apparently my girl needs speech therapy shes 21 months what should i do?

Angela - posted on 06/26/2011

there is no stigma in an evaluation. the sooner the child gets help the sooner they outgrow the problem. im a teacher and most kids stuggle later because the parents are afraid to seek help. dont be afraid, you did nothing wrong and will be a better parent for getting the evaluation done sooner than later.

Ashley - posted on 06/24/2011

This is just my opinion, but unless your child has a medical condition, which would affect her speech, I do not see any need to give a 21 month old speech therapy. All children are different and if your child is at least trying to speak, and making sounds, I think that is what counts. Just try talking more to your child, and speak slowly so she can try to imitate your speech.

Emily - posted on 06/23/2011

No harm in getting her evaluated, but I really wouldn't worry at this age. Kids all develop their speech on their own timeline. My son had a diagnosed speech "delay" at age 2.5, but he quickly caught up. Our doctor said he doesn't even recommend therapy until at least 2.5 because there is such a wide range of what's "normal."

Nayanda - posted on 06/23/2011

My son had speech therapy at 15 months. It's ok. Do it while she is young.

Rebecca - posted on 06/23/2011

You know what............She's fine. My daughter has her babble language.. As long as you know what she's saying and you know that she Tries to pronounce stuff, then she is absolutely FINE.

Amy - posted on 06/23/2011

Most kids at this age have their own lingo. My son had several words that he used to say incorrectly and now he says them correctly. And then there are always new words he's picking up that he doesn't say right that I know he will figure them out eventually. I think it's to early to worry about something like that. I would ask a doc, not a nurse.

Katie - posted on 05/24/2011

I didn't think it was unusual for some children to hardly be talking at all before 2 so it seems a little early to be worrying, especially if you think she's fine!

Erica - posted on 05/23/2011

My son just turned 21 months and at 19 months the doctors recommended he see a speech therapist. I was a little hesitate at first but we went and actually learned a lot (he was not recommended for therapy). The ST worked with us during the evaluation and also gave a lot of help/pointers to help get him to talk as well as understand. So I don't think it would hurt to go and see. My motto is....Anything that will help better him is good for me! Hope this helps!

Kelly - posted on 05/23/2011

If you can get a free test i would absolutely do it - Speech Therapists are experts, and they'll soon tell you if she's on the right track - or help you with some at home exercises if she needs some support.
If you have to pay a fair bit to get the appoinment, then i'd get a second opinion first - 21 months sounds pretty young to me to worry about speech issues. That being said - if you think she could have ear infections or hearing issues - those things need to be fixed up, and should be easy to do :) Goodluck

Sarah - posted on 05/23/2011

My daughter is 21 months old and ive been told the same thing!! She says about 15 words only. Im not worried about her though as she is a late developer, only started walking at 19 months, but guess it wont hurt to take her to see one anyway.

Raychel - posted on 05/19/2011

My sons peds doctor says not even even worry about speech until they are 2 1/2 -3 bc most speech therapist wont work with them until that age. I would talk to a doctor about it but I think she will be fine some kids are late talkers and some start early. You cant compare your kids to other kids...