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Do twin babies understand each other?

Young twins are together nearly all the time, and like any two people who spend most of their time together, they learn to rely on nonverbal or shorthand forms of communication. They're able to act intuitively, understanding each other's gestures, grunts, or vocalizations.

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One of the popular myths about multiples is that they share a secret language, a form of communication known only to them. Terms such as idioglossia, autonomous language or cryptophasia describe the phenomenon of twin language, a fascinating concept that has intrigued researchers and parents alike. However, it's actually very rare for twins to develop a true "language," and usually only in cases of extreme isolation.

What Is Twin Talk?

Rather, the phenomenon is actually attributable to young twins mimicking each other's attempts at language, often incorrectly. All babies babble incoherent sounds; it's their way of practicing vocalization and making the connections in their brain that lead to language development. Some twins may give the appearance that they actually understand each other's babbling, which makes it look like they share a secret language. As they grow up and repeat each other's vocalizations, it may appear that they are talking in a secret language, while they're really just mispronouncing sounds and words. About 40% of twins, generally monozygotic or identical twins, will develop some form of autonomous language, using nicknames, gestures, abbreviations, or terminology that they only use with each other. While parents and siblings can often discern the meaning, the twins generally don't use the terms with others. Language development in twins or multiples is often delayed or different from singleton peers. Some research shows that twins, particularly boys, may lag months behind in their ability to express themselves verbally. There are many factors that contribute to speech delays. Babies learn language from their caregivers, especially parents. Parents of multiples, who are often more exhausted and stressed by the challenges of caring for two or more babies, may be less verbally involved with their children. Young twins are together nearly all the time, and like any two people who spend most of their time together, they learn to rely on nonverbal or shorthand forms of communication. They're able to act intuitively, understanding each other's gestures, grunts, or vocalizations. They also mimic each other's attempts at expressive language, often reinforcing incorrect pronunciation. Twins tend to talk faster and may abbreviate their words or leave out consonants as they pronounce words, perhaps in a competitive attempt to talk over their co-twin and grab their parent's attention first. Finally, some delays may result from cognitive or physical consequences of premature birth. In most cases, multiples will catch up to their singleton peers by the time they start school. But for some, speech problems can create difficulties for some children in later years, particularly in reading or spelling. In some cases, early intervention or speech therapy can help address special needs.

Tips for Parents of Twins

Although it's cute or interesting, parents of multiples should encourage correct speech in favor of twin talk. Here are some tips:

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What is trap twin?

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) occurs in identical twin pregnancies when one twin has an absent or non-functioning heart and receives all of its blood from the normally functioning and developing ""pump twin."" The twins are joined by a large blood vessel between their umbilical cords.

How is TRAP diagnosed?

Your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis based on the mother’s prenatal ultrasound.

Often the pump twin's size will be larger than the acardiac twin.

Also the pump twin may develop polyhydramnios (excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid) and possibly heart failure, which can be seen on ultrasound. If your doctor sees these signs, you may also get a fetal echocardiography, which looks directly at the heart of the pump twin.

How is TRAP treated?

Boston Children's treatment is aimed at saving the pump twin by separating the circulation between the twins. This involves cutting the umbilical cord of the acardiac twin. The procedure is performed through a single puncture in the mother's abdomen. This will increase the chance of survival in the pump twin by decreasing the potential for heart failure and death. There is an increase in the potential for development of preterm labor after this procedure, and you will be monitored closely throughout the rest of your pregnancy.

How we care for TRAP

TRAP is a scary and complex condition. The Maternal Fetal Care Center (AFCC) is making a significant difference in the outcomes for families facing critical challenges to the health of their fetus or newborn. Pushing beyond the pages of yesterday’s textbooks, we are rewriting what is possible in fetal medicine delivering hope — and healthy babies — through groundbreaking advancements and a commitment to the best in pediatric care.

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