My son doesn't understand me...among other things...

Jennifer - posted on 11/27/2011

Hello,
Reading your post I almost feel like it was written by me. I had noticed all those developmental delays in my son and was just told over and over, "All kids develop at their own pace." Well, my son had finally been turning 3yrs old and he wasn't talking but a handful of words therefore not able to put sentences together or engage in conversations with his peers and adult mentors. Sadly, I then knew it was his comprehension.

My son is now 12 years old and still on and IEP. The best advice I can give you is to put him in preschool and let the teachers help with pinpointing those milestones for you. Now, there is Early Intervention Screening too. Something my son wasn't introduced to early on, but that goes 9yrs back. The Special Education through every town has really improved. My son had a very close relationship with his resource room teacher for his elementary years. You'll find help from people who understand what your going through which will help to ease your worries.

I know there are support groups too. I've yet to attend due to a lack of description of my son's developmental disorder.

Best of luck to you

Maggie - posted on 11/24/2011

Some kids are just lazy, especially boys... I felt my son was behind in his speech also, he only says about15 words on top of saying things like, i want it, i don want it, whats that, who is it. Where as other kids his age can say alot more and some even talking big sentences. I've been assured not to worry about it until they are 3. He does understand commands tho like, go toilet, bedtime, put rubbish in bin, find shoes, find keys, give to daddy etc.
As long as he is happy and healthy thats all that matters. We'll love them no matter what!

Sara - posted on 11/20/2011

I'm sorry to hear your woes. PLEASE don't ever feel alone about these things and he is who he is. Lets help him as much as possible. Don't get discouraged from the doctors and seek out as much and many tests as possible. My daughter has problems walking she is flat footed and has hypotone she was 13 months before crawling and 18 months before anyone would listen to me about her lack of walking and she still can't jump or run at 23 months.
All you can do is show him how to play, what things do and get him in a playgroup for smaller kids and he might be able to lean from the other children just by watching them.
It might be that it is a genetic thing but then again it might not be and thats why you need to find more specialists and maybe talk to a local 'special' school for children adn see what they say and ask what specialists they use and recommend. There is nothing wrong with copying and it'S the first stages of learning. Keep going with it he might have a problem OR he might just be learning a little slower than other children and he might catch up. Good luck XX

Kim - posted on 10/30/2011

Im sorry you are going through this! My boys are also in speech therapy, I'm lucky to say they are doing well. No clear words yet but they are learning to sign. In your case, seizures at such a young age is usually never a good thing. But do not get discouraged! I have been working with individuals with developmental disabilities for about ten years and have seen with my own eyes the impact great parents make on children with disabilities. I know its hard and challenging but you did nothing wrong! You are a great mother for taking the steps to ensure your child.is developing to the best of his abilities. He may just be a late bloomer! Love is the best gift you can give. Also take with your doctors, speech therapists and early intervention specialist to ensure you are trying every option. We are going to start using picture books with my boys to help them communicate. Keep reading, showing pictures and model behavior for him. Good luck! And always remember to take some time for yourself.