he wasnt on the spectrum. Some kids just do it. Your cousins 2 year old will grow out of it. Or maybe they wont. Either way, its not your kid.
She sounds perfectly normal to me.
I have 3 kids, my daughter’s now 12 and 10 never had a problem with words and sentences. My son does exactly what you describe. His peds doctor said it’s nothing to worry about because he has the ability to say over 40 words. He’s now 29 months and starting to put more words together, some kids just need more practice and time to do things at their pace. And as a mom of a toddler no one else really understands but I can it’s frustrating and a little bit irritating when others try to step in or diagnose my child. So while it’s probably nothing to worry about, unless the mom asks, maybe don’t bring it up.
She says words, unlikely that she will qualify for speech services. My son barely qualified at 2.5 and he said maybe 10 words, for everything he couldn’t say he made up his own “sign” language. He’s now 7 and talks perfectly fine and up to where he is suppose to be.
All kids meet milestones at their own pace. Just because she’s not at the same level as your daughter or other children you’ve been around doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong. You need to let your cousin parent her daughter.
Parroting is normal it’s a way for them to develop their speech but maybe practice talking with her so her tongue muscles will develop a little more try and make her say what food she wants or what color dress she wants for her doll. Is there a show she loves ? See if she’ll telll you who the characters are or which character she likes .
Its normal all kids are different. My daughter talked a lot earlier than my son but he’s fine now at 4
She’s fine. She’s learning. Every child is different
There are a lot of Doctors commenting here… 
Don’t compare a child. Every child learns at their own pace. It isn’t your place to point out anything to the parent. If they want your input they would ask.
If they are concerned, they can talk to their pediatrician.
Sounds great that she is copying so much. My 21 month old still doesn’t talk and is in the process of being evaluated, but I’d be thrilled if she was repeating like this.
Sounds like she’s doing fine. 
just cause your kid doesn’t/didn’t do it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with her kid.
She could say the same about your kids speech cause yours doesn’t repeat things.
Had twins one didn’t talk till he was three. His sister talked for him. He had no need. We learn at different times. One grandson could repeat long words at an early age, a favorite was Saskatchewan, when he got older he mumbled. May not all learn at the same rate.
My son is 3 and does the same as repeating words and honestly think it’s because he’s adding words to his vocabulary. My son speaks clear as day
If the child gets regular doctor visits, the doctor would refer them to a speech therapist. So if doc hasn’t raised any concerns, I wouldn’t worry too much. My oldest is speech delayed due to his condition but my 2 year old is way ahead.
I’m gonna say what I tell every parent, “it never hurts to have a speech evaluation done, by the time the evaluation is done, it can go ether way.” But, this is NOT your kiddo, so just continue to talk, read and encourage language when the kiddo is around you.
All kids progress at a different speeds, do not compare your kiddo and the kiddo your concerned about!!!
My son is almost 30 months and only accurately says one word ie " aunty". If it’s mine who was echoing what’s said I would be overjoyed not worried.
This sounds very normal. You can’t compare kids to kids. Every single one is different, learns differently and excels on their own time.
My 2.5 year old still does this, repeats the last word we say. She is learning and mimicking us. She has started to put sentences together on her own by doing so. Her speech may be a little behind, but her comprehension is PHENOMENAL, starting at a younger age. And her physical capabilities are the same as a 5 year old. Everyone is different.
It’s called echolallia. It’s completely normal.
Mind your own business.
It wouldn’t hurt to have her evaluated. Worse case scenario she may qualify for speech therapy
All children develop at their own pace. If I had set standards based off what my oldest daughter did, potty training, talking, bottle breaking, etc. It would have been so easy. But, each child is different. Until Mom sees a problem, I don’t think there is one.
Sounds normal. Don’t be judgy.
For my 2 older ones it was our normal for them to do this they had a speech delay but also they had some health issues so they were delay on some stuff
Sounds normal to me.
Sounds normal to me. That’s where mine was at 2 YEARS old. She’ll be 3 in august and just recently(last 2-3) months has started annunciating words and using sentences or asking questions… the other thing to consider is if there is more than one language being spoken, it can delay sentences and such due to figuring out which words go where.
Sounds pretty normal honestly. Especially if not exposed to normal speech all day every day. And every kid progresses differently. Keep encouraging more speaking. But not in a commanding way.
