Delayed speech

Kristen - posted on 07/24/2009

my son is 2 years and 7 months and his "language explosion" didn't happen until about 2 months ago. his doctor even said he needed speach therapy or he would have trouble all his life. talk about freaking out i hit the internet and learned NOTHING. it took a visit from his younger cousin (7 months younger) to get him jump started. his cousin was already saying 2 and 3 word phrases when my son saw it he started talking ALOT more. so try socializing your son with kids around his age group that are talking. and don't freak out too much every child is different his time will come.

Chelsee - posted on 07/24/2009

My cousin and I both have children that haven't spoken much, even up to 2 years of age. I would say that as long as your child responds to what you are saying to him, and he seems to understand and can also communicate well in non-verbal ways, that he is probably okay. My son is 18 months and he ONLY says momma and nothing else. He communicates VERY well in non-verbal ways and responds to requests and commands as well.

Deanna - posted on 07/23/2009

Thanks for this thread. My son is 2 years and 5 months, only says a handful of words. He can make a noise for everything! ticking of a clock, bzzzzz for a bug, just not saying the words. I am having a speech eval at the end of this month per doctors request. He is totally social and follows commands, independent in getting his needs met. I am not worried, but if speech therapy moves him along in language I am all for it.

Lara - posted on 07/23/2009

My son is/was a late talker.

I had him evaluated through our school system and he qualified for free preschool until he starts kindergarten. He started when he was 3, but before that they offered a toddler group.

While I have no idea what kicked in his talking he talks all the time and improves everyday. The preschool didn't hurt.

I also started him on Omegas (yummi brand) about the same time, but I see a marked improvement from them.

otherwise just talk talk talk

Naomi - posted on 07/23/2009

I'm sure all of a sudden he'll bambozzle you with his speech & you'll wonder what you were worried about. The only advise I can think to give you & I expect you've heard a tousand times is be VERY repetitive. Try to always use the same words, don't abbreviate etc. over emphasise, try to point to what it is your saying whenever possible.



Also I truly believe my son's speech was greatly encouraged by the use of a pushchair with a reversible seat unit (i.e facing you & away) e.g pushchairs like the loola, loola up, Bebe streety, Cosatto Cabi etc. He much prefers to be facing me and having a chat whilst out & about. Then I believe he gets the best of both world as not only is he having fun communicating with me & getting fresh air but watching the world go by all at the same time.

Tracey - posted on 07/23/2009

Hey, thanks moms!! I am having the same issues, my son is 2 1/2. I had a a dr tell me she thought he had autisum ( sorry I don't know if I spelled it right). Just because he wasn't rambiling on at 2 years old. I think he's fine. EVERYTHING else he's done before he was "ready" to according to most books and people! He is my first born and a boy so I expect it to take a little longer. One thing I have done that's kinda helped my stress about is. Is talking to my hubbies mom, and she has told me that he took a little longer then his sister.And now my son is starting to pick up a little more & trying to use some words :o) Sorry not really any help, but your not alone

Kristie - posted on 07/22/2009

my son was hardly talking at 2 years and 4 months, he is now 2 and a half and wont shut up!!! Do not stress, all of a sudden it will happen. It was only a matter of a few weeks and my son went from single words to sentences. I found that reading about it and researching it only makes you more depressed. All kids are different. All the best.

Annette - posted on 07/22/2009

My son just turned 2 yr. old and was born at 24 weeks premature. He doesn't talk much either. We just had him evaluated by a speech therapist through Babynet and he will start having speech therapy 2 or 3 times a week. The therapist said he is not far behind but this would help him immensely. He seems to just be having trouble figuring out what sounds to start words with and gets very frustrated. Don't worry much about it. The therapist also said it would help to have him with a group of kids during the sessions and this would also help with the socialization. You didn't say if your son was premature or not but if he is don't forget about the difference of what day he was born against what his projected birthdate was.

Christine - posted on 07/22/2009

My 4 year old was the same way! While saying only a few words (and not short sentences) at this stage is cosidered delayed, it's nothing to worry about yet. My daughter went through a large battery of tests (speech, language, OT, PT, hearing) and it was determined that she had a delay. We were very worried and tried to get her special education services, but everyone told us that although she was delayed, in order to receive services she needed to be 'severely' delayed. We worked with her preschool teachers and with her at home and she has now completely caught up in speech. What helped a lot was teaching her sign language actually. There's a television show (which we ordered DVD's of) called "Signing Time." It teaches ASL in a fun way using music (it can also help you to know what he needs even though he can't express it verbally yet). It's been proven that learning sign language can enhance verbal language acquisition because it creates more neuro connections in the language center of the brain. Good luck, and like I said it's not time to worry yet. Just keep working with him and if he isn't making any progress, talk to his pediatrician and see what he/she suggests.

