Milestones-Language

Dear B.,

Congratulations on being a Fantastic mom! YOur concern is very important. There is a children's book I would like you to read to your child 10 times if possible. The name of the book is Leo the Late Bloomer. When u read the book, you will realize that some kids just need a little more time. Before you seek any evaluations, I have a question for you. How often is your son surrounded by other kids his age? Also how often do you speak to him during the day? Do you encourage the use of sentences instead of phrases or words. WHen asking for things, children can get their parents to give them what they want by using just one word. Does he listen to children's music either by dvd or by cd? Has he been exposed to audio books? How often do you read to him? Now another thing to keep in mind is how was your and your son's dad development? Your concerns are jenuine and yes you should seek professional advice. Just keep in mind that children are unique and will develop accordingly.

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Dear B., I would hold on speech until you are certain that he does have a language delay, that would be best diagnosed by your pediatrician, however in the meantime I would make an appointment with your audiologist to determine that his hearing is okay and to look for abnormalities within the ear canal,and/or ear,nose and throat to rule any physical factor. I always strongly recommend parents to read, read, read to the children, even to the very young, because of the lanquage development benefits. I have been a Preschool Teacher for 15 years and I have seen children who develop speech aquisition faster/slower than other children,though I would definitely advise you to see your doctor, and if you are still not at ease, I would see a specialist. best regards,
S. H

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get the speech therapy!!! and do it fast, many states have FREE services for children with developmental delays that are diagnosed before they turn three. Get over the stigma and get your son the help that he needs. My daughter had speech therapy and after 2 months she showed so much progress that she was "caught up"

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Hi, I understand where your coming from, really. My oldest is a boy and I was told over and over that he would need speech therapy. They were wrong. I just put him in preschool and in a month he was talking, because he needed to, to get what he wanted. Also the other kids were talking and he wanted to keep up with them. Kids do learn from kids, so maybe if you have a preschool near by or anything that he can social interact with kids his age, he will pick that up. Don't worry boys are slower learners then girls. I have two boys and a girl and the girl learned faster then the boys. I hope this helped.

I'm not speaking from personal experience but I have heard that you can go to the school district in your area and ask them to evaluate your child even before they start Kindergarten. If your child needs speech therapy he should be able to get help even before he starts school. Try calling your local school district to see what they can do to help.

Hi B.,
I had my first two children evaluated through my local school district. The first son they had me wait til preschool. His speech completely improved itself. My second son I waited til he was in preschool and it didn't correct itself. He is 10 and still in speech for a mild s/z lisp. It is true the newborn hearing screenings aren't fool proof. My daughter passed hers partly b/c the nurse was negligent on how to use the machine properly. My daughter is deaf. It was somewhat progressive though. I'm sure your son is fine. I also live in CA. It is a state law that the school district can't deny any child services once they have turned three. Have a nice day!

have your son checked out with a speech therepist at your school district and also check ear with ent

B. hi!
I just wanted to comment that I too have a 6yr old and a 3 yr old, they are very close. Infact so close that my older daughter "helps" her sister quite a bit. My 3yr old was delayed on her speech, but as soon as Kindergarten started for her sister, she bacame much more independant and with that her speech blossomed. Is it possible that your daughter is speaking for you son? Most kids will take a "crutch" like this if it is given to them. I would try a little one on one time with him if you haven't already. Maybe your daughter could have a play date at a friends house or something similar. Good luck with everything, and there is also absolutly nothing wrong with early childhood programs, every child should probably go through a screening around this age just to keep on the right educational track!!

I have always heard that boys talk a little bit later than girls. (I have 2 girls myself) I would try engaging him in conversations. Ask him questions about what he is doing. He may begin to open up and add more details to what you ask. Also ask follow up questions...you know how with kids they ask "why" everytime you ask a question? Follow their example. Just make sure he has the opportunity to talk. When he wants something, make him ask for it, not just point. Like "can I have milk? - not just "milk"
2nd, check his hearing. Does he respond or look when you talk to him? If he's having hearing issues, he may not hear all you say so he's only picked up a few words.
Get him checked out by a doctor to rule any speech development problems out.
He may be perfectly fine and not a big talker. one day though, he'll surprise you and talk your head off!

Have you tried reading to him every night? My son is 10 now but I would read to him every night. When we were on shopping trips I would talk to him like he knew exactly what I was saying and I would have him help name colors and shapes while shopping.

Just remember every child developes at a different pace. He will pick it up soon. Talk to his doctor to see if there is anything else you could be doing.

My doctor referred me to go to the elementary school my 3 year old will attend in 2 years for speech therapy evaluation. It's free and it's not charge to you. I'm going to give them a call next week for my son that turned 3 on the 9th of April. He has the same symptoms of your child.

When I enrolled my son in to a very good day care, I noticed his speech shot through the roof. I figured that because he was constantly talking with children his age, and the Teacher teaching them their sounds, that he picked right up. A good day care could be helpful. Also talking to him at a slower pace and reading should help.

Hi B.,

I work with children in the preschool/daycare setting ages 24-36 months. Many children come through my class, all of them at varying levels of speaking capabilities. Every child develops differently, and what I have found is typically girls speak more and earlier than boys, famalies speaking dual languages have children that may speak more later than others, and there should be more concern if language comprehension is there rather than the actually speaking of the words. Speech therapy might be an option if there is an issue with his physical ability to make the necessary muscle movements to actually speak the words. Your local school district will intervene at the age of 3 in order to begin preventitive measures early on prior to his enrollment into the public school system. Check with the school district this fall and get him evaluated for their programs now. These services are free. Good luck

First thing that comes to mind is to have his hearing re-tested. They test newborns now, but those tests are not fool proof.