It’s so weird people don’t call them 2 years old 
My son had simple phrases until he was 3, I was worried about him but my pediatrician said he was fine and would catch up. When he was 3½ he finally started to really talk. All kids are different. Im sure your cousin is paying attention.
My daughter really didn’t start talking till 3 and even then it wasn’t full on talking, I’d say she was 4 before she started speaking full on conversations and her doctor wasn’t concerned. I have a friend who’s daughter is 8 months younger and was speaking better than my daughter at 2. Also another friend who’s son was a year older and spoke less than my daughter at 3, in fact her whole daycare class at 3 was all over the place some kids spoke 2 languages, some only spoke there needs or repeated phrases, some had full conversations and never shut up, some cried the entire day. Point being every kids learns on different levels at different times and if her pediatrician isn’t concerned then it’s not a big deal. On a side note the most aggrivating thing was people suggesting that my kid had a disorder or autism, she is 5 now and speaks fine and has no known disorders.
Sound like you should mind you’re damn business
I am 407 months and my speech is not good either but my math is good
Every kid is different… my sons Peditirician suggested speech therapy when he was about 18 months… I declined and he’s just fine… some kids take longer to talk and speak like we expect them to. There’s nothing you can do other than engage and talk to her…
So here’s what I learned. My oldest was saying words at 7months. Never had a problem with him. My daughter (14 years aparts) didn’t say her first word until 15/16 months. She didn’t really babble or try to repeat. I brought it up to her pediatrician and he put it in the back burner. She was 20 months when I started infants and toddlers program. She now has an iep through the school system and will see a speech therapist. My 3rd (19 month old) (20 month apart) has his own language. It’s just a bunch of sounds that he puts together but he does say the odd word. Covid sucks because kids learn from kids. Take her to the library, story time or just set up play dates. You can also say something to your cousin. She will probably get defensive. I would just try to interact with her more or have her around more children.
Growing up, I had a horrible speech impediment. I would mix words around, or get so frustrated when trying to talk it doesn’t come out to the way I wanted it to. Which was very confusing for my friends and family to understand what I am trying to say. It took a while but my speech has improved greatly. I still have a few hiccups here and there, but that’s okay. 
Every child develops in their own way at their own time. They’ll get there. Don’t worry
25 months? The girl is 2. Just say 2!!
Every child is different and does not mean that anything is wrong, some don’t say as many words and that’s okay they will learn with time
That may be too early to start worrying
All babies are different but early intervention is key.
It’s not your kid. Mind your business
I didn’t start talking till I was 5- not a thing. I stuck with facial expressions and noises
Wow never compare baby’s or children how rude all are different
All kids are different some come into in their own times. If she eventually dont start talking address it then. My son was the sane and then a few months later he wouldn’t stop talking.
These poor kids are going to go their entire lives bro g compared to each other.
That’s normal. That is how they process what you’re saying and learn how to say words.
Shes 25 months each child is different
Yes. My son did that for the longest time. He’s almost 3 now (august bday) and he’s actually speaking in full sentences, counting, singing, everything. Even now from time to time he will repeat phrases, but mostly speaks his mind. Every child is different. And your cousin understands better because it’s her child. I understood my child better than any of my family. My boyfriend would even look at me asking what it was he said. Lol it’ll improve on its own. In the meantime teach her songs to help, talk to her, like try to have a small conversation with her.
Jesus. There’s a lot of mom shamming in this group 
If you don’t have nothing to say as in advice just keep scrolling past!
Not typical for that age … especially the repeating…
Quit comparing kids! This is what bugs me as a parent more than anything! Just cuz one kid does something doesn’t mean another has to. If you’re really concerned tell your cousin. The kid is still so young
Dr. told my grandson not to worry until school. She’s in K4 and her speech is improved. Dr. Said most kids speech isn’t really fully developed until around 5 years old. I would just keep an eye on it.
Nothing you can really do as it’s not your kid. I wouldn’t worry about it. My son was almost non verbal until he was about 3.5. He’s now 7 with no issues at all.
It sounds normal to me. She only 2 and they learn by mimicking at that age. An evaluation wouldn’t hurt but it does sound normal for a two year old.
Mine is 26 months. When you ask her questions shed kind of does the same thing.
But if she’s trying to articulate a need/want she uses full sentences.
Every baby is different.
My 10 month old is already using words and repeating what I say.
