[tinaedmond]

I second the baby sign recommendation. We did that with our daughter, who came home at 15 months old. She is now 33 months and still does some of her signs. Some have been replaced by the actual words, so don't worry that your child won't speak because he/she can communicate in another way. When they are able to say the words, they will. It is a lot easier to make a sign with your hand than to make your tongue and mouth work just the right way! Almost all kids love the baby sign, and they don't get frustrated because you don't know what they want/need. Look on amazon for baby signs, you'll find a book that teaches you the approach.

Our daughter is probably a bit behind on her speech, she says a ton of words (well, I think she does), and just recently began short two or three word sentences. I know lots of kids who speak more than she does, and lots of ones who speak less.

Tina