my three year old isnt talking...why?

Libbie - posted on 11/13/2008

My oldest daughter didn't speak until she deep into the age of three. People all around me kept asking if we thought she might be hearing impaired because it runs strongly in my family. We took her to doctors, had her evaluated and they couldn't put it together until one day out of the blue while my husband and I were building a dresser she just came up to my husband and said clear as day "I'd liked to help too Daddy." it was a total shock and ever since then she hasn't stopped talking. Give it time, don't worry and though I think your making the right choice to have your child looked at just keep remembering that every kid is different.

Ralanda - posted on 11/10/2008

Hi Teresa,



My youngest son Matthew is now five, but for a while I was concerned like you are. When he was 2 1/2 he wasn't talking. I was concerned and asked he pre-school teacher if it was normal and she said it was. Granted Matthew is the youngest of four and probably didn't feel the need to talk right away because all of his needs and wants were being taken care of, but let me tell you, once it starts it is amazing. Matthew actually began talking full sentences and little boy conversation at the age of three. He made friends with two other three year olds and they would talk to each other. Once he felt comfortable and ready let me know.

Allison - posted on 11/07/2008

my son talked, but you couldnt understand him. than he started preschool... and now he is like a different kid. Let your 3yr old start preschool... and than give it like a month. If nothing has changed than go to the doctor. Some kids, just need other kids to give the push. :)

Shondra - posted on 11/06/2008

have you thought of using sign language as a way of communication. My cousin was a special needs teacher and both of her children new sign language at a very early age so they could communicate and there was no frustration between them.

Teresa - posted on 11/06/2008

there has been to trauma, no big events, and no ear problems. The evaluator said she has a speech delay and she will be starting preschool in a month with extra time with a speech therapist.

Jean - posted on 11/06/2008

I had this same problem with my youngest son. Come to find out- he wasn't talking because he didn't have to. He would point and groan and we were immediately getting him whatever he wanted. Maybe it's something so simple as that.... best wishes.

Cynthia - posted on 11/06/2008

My 2YO has communication delays, and I know it's hard. Everyone blames it on the assumption that his older siblings and mom and dad make it easy for him to not have to talk. They assume that he mutters and everyone jumps up to tend to his every need. It's not true. Truth is, we dont' know why he has this delay. I just try to understand his sign language attempts and follow clues around him to decipher what it is he is trying to say. I then use words to ask if this is what he wants. It's not perfect, but it works for us. Also, has he had any trauma? My son was just speaking in a perfect formative words when he had to have surgery on his neck for a growth. After that, all words he was saying ceased, and now most is replaced with Ah, Nee, and other one syllable utterances.

Therese - posted on 11/05/2008

Have you had his ears checked? Silly question but my son had ear infections so much that he is now 5 and still has a slight speech impediment.

Teresa - posted on 11/05/2008

thanks guys, I will post again tomorrow and let you know what they said

Ashley - posted on 11/05/2008

I hope you get some of your questions answered from the evaluator. I know how frustrating it is not to be able to communicate with your child! Good Luck!

Gretchen - posted on 11/05/2008

Teresa,

Our youngest son did not talk until we was about three. Aaron was evaluated and they found that part of the problem was because Daddy was at sea so much of the time. It was his way of dealing with the stress of not understanding where Dad went. Aaron worked with a speach therapist and within 6 months was talking up a storm. In fact, some days we can't get him to be quite. (he is 7 years old now) The evaluater will be a big help in determining what is going on and can answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease.

Teresa - posted on 11/05/2008

no she hasnt had any ear problems not even an ear infection. She is a scholar when it comes to her health. We have an evaluator coming our tomorrow with a few other people to do an IEP im just a little worried.

Ashley - posted on 11/05/2008

Has he had any ear problems? My son had tons of ear infections as an infant and when he was two he had to have tubes put in. The doctor's realized that since he couldn't hear for so long due to the fluid in his ears, he wasn't speaking well for his age. So he had speech therapy for about a year.