4 year old speech issue. Advise sort please

Carlie - posted on 09/29/2011

Well, first of all......someone needs to pull the plug on the older siblings. If he knows someone else is gonna always speak for him, then why wouldn't he have problems? THAT HAS TO STOP. IMMEDIATELY. Not only that, someone is allowing his siblings to have a "voice" but not him. How fair is that? It sounds like his siblings think that's the way to help him, but it's acutally hindering him more. And if he stutters? Okay. Don't make it a big deal EVER-and it sounds like you aren't. That's a good step in the right direction. You should correct him in his speech and grammar, however, if he does it incorrectly. Otherwise, how else will he learn? Just work with him. It sounds like you are. Stuttering is painfully embarassing and I feel for him. That may be why he has problems speaking as well. He is afraid of what people may say to him. There should be no laughing or teasing either. That makes it worse. I think you are on the right track. Stuttering can be controlled with medication as well. But for the most part, he needs confidence. That has to be instilled INGRAINED ALMOST in him. And his siblings, although they mean well, would be a greater asset to your son, if they allowed him the SELF-CONFIDENCE of speaking on his own. Good luck mama. :)

FRANCES - posted on 04/24/2010

be sure you have him tested at the school if nowhere else...he should be able to qualify for speech therapy. My son had problems with speech and only spoke two words at the age of 2....he talks a lot more now and is doing great, of course he was diagnosed with Autism and speech impariment so it does not hurt to have you child tested for special needs.

Amy - posted on 04/14/2010

Speak with your school to see if there is any assistance there. I have 2 children in school K and PK with speech problems. Although we are in the process of an outside theropy program, the school has assisted most in getting the therapy needed to accomplish his/her academic skills. Hopefully this will help...

Amy - posted on 04/03/2010

Talk to your school before the school year begins and this school year ends; I have 2 children that have speech problems, 1 with apraxia and the other with an articulation delay/disorder and other issues; they are getting help on a private therapy level and school therapy leverl; also, I would recommend speakin with ur pediatrian if you haven't already about speech therapy and if he would benefit from it. He will never get the encouragement to want to say anything if everyone speaks on his behalf..no offence. Good luck

Kristy - posted on 04/01/2010

I got a referal via Kinder and via my doctor ther are waiting lists on both could be a few months before we get proffessional help. Justy like to get this addressed before school kids can be cruel. Hes learning heaps of new words and talking confidently is just difficult to understand

Erica - posted on 04/01/2010

im having a similar problem but with my 3 yr old daughter . i think shes very unclear & behind on speech for her age & im thinking of looking into speech therapy

Holly - posted on 03/24/2010

Have you taken him to be assessed for speech services at your local school? My daughter was very unclear until she began speech. Now after about a year of speech therapy she is doing so much better. She also has a wonderful speech teacher and loves going to speech.

I've heard that the sooner you catch it the better because it is much harder for older children to correct speech issues. It's also a great age because they don't have to be taken out of class for speech and there is no stigma at this point. We just talk matter-of-factly to our daughter about how she goes to speech to learn to say sounds so that people can understand her better.

No matter what I would recommend going in for an assessment if you have any concerns. It can't hurt anything. Oh, and my daughter's speech therapist told me that they don't worry about R's and L's until a child reaches age 5.

Best wishes,
Holly

Hillary - posted on 02/20/2010

Speech therapy when he starts school. My son is nine and has had st since he was four. Don't worry. You acknowledged it, that is the first step. ;)

Felisha - posted on 02/19/2010

My son is 4 and autistic. He has had speech problems but when he started school they put him in therapy and it has worked wonders.I wouldn't worry to much about it.(yeah i know thats impossible!) But speech therapy is amazing! (BTW definately NOT saying your son is autistic!!)

Tracey - posted on 02/08/2010

My daughter is 5 years old in june and she goes to speech cause she has trouble putting them all together and I ring called around my local area to found a person who help with speech and what they did first with my daughter was to do a assement on her to see what area she need the help in and we go every to our lady 2 a week and Jaye has improve alot since we have been going and we do housework at home as well and even at daycare her teacher does it with Jaye as well and even when she isnt to sure about the word I get Jaye to think about the word and than she is okay but even ring up a few local people who can help and see what they say. I just make sure I dont talk fast with Jaye now and make sure she knows what I have just said so she will understand the words

Daphne - posted on 02/02/2010

Talk to the school she/he will be attending. Alot of the times there are other kids that have/had the same issue. They may beable to guide you in the right direction. My 7yr. old had speech problems and at that time my now 4yr old would not talk to anyone, not even at home, just point and grunt. after a meeting with the speech for my oldest she suggested some things to try. All depends on the area you live in and what they have avalible. my area had play groups for kids up to the age of 3 for kids with speech needs. then the county had a state funded preschool for kids lacking in differant areas. and offered speech to her it helps, but confidence did more than anything. have him feel your mouth as you say like words with a "B" (bear, baby, ect.) it does help.

Joanne - posted on 02/01/2010

My son is 4 also..he went through a phase at around 3 to where he would stutter with every word he spoke...He has grown out of that, but he does lack in pronouncing the letter "L" correctly..he sounds it like the letter "Y"..example- instead of Look he says it Yook..

Phyllis - posted on 01/29/2010

My son is also stuttering. Its developmental and he will outgrow it. My daughter did the same thing. Keep reading to him and talking to him but don't make a big deal about the stuttering. I also used to be a teacher til I stayed home to raise my kids.

Crystal - posted on 01/27/2010

If this is something you are worried about now, you don't have to wait until he goes to school to get help. Just call your local Health Unit and they can give you some numbers for speech therapists that are covered under ohip. good luck :)

Melinda - posted on 01/25/2010

When he has trouble with his words, help him sound them out. Have him watch your moth and how your tounge works. Also when he starts school they have speech programs he can get in to. My boyfriends 3 yr old is the same way. But with school and speech he has gotten alot better.

Kendra - posted on 01/23/2010

My 9 year old had problems at that age too. When he started school he was put in speech class. I think their brains are just faster than their mouths.