Needs speech help or not??

Kara - posted on 02/14/2010

By 2 years of age, children should have a vocabulary of at least 50+ words. Both of my boys receive weekly speech therapy and this is what I was told. I do believe every child is different in terms of hitting their milestones, esp when it comes to speech. Check with your early intervention services in your area - he may qualify for speech services.

Terry - posted on 02/13/2010

Hi Jamie,

Really liked your question, so I posted it on my blog and added a few tips. If you would like to view these simple tips, you can do so @ http://www.kh3family.com/?p=3463

Laura - posted on 02/08/2010

hey look my son is in the smae boat and we have decided to go to speech therapy because he just needs that bit of help. my brother and many cousins have a disability which mean they all had to go to speech therapy, my mum has assured that my son is fine but it doesnt hurt to get them checked. he is 2 1/2 and only says mum and nan clearly but his others words and muffled and he doesnt use his mouth to talk just his throat. so we decided that 'hey wouldnt it be better to get help if he needs it, then to find to find out that he needs serious help and it could be a bit late?' so just get the help and see what happens, most likely he is fine but put your mind at ease by taking him.

Giseli - posted on 02/06/2010

HI,my daughter who's 3 today started walking when she was 9 1/2 months and she had/has a speech delayed problem.She went to speech class for a year and half and it helped a little bit,but she has a long way to go.So try to get help from early Intervention,it's free and doesn't hurt to try,u have nothing to loose.find some info w/ his pedi.good luck:0)

Terry - posted on 02/06/2010

Hi Jamie,

I am a mother of two boys, ages 8 and 10. I have provided daycare to children of all ages for nearly ten years. Experience tells me do not judge your child by others. Every child is an individual and no two children develop identically.



Both of my children have been raised with identical teaching patterns, but have crossed developmental milestones at different times. My oldest is shy and much of his kindergarten year was spent ducking out of social expression. If you could have saw the look on his face when kindergarten graduation was spent on an auditorium stage in front of a full crowd; he simply wanted to cry! My youngest on the other hand, was diagnosed as being “tongue tied”. For my own reasons I choose not to pursue surgical methods and ironically he ended up to be the talker. He entered kindergarten with verbal skills higher than 90% of the children his age.



Each of my children has different skill levels; one likes to think things through before he verbally expresses himself. The other child verbally expresses his opinion and thinks why later. Although both children are different, they will each have their own positives and negatives to overcome in life.



In my opinion go with gut… If you doubt his abilities, check with your physician. If you feel confident, keep close observation and continue to have him express himself. (i.e. story time, I spy, word games) No one knows your child better than YOU (mommy knows best)! Blessings! www.kh3family.com

Carley - posted on 02/04/2010

try reading to him more or taking him to play groups it always helps to encourage the confidance in children also make sure you are listening wen he talks i kno it is easy to ignore as they can talk jumble but it isnt easy if it is still concerning speak to your health vistor but it is strange for the age of your son not to talk your ear off unless he is very shy in nature aswell

Ashley=) - posted on 02/04/2010

with stuff like this only a doctor can tell you what is right to do.some children like the other moms have said are different and can be nothing to worry about but its best to get your doctors opinion, as if there is a speech problem the sooner its caught and helped with speech therapy the better for your son.:)best of luck.

Wendy - posted on 02/03/2010

I agree with Darylann all kids progress at diffrent speeds . Talking with your Dr about this is your best bet.

Darylann - posted on 02/03/2010

All children are different. It is hard to tell sometimes, I would mention it to my child's Dr. if I were you though. They will know best.
http://www.internetceomoms.com/darylannt...

Rachel - posted on 02/03/2010

In general boys speech takes longer as they can do things like climb better etc than girls, where as girls seem to speak better, so give him time, if not much by 3 1/2 then I would consider getting a professional opinion

Hilary - posted on 02/03/2010

hi i have 5 boys dey all started talking at different ages, i wouldn't worry yet it'll come all of a sudden and u won't b able to stop him then. has he any words at all?

Erica - posted on 02/03/2010

The real issues is whether he has the words and just has nothing to say or if he doesn't and it frustrates him. If he tends to throw a tantrum often he probably is getting frustrated. It has nothing to do with his walking. If he was sick a lot when he was really little that might affect it. If he was premature it might affect it best bet is to ask your childs doctor what he/she thinks. If he seems to want to talk and can't see about a local birth-3. I had them come in when my son was a little older than yours is now. they came to my house for the speech therapy then he started in early childhood at age 3 now he talks up a storm and learns new words everyday.

Natalie - posted on 02/03/2010

He's probably fine but if you have concerns see if there is a program where you can have him assessed. Georgia has a program called Babies Can't Wait where they can assess kids for all sort of possible issues and assist with any therapies, such as speech, that might be needed but it only helps kids up to age 3 so if your state has a program like that you may want to go ahead and check on it. My son just turned two and has some words but his vocabulary hasn't expanded much over the last few months and my mom and mil both are constantly worrying me about it. So we're having him assessed even though I think he's just fine. It's one way to put down the worries that his grandmothers constantly have.

Michelle - posted on 02/03/2010

If you are not sure talk to your doctor and see if you can get a speech evaluation. My son is 3 and does not talk much at all, and he starting walking at 20 months so I don't think the walking has anything to do with the speech. Every child is different.

Danielle - posted on 02/03/2010

I think he is doing just fine. All kids are different, your son could be like you and not talk until he is a little older. My daughter was 7months when she started talking, one of her cousins is 3 and he still isnt talking. If you feel he is doing fine then so be it, only you know your baby best.