Speech therapy

[lovinlife4]

I'm considering speech therapy for my 23 month old. He's only got a vocabulary of about 10-13 words and you can see his little mouth working when we try to get him to repeat stuff. The doctor thinks he's just a late bloomer and a little push might be needed. Anyone have their child do this? I'm trying to figure what to expect (and some prayers would be good too):)

[His Bride]

My 26 year old daugter didn't speak until she was four years old. She had an older brother who spoke for her. She spoke enough to get by. Once she turned 4 we couldn't shut her up. She is most eloquent today. Try not to worry unless your pediatrician recommends it. I'm sure he'll be just fine.

[Theresa]

My nephew spoke like "Nell" did until he was three or four - he spoke in consonants only. His older sister translated, so he didn't need to learn to articulate well. His parents were worried he had some major problems because of his speech. Once he started using those vowel sounds, however, they discovered that they had a genius (or close enough) on their hands. He was reading and doing math at 4. He has been ahead of his classmates since he started school (he just finished 4th grade). If we still had a gifted and talented program in our district, he would be in it.

Hang in there. Does his tongue work okay? If it is attached too "tightly" he could have a problem with speech, but if you or the doctor don't see anything, then he is probably just a late bloomer. Does he understand what YOU are saying? His vocabulary may be very high, even if he is not speaking the words. :hug

[lovinlife4]

I think he understands for the most part. Things like do you want juice? He'll go to the fridge, or do you want to go bye-bye. He'll get his shoes and wait by the back door. Or give Daddy a hug, and he does, etc... I'm just concerned as his cousin is 7 weeks older and has a rather large vocab. I'm praying like mad and your prayers will go a long way too. I'll hang in there and keep you all posted!!! Many thanks

[MidnightCry]

One question -- does he have older siblings that often speak for (or over) him?

We adopted a child from foster care at 21 months old. She was saying nothing and considered to have "significant speech delays". Long story short, she started talking about a week later but our pediatrician still ordered 12 weeks of speech therapy. We went for 9 weeks and the therapist "graduated" her. It worked wonders for her, but she had been in a VERY neglectful, unstimulating foster home.

[lovinlife4]

He's got a brother age 8 who is very helpful almost to the point of getting him whatever he wants without him asking and a sister age 4 who talks over him constantly. We have been trying to read all the time and the kids butt in or horse around and it takes his focus away. It's very frustrating. Although today he said Cheese, Sissy and juice! I was so excited (I'm corny like that:)

[MidnightCry]

Given the older siblings and the fact that he IS saying words, I'd relax about it. He's probably fine. I wonder if you could come up with ways to encourage him to talk more for himself instead of the others chiming in.

[Sing4Him]

I'd give him more time.. he's still so little.. not even 2 yet!

:hug:hug poor iddy biddle boy!!! :hug:hug:)

[lovinlife4]

I'm trying to just relax and give it o the lOrd but it's hard when people at church or in the store or even relatives say "How, old is he? Shouldn't he be talking yet?" UGH, so annoying! He also said Fish and pointed to it in a book(YIPPEE:) The little things that thrill me

[Sing4Him]

He's fine.

My middle one, a son, had the capability of walking at 9 mos old. For SURE he was going to beat out his sister and walk before 1 yrs old---- well that little bugger decided it was much nicer to "ride" on mom's weary hip until he was almost 3! :faint The stinker! He's now 23!

One day you'll be telling him about this and laughing mom! He knows what is going on and is using his eyes and ears more than his mouth.. just wait!:lol2