If her needs are met without her having to do anything, then she doesn't need to do/say anything lol. I would choose a few words that you would like her to say and manipulate the environment to create the need for her to request.
1. For example, when you guys are eating or if it's snack time, sign "food" (put your hand to your mouth like you are putting something in your mouth). During snack time, give her small portions so that she is still hungry. Since she's still hungry, she needs to ask for more. If she signs "more", you tell her "more food" and sign food if that's the sign you want her to do.
2. If Maya needs a drink, try and distinguish between milk and water. Whenever you give her milk, sign milk .Of course, when you sign, make sure you say the word and try make it so that you are at eye level so she can see your face. Sign "water" and say "water" when you are giving her water. Let her have a sip and then either move her cup out of reach (e.g., if she is in her high chair, you can hold her cup for her or put it on the kitchen table). If she wants more, you can say "more water" or "water?" and sign water.
3. Choose some toys that Maya really likes. It's important for her to be interested in the objects and have the desire to get them. If she does not care what they are then she won't be motivated to ask for them. Take her favorite toys and put them out of reach but within eyesight so she can see them and has to ask for you to get them. Make her use different words other than just please.
4. Make things difficult for her to get. If you have jars or boxes that close, screw the lid on tight so that she cannot open it by herself. She will have to ask you to open it.
5. It will probably get worse before it gets better. If Maya is used to getting everything with no effort, she may become frustrated. To try and alleviate this frustration for both you and her, try use this technique:
Maya wants an object so she points and vocalizes.
You say the word and use the sign. Wait to see if she imitates.
If she imitates, give it to her. If she doesn't, tell her "say XXX".
If she imitates, give it to her. If she doesn't, say the word one more time and then give it to her.
This way Maya is hearing the word repeatedly and will hopefully connect the word/sign to the object.
Try and increase her vocabulary because you do want to wean her away from the habit of just thinking that by signing "more" and "please" she can get everything. Make sure she can see your mouth when you talk. One thing you can do is hold the desired object by your mouth so that she has to look at your face.
FANTASTIC advice right?! Yeah, I am pretty lucky that I have such a good resource to go to for any speech and language concerns. Thanks Aunty Roo!!!!!!
BTW it has been a pretty tough pill to swallow knowing that Maya doesn't have many words. I stay at home with her, I'm reading to her, I talk with her everywhere we go, I listen when she babbles, I repeat her sounds back to her, but as you can see sometimes all that just isn't enough....I am impressed with her cognition though because she follows many different commands/directions, points to labels in books when asked, points to body parts,etc. But she is definitely lacking verbally...if you are ever concerned about your kiddo's speech and language too, it's better to seek help earlier rather than later...I will keep you posted on lil munchie's development.
Here are some milestones that are also interesting to read(from http://www.ldonline.org/article/6313):
By age one
Milestones
- Recognizes name
- Says 2-3 words besides "mama" and "dada"
- Imitates familiar words
- Understands simple instructions
- Recognizes words as symbols for objects: Car - points to garage, cat - meows
Activities to encourage your child's language
- Respond to your child's coos, gurgles, and babbling
- Talk to your child as you care for him or her throughout the day
- Read colorful books to your child every day
- Tell nursery rhymes and sing songs
- Teach your child the names of everyday items and familiar people
- Take your child with you to new places and situations
- Play simple games with your child such as "peek-a-boo" and "pat-a-cake"
Between one and two
Milestones
- Understands "no"
- Uses 10 to 20 words, including names
- Combines two words such as "daddy bye-bye"
- Waves good-bye and plays pat-a-cake
- Makes the "sounds" of familiar animals
- Gives a toy when asked
- Uses words such as "more" to make wants known
- Points to his or her toes, eyes, and nose
- Brings object from another room when asked
Activities to encourage your child's language
- Reward and encourage early efforts at saying new words
- Talk to your baby about everything you're doing while you're with him
- Talk simply, clearly, and slowly to your child
- Talk about new situations before you go, while you're there, and again when you are home
- Look at your child when he or she talks to you
- Describe what your child is doing, feeling, hearing
- Let your child listen to children's records and tapes
- Praise your child's efforts to communicate
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