I have a 2 year old son and just went for our 2 year check-up. At the time I couldn't think of answers to some of her questions. She ask about his speech and how many words he was saying and I couldn't think at the time. I told the doctor that he didn't talk that much. Hi, Hidee, Daddy, Momma, Neh (as in NO), growls like a tiger when asked what a tiger does, grandaddy and Nana sometimes. He says Bye Bye but it sounds like Eye Eye, no B's are pronounced and there are others that he doesn't pronounce correctly. When I ask him to repeat something for me, he usually will not do it. So, the doctor suggested speech therapy. Does anyone know about it or ever had a child in therapy for this? Do you all think he is delayed?
Ok, so up to this point I have ask many people on what to do about my son's speech. I have requested for him to get tested before we do/start therapy. I feel the testing will show if he really does need therapy and time won't be wasted further if he doesn't need it. From what I have gathered I think he is just behind a little but I figured it would be safe just to test him out anyway to make sure. I know I would have piece of mind and can relax about this whole situation. So, in a few weeks, time will tell and we'll see if therapy starts or not. Thanks so much for your comments and thoughts!
In my opinion it is WAY too early to worry about any speech problems with your 2 year old. I have 3 children and I can remember that my dr was never concerned with it until they were closer to 4. One of them had some speech problems and saw a therapist. All kids are different - some don't even try to speak until they are closer to 3, some speak when they're 18 mos. I just feel like it is too early to worry about it. Enjoy that baby.
L.,
I am a retired Speech Pathologist.My advice to you is to call the Tri-District Early Childhood Program at ###-###-####. They are the agency who provides free services for the 3-5 population as a representative of the school districts. They can tell you who to call to have your son screened, also free of charge. It does sound to me like she is a little behind, but the good news is that the earlier you start, the quicker the progress. I worked with 3-5 year olds for 20 years. I was always amazed at what could be accomplished in a short period of time if speech was the only concern. Let me know if you have other questions or if I can help with other phone numbers.I live in Maumelle.
D.
I was told at my son's 2 year check up that he needed speech therapy. I could understand him when he talked, but not everyone else could. I didn't think he was delayed, but figured itthe therapy couldn't hurt. If you are in Jacksonville, Tri-District offers free speech therapy for Pulaski county. My son has made incredible advances in his speech over he last 6 months. Not only pronouncing words better, but he really has conversations with people and everyone understands him. Good luck!
J. Z.
My Grandson has Speech Apraxia, and was unable to say very many words at all. We were very concerned, but did not get him the help he needed as soon as he was elligible for it because we did not know he was elligible. Plus we kept running into dead ends. He started getting speech therapy at the 4k level, but had we known he could have had the help much sooner. There are programs available and because it is considered a handicap, a lot of it is covered by state and federal programs no matter the income or insurance coverage. He is the brightest little boy, very smart, but because he couldn't talk no one knew except family. Just check around and see what is available, the sooner the better so there is nothing to unlearn. The speech therapists at Helping Hand are miracle workers and he has been able to stay on grade level even with the lack of communication skills and now you can understand just about everything he says (except when he gets excited and talks too fast). Because of the speech apraxia, his language skills were hampered, but nothing else. Now he is talking great, and if you hadn't known him from the beginning, you wouldn't know there was a problem. Long, I know, but my greatest regret is we didn't know he could have been helped sooner. So even if your child's problem is something else, just don't waste any time getting it treated.