Kellye - posted on 07/22/2009

Wendy,

I am having the same issue with my 22 month old twins.They dont talk at all, not even momma or dada, our pediatrician says dont worry, but I still do.My other kids ( singletons) were talking up a storm by now.If you get any advice, would love to hear it!

Beth - posted on 07/22/2009

First, keep in mind every child is different, but it is good you are concerned. Speak with your sons doctor about your concerns. There is early intervention with speech therapist to help get your son talking. My son was a late talker compared to his sisters. He qualified for speech therapy in preschool and received services for a year and half and now no longer needs services. Early intervention can make alot of difference.

April - posted on 07/21/2009

It is true that some kids just aren't talkers. My daughter is three and a half now and talks from the time she wakes up until she goes to sleep. She just called me to her room to talk some more. Seven months ago this was not the case. She barely said hi. Though she made some 2-3 word sentences, she mostly used one word, such as juice, ma, daddy, eat and the answer to everything was no. She attends day care and the director asked if I had her hearing checked and if I was concerned with her pronunciation. Her teachers however disagreed. At her three year check up the doctor assured me she would talk when she felt like it, not to worry. I didn't worry. She had been an early walker and was extremely observant and inquisitive. I figured she was so busy thinking she forgot about talking. If she saw me do something once she could mimic it. I would still teach her the names of things, speak slowly in full sentences, and read books (if she would be still long enough). I guess she was a really good listener because she speaks well, you wouldn't know she has only been talking for a few months. If you know that there is nothing wrong with his hearing and he is achieving other toddler milestones, I would say don't worry. Take note of how he interacts with other children and if he is exposed to children slightly older. My daughter wouldn't talk to adults but she would attempt to communicate with other children. I discovered soon after my daughter was born that those articles do not address all children. She didn't like laying on her stomach, she didn't get teeth until seven months, she didn't really crawl she scooted, and I could go on and on. Working with him is great. He is still young yet and will talk on his own. He may surprise you one day with all that he has learned.

Aimee - posted on 07/21/2009

my son is 3 years and 5 months old he is the youngest of three, My two older girls ages 7 an 9 talked for him all the time. so by the time he was two an half he finally started talking on his own, he talks two to three word sentences an more. He still sounda a little thick, so when i go to his pedictrican im gonna see if its his ears or its just his speech developing. I would talk to your doctor or he might eventually just talk.

Nicole - posted on 07/21/2009

My daugther is 2 1/2 and behind in speech. I had her hearing checked out and it ended up that she needed tubes put in and adenoids taken out. Since then she has been talking a lot more.

Tricia - posted on 07/21/2009

By the age of 3.5 my son was still babbling. I contacted a Early On. They then referred me to a state funded program. He had his hearing tested as well as his speech and language. He has been in a pre-school that specializes in speech and language. Over this past year he has made marked improvement. Good luck!I hope you find your answers. Keep working with him. ;-)

Amy - posted on 07/21/2009

My son had the same problem. He had delayed speech. My pediatrician recommended he get evaluated. I don't know how it works where you live, but I would look into the state funded programs. We have the Alliance for Children that is totally paid for by the state. The therapist evaluated him in our home and then had therapy for 6 months until his speech was where it was supposed to be for his age in our home. All totally paid for. After all of this, I have learned that all kids develop at different times and what is "right" for one is going to be the same for another child.

Laura - posted on 07/21/2009

I agree with Danielle about some kids just aren't talkers and to not get too worked up about it. I worried about my son having speech problems early on since both my husband and I had early problems so I read up on a lot of things and I'm happy to say that my almost 2-year old son is ahead in terms of language. One simple to do thing that I really followed which apparently makes a big difference is to never let him watch TV. I can't remember the exact statistics but too much TV takes away a child's vocabulary. Every mother that I know who follows the no-TV rule has children that are ahead in language. I just mention that since it may be a relatively easy thing to do that can make a difference.

Kellie - posted on 07/21/2009

Yes your son should be talking more by now. My oldest son had the same problem. We had to go through speech therapy to help him understand how to pronounce words and even understand them. It really did help withing a few sessions we were really able to tell the difference. I know also have another son whom is 2 years old and talks like crazy making 5-6 word sentences. What a difference in the kids. But I was worried just like you are and the doctor agreed with me and the speech therapy really did work. Hope everything works out.

