The Word of the Day is "Apraxia"

Apraxia is a neurological disorder characterized by loss of the ability to execute or carry out learned purposeful movements, despite having the desire and the physical ability to perform the movements.  In Sam's case "apraxia of speech".  Her receptive language (ability to understand) appears to be at or above age-appropriate (hooray!).  Her expressive language (aka ability to speak) is closer to a 12-15 month level (she'll be 21 months tomorrow).  The thing I find strangest about it is that she may have the ability to make a sound for an extended period, and then it just sort of disappears.  Right now, she seems to have misplaced the letter "d", when she used to say "da-da", "duck", and "dog".

The prognosis on this is a little hazy, but the short story is that apraxia of speech is something that speech therapists are very familiar with and prepared to address with exercises, games and the like.  And as usual, they say the prognosis is better the earlier you start working on it, so we are well-positioned for success!

Add another therapist, and call me in the morning.