I am a bit concerned about my cousin...

<font color="purple">You see, he is almost 2 years old now, and still talks in babble. Not the usual toddler lingo that only their parents can understand, I mean not even saying the basics like "mama" and "dada" yet. I know every child grows at different rates...but this is a lttle bit alarming, becuase that's about twice as long as it takes most kids to form their words.

I know this is only a small bit of info...but it's all I really have to go on. The last time I saw him had to be 6 months ago, so I don't remember if he had any other symptoms that would point to a leaning disability or a condition such as autism. </font>

It is impossible to say for sure without more information whether something is abnormal or not. It may not be a problem. My son was evaluated at age 4 because the day care thought he was abnormal but he turned out to be just delayed and is okay now.

Hi Kaika

My daughter, (12 now), didn't utter a single word until 34 months. Nothing, no babble, no goo goo gaa gaa...nothing. She is perfectly normal, does average in school and has no issues conversing now. In fact, sometimes she won't stop talking. I'm not making light of your concern, but all kids develop differently. Are his parents worried, if so, have they spoken to your cousins pediatrician?

How very sweet of you to care so much!

My 13-year-old nephew didn't talk until he was almost 4. Up until that age he grunted and said "uuuuuhhhh" A LOT! There was a lot of concern among the family, but no ability to find out anything/have any testing done as his older brother had a genetic disease that took all the family resources (extended as well as immediate)...both financial and emotional. This nephew passed away at 6-years-old. Anyway...nephew who didn't talk was about 3 months shy of his 4th birthday when he looked at his mom and said "pretty sky (pointing out window), play outside?" His grammar wasn't perfect, but his speach was very clear! From that day forward he hasn't stopped talking...mister motor mouth to this day. He is now starting 8th grad with an A/B avarage and has signed up for debate as an elective. We do tease him about "uuuuunnn" though!

It is true that every child develops differently. It is also true that the environment plays a big part in a child's development. Do people read to your cousin? Do thy talk to him regularly? Are his needs met without him needing to "ask" for anything? What I mean is, if he toddles into the kitchen is he handed a drink or something to eat? If this is happening, he may not see any need to communicate yet.