If you have 2 DC close in age - language development question

Mominator

So, DS was a little late on the talking front. Recently, he has really started making strides. However, most, no, a lot of what he says are exact phrases that DD says. He is like a little parrot to her sometimes. So, technically, he is saying 4-5 word sentences, but he is not stringing them together himself, just repeating DD. He really only says 2 word sentences that he strings together. Is this normal in language development for younger siblings close in age?

KoriBrett

Pretty sure it's normal, they want to be like their older siblings and do what they do - DS does it all the time but I'm pretty sure he doesn't really know wtf he's saying.

Halo79RN

ds started out like that as well.. he definitely speaks his mind now... and it wasn't long after the parrot phase.  ; )  

lizlemon77

It's fairly common for second children to have language delays.  They either have an older sibling who does all of the talking for them or they parrot everything the older child says.  I think that parroting is definitely the better problem to have.  He'll start using those words and phrases on his own soon enough!

Mominator

-auntie-:

Repeating what others say is echolalia and is a concern. You might want to mention this to his pedi.

If he's repeating what she says as an appropriate response "i'll have chocolate" to "what flavor?" it's called functional echolalia. If he's wandering about just saying or using it as a nonsense answer it not; it could be delayed echolalia. If he's repeating all or part of his own speach it's pallalia.

Does he repeat dialog from movies, TV or other people?

He only ever repeats DD. And it's not immediately after she says something. For example, when DD and I are playing and trying to figure out something, she'll say "I know, I have an idea". The next day, if DS and I are playing and trying to figure something out he will say "I know, I have an idea". So it''s like, he hears DD talking and saying things and he then uses those words and phrases appropriately at a later time. Does that make sense?

bebemama

According to our SLP it is an important part of language development and one that you want to encourage.  Although you wouldn't want this phase to go on for an extended period of time.  My son is a total parrot right now.  He uses language spontaniously as well but he will often repeat phrases we use and that he hears on television.  I have read that this usually peaks around 2.5. My son is hitting it a few months late. Isn't your son around 2 now?  

ppants

I have twins so obviously it's different, but they never repeated each other and never spoke for one another.

Mominator

-auntie-:

Mominator:

-auntie-:

Repeating what others say is echolalia and is a concern. You might want to mention this to his pedi.

If he's repeating what she says as an appropriate response "i'll have chocolate" to "what flavor?" it's called functional echolalia. If he's wandering about just saying or using it as a nonsense answer it not; it could be delayed echolalia. If he's repeating all or part of his own speach it's pallalia.

Does he repeat dialog from movies, TV or other people?

 

That's functional echolalia. Whether it's a concern depends on whether he develops spontaneous language going forward or stays stuck there. This can be a common phase, it would be less noticable if he were copying you which is how most kiddos learn speech or if he were copying an older sibling rather than a younger one.

Does he spend any time regularly with older well developing kids who function as models for this skill?

He only ever repeats DD. And it's not immediately after she says something. For example, when DD and I are playing and trying to figure out something, she'll say "I know, I have an idea". The next day, if DS and I are playing and trying to figure something out he will say "I know, I have an idea". So it''s like, he hears DD talking and saying things and he then uses those words and phrases appropriately at a later time. Does that make sense?

DD is older. DS will be 2 in a few days and DD is 3.5. I guess I'm not going to worry much but will mention it to the pedi when he goes for his 2 year check up in a few weeks.