screeching 18 mo

[sharlan]

My 18 mo is very vocal, but not verbal at all. She will not attempt to use words at all. She understands when someone speaks to her. If I ask her to get something, she'll go get that item.

She spends the majority of her day screeching at the top of her lungs. If she wants a toy someone has, she'll screech. If she wants a drink, she'll pound on the fridge and screech. If she wants a snack, she'll pound on the pantry door and screech. She communicates all wants with a screech.

We talk to her a lot. I explain everything I'm doing. I read several books a day. I know that her parents talk to her a lot and she's got 3 older siblings.

Mom asked the dr about her hearing a few weeks ago and she didn't feel there was an issue because she understands everything.

The constant screeching is driving everyone crazy, here, and at home.

I've tried responding immediately to her wants. I've tried ignoring the screeching. I've tried telling her "No, screech. Do you want xyz?"

She's also a very headstrong child. If I tell her not to do something, that's exactly what she'll do.

Any suggestions?

[Heidi]

a few signs for the most often causes?

sign language, I mean...

you could do picture signs, too. Teaching her other ways to communicate might help.

[Unregistered]

Sorry no advice, but total understanding as I'm right there with you. I'm trying to go with a few basic signs like drink, food & help - not having much luck with it. I'm trying not to respond to it as I don't want to comunicate screeching gets you what you want. Other times for eveyones sanity I moddle what I want her to be doing while I respond to her requests (well more like demands .