Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 5/11/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi, my 16 month old is a fast learner and will repeat almost any word that I say to her. She has good eye contact, approaches other children, takes the brush to her hair, spoon to mouth, good pincer and points. Waves, walks (just started walking though- Thank God) She is a very happy baby and loves learning new things. I am a little disturbed though. I have noticed that she has forgotten a few words from her vocabulary. could this be an issue or is this a normal thing for toddlers to go through? Please advise. Thank you kindly.

Elizabeth

ANSWER: Does she spontaneously use language? It's great that she repeats, but she should really be saying words on her own-probably around 30-50. Normally, children do not lose words-instead they learn new ones each week. If you notice she just forgets one that was taught to her, then I would say it is because she isn't using it and not to worry. But if she is consistently losing words each week and not gaining more on the whole, then write me back and we will go from there.

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QUESTION: She does spontaneously use language all the time. I would say that she says over 30 words on her own. I ask her questions about her surroundings and she know who daddy, mom, grandma, cat, dog, some shapes etc. She finds correlations between two objects. She does not consistently lose words. I just noticed that we stopped using the specific word and that's why she forgot about it. She is constantly learning new words as her vocabulary is extending every week. Thanks for the clarification. I feel a lot better now.  Should I have any more concerns with this topic, I would love to get the answer from you. Thanks for your promptitude in the matter.

ANSWER: I think she is fine for now, but feel free to write back if you have any other concerns

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QUESTION: Sorry this is the last question I will ask. I heard that when babies start learning to walk they may slow down on the talking or may forget some words because they are concentrated on a different skill. Is this true and could that be the reason she is doing this?

Answer
First of all, Elizabeth, don't apologize for asking questions. If it is more convenient, please feel free to email me at: info@valerieherskowitz.com

To answer your question-that is partially true. It would only be an issue if she didn't keep learning at least a few new words each month or so. What we don't want to see is a pronounced regression or a complete slow down. Plus, there are other things that go with it: a child who starts to go inward-into their own world and less a part of ours, or can't follow directions, or doesn't respond to her name, or has repetitive behaviors, or sensory issues.

You are not describing any of these other behaviors. If I were you, I would keep a little journal of her vocabulary and keep track of new words or ones that she is seeming to forget. You can always drill her a bit on the ones that are slipping.

Write me in a month. I want to keep track of her. (you can always write sooner, of course! don't be embarrased!)