Clare - posted on 07/21/2009

My twin three year olds were not talking very much when they were two, at the two year check I brought up my concerns and they were referred to a speech and language therapist. Recently they were both diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder although it appears to be mild, I would reccomend as others have getting him checked out, it may just be delayed speech. My girls have come on no end and although I don't think it is that much to do with the help they have been getting it just seems to have clicked with them all of a sudden and at least they are getting help to expand on that. Hope everything goes well. X

Shannon - posted on 07/20/2009

I was also worried about my daughters speech so I mentioned it to her doctor and had her tested. She is perfectly fine. There is such a broad range in speech that He is most likely fine but it may make you feel better if you have him tested and if there is a problem then getting him treated is better early. Good luck

Jessica - posted on 07/20/2009

My oldest ds went to speechtherapy as he never spoke a word till he was 3 - he has trouble making the sounds but is soo smart - he is in kindergarten adn the teacher said he is so far ahead dispite his speehc not being clear. Just everyone can't be best at everything, now my second son is 23 monthes and he only says 3 words when he wants to - hockey(gokeee)bus(bu) and momomom. I am assuming he will be the same. My older son can read, print, count, add and figure out things but can't pronunce alot of things clearly still and that is with 3 yrs of speech therapy. So I would have him checked for speech therapist just to give him help if needed but don't feel he is slow!

Deann - posted on 07/20/2009

all children develp differntly and boys tend to be a little slower at it then girls...my daughter is almost 2 and doesnt talk much.....we had her evaluated to be told that while she is slightly delayed she just doesnt want to talk....we tried all the sign language stuff and holding objects to our mouth as we said the words to find out she is stubborn also and will only talk if she wants to......we just go through phases with words. Like Jennifer said your pediatrician can get you reffered to the right people if you are concerned

Jennifer - posted on 07/20/2009

I am a pediatric speech language pathologist. If your child is 28 months and saying less than 30 words and not saying any simple 2-word phrases, it is likely that he would qualify for some speech therapy from an early intervention or birth to three program. All counties in all states have this federally mandated program. If he qualifies, a speech therapist would evaluate your son and teach you some strategies for teaching him to talk. Talk to your pediatrician for a referra l if you are interested. As Danielle said, a delay in communication does not necessarily mean there are any cognitive or learning problems.

Aislynn - posted on 07/20/2009

My second child was a late talker as well. After discussing it with my doctor, they had him take a hearing test, to rule that out as an issue. Once that was ruled out, we ended up having to take him to speech therapy. One of the first things they did was "test" his comprehension and his expression. He scored well on the understand, but there was a good gap between that and his communication. From there, they used games to get him talking. Like they had a ramp and would roll cars down the ramp.. At first they'd say GO! and then they'd let the cars race down. After a few times of that, they started encouraging him to say GO! and then release the car. It made talking fun. They did teach him *some* signing, but not a lot. The funny thing is, he didn't really start to use the signs until after he started talking. They also gave me a paper with some tips. I don't have the paper anymore (sorry!) but a couple of the tips were: work with them for about an hour a day and be consistant (you can use picture books, magazines, flashcards, whatever), also, don't finish their sentences for them. Try to be patient and let them get it out. I don't know if you've noticed your child whispering/mumbling, but this is what they do when they're unsure of the word they're trying to use. So, again, the patience thing comes into play there.

Once the therapist had him engaged in using words with play, she started stringing a couple together along with it. Like she'd blow bubbles. And if he wanted more bubbles, he would have to ask for More Bubbles.

My son only had to go for a few months, but once he was done, his vocabulary outshone any child his age and probably those older. It was really beneficial to him and to us all.

So, yea, games. Try games.. and failing that, totally get to the speech therapist. Good luck! :D

Semantha - posted on 07/19/2009

I would also reiteriate to go get a referral from your pediatrician to see a speech therapist; or find out if they do any evaluations through your school district, county, etc. It couldn't hurt to go through and find out whats going on-it will simply give you a starting point. Also, I strongly suggest learning basic sign language for him and you. The "Signing Times" videos are AWESOME and I think you can find in the library. My son @ 18 mths went from crying and screaming (frustration) to a great non verbal kid when he learned b/c it gave him a way to "talk"! Now he is 4.5 and almost on target with his peers. :) Good luck!

Tonya - posted on 07/19/2009

Have him evaluated by a speech therapist. The longer you wait the farther behind they get and when they can't communicate it impedes their social skills. My son was 18 months old and not saying more than 8 words. You are correct by 2, they should be putting together 2-3 word sentences. I pushed my pediatrician to recommend we see a speech therapist. He was diagnosed with a speech "disorder". We went to speech therapy once/week for one year. His speech is great now. He has caught up with his peers. From personal experience, go see a speech therapist!

