Idioglossia, it is a term used to describe "twin talk", which is the language that many twins speak amongst each other. This "secret language" that my boys share is quite amazing, they speak to one another, respond to one another and interact with one another while my husband and I sit perplexed at how they could possibly understand what is being "said". But, nothing is being said at all. "Twin Talk" actually occurs because one twin is mimiking the immature and underdeveloped language characteristics of the other. What this ultimately does is delay the speech progression of the children.
My twins were evaluated today by a speech therapist that assured me that this was the most common problem among multiples and is a problem that is easily corrected with extensive speech therapy as well as "independent interaction training". WTH? I thought. I never thought of seperating my boys! They love each other. ALOT. And neither of them have ever been apart for more than a few minutes. But, seperating them and allowing them to interact with other children and adults independent of each other forces them out of their formed language to learn the proper way to say things, use language and force communication.
This idea was amazing to me. That they have truly created their own language of sorts, not based on the secret twin voodoo that exists, but because neither has developed their language skills so their interactions, other than with me and my husband, are limited to incorrect ones.
The other big problem in their language development...? ME. Yep, I said it. And I fully admit to my faults. I AM A PROBLEM IN THIS EQUATION. It is much simpler to fulfill their needs than forcing them to vocalize what they want. My children know a limited number of words in sign language and they are well aware of how to get what they want. They want a snack they pull their high chairs out and crawl in. They want juice, they hand me their cups. They want me to play they bring me toys and pull on me. I don't FORCE them to use words. There is simply not enough time in my day...or so I thought. I knew months ago that there was a language delay and kept telling myself they will catch up. They haven't. If anything they are getting further behind. It is a frustrating place to be at. I have an enorormous problem with labeling children...especially my own...or should I say I HAD an enormous problem. I have realized that this situation is simply beyond my expertise. Being a mom, sometimes isn't the only qualifications one needs to help their children excel. I just wish I would have addressed the problem sooner.
Because now I have two boys, two amazing and beautiful boys, who are functioning above their age in gross physical and motor skills, functioning at age level at comprehension of language and expression but are falling nearly TWELVE MONTHS behind in vocal development. TWELVE MONTHS. I almost cried. But, realize that I am only human and there is only so much time in the day and after being assured and reassured that this will all be okay, that this is completely normal and very common for multiples and accepting that beginning Monday morning my children will be labled as "verbally delayed". I am okay with this.
STAY STRONG AND CARRY ON, right?
Everything will work out my dear! How about this... when you are out running errends sometimes drop one of the boys off with me that will give you a break and they can hang out with Kaylee who will not shut up now that she is talking :) Knowing and understanding that they will need some differant interactions is the first step in getting them on the way to also not shutting up :)
ReplyDeleteAre they really 12 months behind? I mean, Isaac didn't say ANYTHING at 7 months old. I think you shouldn't worry too much about it, unless they don't begin to develop more language skills by the time they're. I know a lot of children from our mom's group that didn't talk much until they were 2 and they are completely fine and above average in other areas.
ReplyDeleteI would NOT feel bad as if you've not been taking care of a problem. They're happy and healthy and advanced in other areas. Their language will come and they are aware of how to communicate with you in other ways. If they weren't communicating at all, I would be concerned. If it was me, I wouldn't start any kind of extensive therapy this early.
Anyway, that's just my 2 cents. Don't worry about it too much. Isaac says about 3 things regularly - daddy, what's that, and do (which we think means, what are you doing). But that's IT.
*I mean to say in the 3rd sentence that you shouldn't worry unless they don't begin to develop more language skills by the time they're 2 years old.
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