Is Repeating Questions at Daycare a Common Phase for a 23-Month-Old?
My son, who is 23 months old, recently transitioned to a new daycare setting that includes older children and a different team of caregivers. At home, he communicates with clear, concise sentences and typically responds to inquiries appropriately. However, his instructors have observed that he tends to echo their questions instead of providing responses. For instance, when asked what he’d like to play, he replies, "*his name* play," rather than expressing a preference. This caught me off guard, as I have always believed him to be quite advanced in his speech for his age. He began by saying individual words, progressed to phrases with two words—like "open door"—and now forms simple sentences such as "mama open the door" and "want that light on." Notably, he doesn't typically parrot phrases or script sentences at home, which leads me to believe that he is not a gestalt language processor. Recently, he has expressed his reluctance to attend daycare, prompting me to consider whether this behavior is driven by a lack of confidence or a need to adjust to his new surroundings. He might be feeling shy or overwhelmed in this unfamiliar environment, which could affect his willingness to engage in conversation. After sharing my concerns on an early childhood education subreddit, I was met with a resounding recommendation to seek an assessment, with suggestions it might indicate autism. This has understandably heightened my anxiety, especially since he displays no other characteristics associated with autism. The daycare teachers appeared relatively unconcerned, merely observing his behavior, but their comments have led me to second-guess myself. I am eager to hear from others: Is it typical for toddlers to go through a phase of mirroring questions in a new environment? Or should I consider consulting a speech-language pathologist as a precaution?
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 5:01:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your son's speech and behavior, especially after transitioning to a new daycare environment. Mirroring or echoing questions can be quite common in toddlers, particularly when they're adjusting to a new setting or feeling shy.
Explanation
At 23 months, many children are still developing their communication skills. It's typical for them to go through various phases of language development, and echoing can reflect a child’s attempt to engage or make sense of their surroundings. In new or challenging situations—like a different daycare with older children—some toddlers may respond by repeating questions rather than providing direct answers. This can be a sign of exploring social language use, rather than an indication of a developmental concern.
It sounds like your son has a solid foundation in language skills at home, which is encouraging. The echoing behavior could stem from shyness or uncertainty, especially given his reluctance about daycare. It's important not to jump to conclusions based on advice from online forums, as every child develops at their own pace.
Next Steps
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Observe and Reassure: Keep an eye on his responses over the next few weeks. Watch for changes as he settles into the new daycare. Reassure him that it’s okay to be shy and that you’re supportive of his feelings.
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Communicate Openly: Encourage him to express his thoughts and feelings about daycare. You can do this by asking open-ended questions, like “What did you enjoy today?” or “What would you like to play with?” This technique can help him feel more comfortable sharing rather than echoing.
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Check In with Teachers: Maintain communication with his daycare teachers. They can provide insights into his comfort level and any social interactions with peers that might help build his confidence.
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Consider a Speech-Language Pathologist (If Needed): If you notice that the echoing persists for several weeks or if you have ongoing concerns about his speech development, you can consult a speech-language pathologist. They can perform an assessment to determine if additional support is warranted.
It's natural to feel anxious about your child's development, but know that this phase of language use is often a normal part of growing up, especially during transitions. You're doing a great job by staying engaged and observant!
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