Hi all. My son is 19 months old now and starting out slow with speech. Our pediatrician referred us to a speech therapist who tested him and determined that he's a little behind but does not need therapy for now. She said we should work with him at home and see if he picks up more words. If he's still way behind by his 2nd birthday, we should take him in to be reevaluated. I'm just concerned now that it's been almost two months later that he's only picked up a couple new words and dropped the ones he used to say. On average, he maybe says 4-5 words a day. Mostly he gestures, squeals and cries for things all day. It's frustrating, and I'm sure he'll be happier once he really starts to talk. Is anyone else experiencing this? What did you do to help your child develop? I'm reading to him, singing, describing everything he sees and does, asking him questions and offering him choices. He usually just walks away or if he really wants something, he'll reach for it and make a noise like a squeal or grunt. He still has a very short attention span - he'll sit with me for up to 2 minutes, but by then he's usually lost his interest in the book or whatever we're doing. Just want to know we're still on the right track and thing will get better. Thanks!
I am wondering if you've had his hearing tested? Does he have a history of ear infections? My daughter at a young age had fluid in her ears which caused a 25% hearing loss which had an effect on her speech.
It sounds like you are doing all the right things. If you still feel something is wrong you should pursue a second opinion. Child Find may be a resource you can go through once in NOVA.
I am an SLP in Clinton, MD. What are your exact concerns. I will be happy to provide you with answers to your questions.
I would get a second opinion. you can always go around your doctor and call the ARC of PG County or the early intervention in your county (Every county has some kind of program). I have the number to call if you need it. My daughter is now almost four and she is currently diagnosed with a developmental delay and we're in the process of testing her for Autism. I am not saying your son is either of these but I would get another opinion. My daughter used to scream and yell and cry and use gestures instead of talking. You can help him too. When he screams and does his gestures, don't give it to him until he trys to say the word. I know, it sounds cruel, but it works. if you don't know what he wants, have him take you to it.
I am a big fan of signlanguage- the series signing times... It not only helps increase understanding and communication between two, but also helps increase verbal vocabulary...
You can find it at the library usually... The fisrt one is called my first signs and then playtime signs. These have been huge helps for me. This series is very interactive also which helps- some videos are set to music and les vocal... It also grabed my kids attention...
Good luck.
L.
C.,
Good for you to keep on top of this.
I recommend getting into a SIGNING class for babies - there's quite a few in the Northern Va area- check internet, "Families", "Washington Child"- I can't remember the others (these magazines are free and in front of libraries, some restaurants, Dr offices, various places).
You and he can learn to sign needs so less frustration and more communication between you BEFORE speaking help can come to you two.
Call Childfind in the county you get residence in (any elementary school can tell you the number), and schedule a screening just after his second birthday (sometimes they are booked a month in advance, so call as soon as you know the school district you are in). The testing is not too sophisticated for children under two. Once they turn two, it's more detailed. Amazing what difference one day will does to a score when they are so young...and trust the speech therapist that said to wait and come back, they don't rely on the test scores (only funding does), and his/her observations carry more weight in the decisions.
Child find may also have knowledge of the Mom groups, Playgroups, etc. in the area.