Ollie Or Toots - posted on 07/19/2009

i had a brother who did not talk hardly at all then one day around the time he was 3 he was outside with my father and a neighbor . they were talking about him not talking and the neighbor said that when he had something to say he would. and all of a suden he joined into the conversation both of the adults where totaly surprised and he just took over the conversation. when they have something important to say they seam to talk. just keep talking to him and when he is ready he will join you

Melissa - posted on 07/18/2009

First thing is to get his hearing checked by an ENT specialist. My son was deaf until 2 because no one kew there was so much fluid behind his ear. We went to so many specialists, it sucks but youd be suprised how hearing effects your speech.

Jen - posted on 07/18/2009

I'd look into some early intervention. There is so many programs out there that can evaluate your son and get him the help he may need. This doesn't mean that he will be behind forever, but it will help catch him up to the other children his age. My friend's son was also not talking very well at 2. He had a few words that you could hear clearly, but he talked in a lot of jibberish. She had him evaluated and they said he had a speech delay and he was put into therapy. Within a few months time you could see a big difference. He also started going to a half day speech school which included his 2 hours of therapy a week and interaction with other kids his age who also had speech delays. He has since been pulled out of the school because of financial constraints, but he still has therapy twice a week. He will be turning 3 next week and I can honestly say I'm very proud of his improvement. He's still not quite up to par, but he can verbalize what he wants and carry on a small conversation. I don't think that he would have improved as much as he did without the therapy. Good luck.

Sonja - posted on 07/18/2009

Studies would say that kids with isolated language delay will do better in school if it is addressed early with speech therapy. It likely does not mean anything about his intelligence, but being 2 is hard enough (and parenting a 2-yr old is hard enough) without being able to communicate. At age 2, he should speak in 2-word phrases and have many words. I would encourage you to schedule a visit with his pediatrician and discuss it further.

Mandy - posted on 07/18/2009

dont worry my son is 5yrs old and he has learning difficulties he goes 2 c a speech n language therapist but now he is getting there so try and not 2 worry he will come in his own time

Jessica - posted on 07/18/2009

I would talk to his pedicatrician about it. My son was a year and a half and could only say daddy but once he got tubes put in his ears for chronic ear infections he took off talking and now can't get him to stop some days. My son's pediatrician still had a speech therapist evaluate him and the speech therapist said his delay was b/c of the chronic ear infections.

Andriana - posted on 07/18/2009

If you want, come by and check out my community, Mommy of Boytown. It's a community devoted to moms like us who are surrounded by boys and need a friend that is maybe going throught the same thing they are going through.

Tiffany - posted on 07/18/2009

My son was 2 years and 3 months when we started taking him for testing. Took him to a speech therapist, she said he had the mentallity of a 9 mth old. Coulda slapped her I tell ya! Took him for hearing tests, etc. Turns out he just didn't want to talk. He's almost three and now we can't get him to be quiet! He talks when I'm on the phone, he talks through movies, He sings to his favorite cartoons, and is the same at least of all the kids his age. People now guess that he is older. I took all my "growth and stages" books and threw them in the garbage. Kids will do things when they are ready and only when their ready.

Kari - posted on 07/18/2009

so what all kids develop diff try signing though thats what helped us my 16 mo old has a 40 word vocab now. did your child get the rota virus vaccine perhaps?

Andriana - posted on 07/18/2009

Honey, I am going through the same thing. My son is almost three and is just now putting 2-3 word sentences together. And to top it off, my sister thinks she a child psychologist just because she took a few courses in college and keeps lecturing me on how to build his vocabulary, and she only recently had a baby of her own. MY advice is to take a few things into consideration. His gender, birth order, and environment. Boys tend to be behind girls in the language developement category. Also, if he is your first child or only child, he will tend to progress slower in this area anyway because your attention is always focused on him so you intuitively are going to know what he wants. Third, if you don't have much interaction with other moms and their toddlers he will tend to continue babbling for a while longer. All I can tell you is that if you are truly frantic about it, call his pediatrician and schedule an appointment. Let him or her know everything you are worrying about in regards to this issue and let him asess the situation. If the doctor thinks his progress is exceptionally slow, they will do a hearing test and or other various test to see if he may have hearing loss or other developmental issues. But hang in there sis, more than likely he'll talk when he has something to say.

Danielle - posted on 07/18/2009

Some kids just aren't talkers. Just because he's behind doesnt mean he's delayed mentally. My son is 15 almost 16 months and he can only say mama and dada, but my brother...who is now head of a local factory was classified as slow as a child because he didnt talk until he was 5, but he graduated all his schools in honors and was valedictorian. he just might be shy. i wouldnt think too much on it. as long as he's happy. plus u have to remember boys are usually a lil slower than girls.