I’m convinced some of you aren’t even parents 
I ran a home childcare for almost 30 years, with dozens and dozens of children growing up in my daycare. Each and every child is different, look for her other strengths, the speech will come along. Talking, reading and singing with children is the best reinforcement for language skills. Good Luck and Thanks for caring for your niece, every child needs a safe place when parents are working.
They learn through repetition…it’s perfectly normal at that age…2 is the proper age to learn.
Maybe your daughter is a bit more advanced…don’t compare and don’t push !!!
Completely normal, only 2 years old some arent even talking then
If she’s having problems with some words and you know what she is trying to say keep repeating the word with her until she says it better. You can’t compare kids they all learn at their own paces
At 2 years old their is no normal because every body is different and learn they own way .she is repeating what is said to her and is learning /practicing new words that way …never ever compare the two children …it’s not fair to either one
Each child is different. My son just turned 2 in April and he has just now started talking. He doesn’t have any kind of learning problems or anything like that, some kids just take longer to start talking. Doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with her. She’ll start talking in her own time!
Sounds pretty normal for the age. Not every kid is going to be in the exact same stage of development at the exact same age. My oldest was speaking full, clear sentences at that age. But she was “advanced” when it came to speech for her age. My youngest, I constantly felt like was behind but really she was pretty much right where she needed to be. I just felt like she was behind because my oldest was ahead at that age. Your niece is 2. This next year is going be the time that you’ll likely see a dramatic expansion of her vocabulary and speech.
I think that’s normal for age 2. Age 3 she will be able to comprehend much more and answer your questions. Give her time her brain is developing rapidly at this age
While my daughter talked at 1, my niece talked at 3. Every kid is def different but it never hurts to talk to a dr.
Well I know kids develop at their own pace. If her doctor isn’t too concerned I wouldn’t be. But you could play some games with her to teach her new words and help develop her speech
Sounds normal to me
That is normal for a 2 year old all children develop differently and her speech will come on with maturity, some children don’t even begin to speak until almost 3
Each child is different. My daughter was speaking full paragraphs by 2. My son couldn’t speak sentences until he was 2 1/2 and I thought he had a speech problem but doesn’t. His speech just took off one day.
What’s 25 months old?
Why can’t people just say 2 years old.
Very normal. You shouldnt compare kids to others. Everyone develops differently.
She could always get a developmental evaluation completed by a specialist. I probably wouldn’t be concerned if her other areas of milestones have been met unless of course she is showing regression. I have one child who talked complete sentences by 18mths and another one was 3. If she has areas of delays the doctor most likely would have referred her to a developmental or behavioral specialist and she maybe the mom doesn’t feel comfortable telling anyone.
It’s called parotting she’s learning. She’s fine
That is very normal for her age
My daughter didnt speak until after 2, shes 3 and still isnt at her “age level”. If the childs dr or mom isnt concerned you probably shouldnt be either. If all are concerned find a speech therapist.
It’s normal
Wait till she’s past 3 yrs and then worry if need be
That is completely normal. She’s only two, alot of children that age only say a handful of words. She’s still learning and repeating words that she hears is a good way to learn speech. Just give her time, if by three her speech hasn’t changed any, her mom may want to talk to her pediatrician about it but I wouldn’t worry about it right now.
All kids are different. She sounds fine. And 25 months… she’s 2
She’s perfectly normal most 2 year olds only say 1 word stuff like " drink, eat, cookie, candy, night,night, nap, outside, no, yes, mama, dad,dad, & dog, cat, moon, sun" just small words…
You could read books to her ask her what’s this by pointing to the pictures in the book and encouraging her to talk more…teach her colors, shapes, & what everyday objects She’s in contact with are & teach her to repeat stuff like say " I see bird, or I see sun, or trees ( Some parents are very good at taking care of their kids, but they dont get dont & read to them or talk to their kids…they talk at them not to them…Like they might say here eat & sit her down to eat( but could have said " You ready to eat, eat? Or Let’s eat, eat & then say each item they’re eating)…Some adults dont know how to really talk to their child on a child’s level. Sometimes you have to talk on their level.
Sounds fine to me. Stop comparing children each move at their own pace.
Sounds fine to me. Stop comparing children each move at their own pace.
How long would it take you to be fluent in a language
Pretty normal… Every kid is diff
My son and daughter were very different. Their grandma worried about my daughter, only because she was comparing her to my son. But just fine 