I baby sit two kids, and their mom wasn't found to be deaf until she was almost 3, for the same reason you indicated. She would respond to her name, because she has partial hearing in one ear, so they assumed she was fine. It was just before she turned 3 that her mom was worried because she wouldn't talk. They took her to the Dr., who in turn sent her for evaluated.

Chances are that this is NOT the problem, but it may be worth ruleing out.

Another thing to keep in mind is whether his sister is talking for him. My mom said that my brother and sister both used to talk for me instead of me saying things myself. I would grunt, cry and point, and they'd say "mommy, Janell wants (blank)." My mom finally had to tell them (and me) that if I wanted it, I had to use MY words and that they where NOT to help me get it.

I would talk to the Ped. when you go for your 3 yr. if you still have concerns. Chances are it's nothing to worry about. I believe that if you go with your gut, 99% of the time you're right.

Let us know what happens! -Janell-

Hi B.,
My son was diagnosed with auditory dyslexia at 5. At 3, I had the same concerns and the pediatrician blew it off as being typical for the 2nd child (his brother is 12 mo. older) and normal for boys. When he was 4 we went to another pediatrician and he referred me to a learning psychologist for testing. Thank God we did. That started very critical tutoring and then started speech and language therapy in kindergarden. My lesson was to follow my gut instincts. My son wasn't able to say more than 2 syllable words at 3 yrs...and then he was 4. Turns out he had a lot of scare tissue in his ears from ear infections. My advice is follow your instincts and ask your doctor to check him. The earlier the intervention the better. Your school district will have information available for you to find services he may need. Best of luck.

Yes i am going through the same thing as you my son will turn 3 may 7th. Well we nothiced that he was only saying 2 word's and for being 2 1/2 he should be saying 200 word's and sentences well we had him evaulated and they said that he is at a 12-24 month old level so now he will be starting a special ed pre school with speech. But the other thing is see if you can do this all befor he turn's 3 because under 3 year's the state can help you and over the age of 3 you have to go to the school district well i have all kind's of number's that i can help you out with if you wish?? let me no and i'll help you out as much as i can since it seem's like our boy's are going through the same thing. i can send you my number if you want to talk :)

B.,

Get him to his pediatrican and have him evaluated. There are great services and resources where you are. Without going into a bunch of detail, if you would like the name of a very close friend who lives over by you please email me directly and I will introduce you. She also has a son who has had similar "issues" and has a long list of resources; and I believe he his 3 as well.

Kind regards,
M.

Dear B.,

The very best advice I can give you is to have his hearing tested, and then when you find that it is good, leave him alone, and don't pressure him to talk. But do talk to and with him a lot.

Lots of children do not talk until they are older than 3. My own gr grandson is just speaking a little and he will be three soon too. They are just enjoying watching and participating as they feel comfortable. In other words, they are listening to their own unique tendecies and comfort and that, my dear is a good thing. He is developing his own personality, and not bending to outside pressures, which is just what you want him to do an older person, especially a teen.

I know how it is to wait to hear that special voice. It seems like it is never coming, but finally it will and you will be thrilled. Don't let other people scare you. Just test his hearing and enjoy his babyhood. C. N.

Well I am not a professional, but my son did not start talking till about 3-1/2. Everything was "Et Dat". He finally started talking when I put him in Preschool at 3 for 3 days a week, four hours a day. He was talking away by about 3 months in. In school he had to use words to get what he wanted. At home, well he didn't have to talk because I knew, as his mom, what he needed or wanted without talking. Also girls are much more advanced in learning at this age. I run a daycare and all my little girls are always talking sentences by age 2. The boys in general usually only have a few words by age 2 like up, help, no, please. Out of the 5 boys that have gone through by daycare, only one was talking by 2-1/2. So hope this helps.

Hello B.
Try asking your school district and see if they have a early prevention program. I live In pomona and we have an early Headstart and early preschool where kids can be tested early for any concerns parents have and get the help kids may need.
Another thing I like to use for my kids is Baby Einstein Videos they have alot of language and stimulation, Little Einstein is another favorite of my kids, and Leap Pad toys and Videos Work wonders.
Good luck
V. N

All of my daughters were different, my 1st didnt walk until 15 months! I was terrified. Now she is in advanced math and scores A's on every report card. My second refused to go to preschool and was kicked out of 2 for tantrums. Now she scores the lead in all her drama club performances and excells in the arts. My third could sing every single song on the James Blunt CD by age 2 but to this day is socially challenged. It has been my experience that all kids develop at their own rate. But in the end they ALL end up at a pretty equal finish line. Maybe check w/ your MD to be sure. But my bet is that your child is gifted and talented in ways that have yet to be seen! Nurture and love him. That's all we really can do right? Best wishes to you and your family.

My advice is to get him evaluated immediately. Speech and language therapy is incredibly successful in providing some assistance for your child to meet some language milestones. If your in California, go to your local regional center because they can provide you early intervention for speech and do the assessment for free (regardless of income). Good Luck.

We came across this when our son was 2. We turned to the San Diego Regional Center (google them). My son was able to get evaluations, and various therapies. At 3 1/2 he is still far behind, but we are at least moving in the right direction. My suggestion is to call your pediatrician and contact the San Diego Regional Center.

Not sure where you are located.
But contact your local Regional Center. They provide free evaluations and will provide therapy services to your son free of cost if you son is truly language delayed. Or they will be able to help you find the right resources to help your child.
The Regional Center for Riverside County is located in San Bernardino, the name of it is the Inland Regional Center.