Speech Pathologists

[melbryan]

I am a mother to a 22mth old and am trying to book him in for an speech assessment . All bookings seem to be taken for the school holidays so I am wondering if anyone else can tell me about whether it (speech therapy) has worked for their children?? How long does it take to see any results??My son doesn't say much at all am thinking he should have at least 10 words -20 words he is nearly two, I have done some research on the internet, he has no hearing problems but has suffered from ear infections and also has a dummy at nights. It's probably me too I don't try an get him to speak he just grunts, and says 'Gools' for the Wiggles or mostly points. He understands alot when being spoken( put that in the bin or bring me the ball or it's bathtime, he will run to the bath. But he talks very little, everyone is 'daddy'.
Thanks for your advice,
Melbryan 29

[rynosmum]

Hi Mel,

My DS is 22 months old as well but it's important to remember that they really do all progress at their own pace. My little one is a huge talker, he repeats everything and can count all of the way up to 'fit-teen' on his own but we were with other little ones of his age the other day and they all varied dramatically. Some weren't talking very much at all, others had a few words here and there.

I talk a lot myself :ecomcity: so have always conversed with DS and prompted him to speak and respond. That doesn't mean that other kids won't catch up to him, because they will.

It's a great idea to check him out, especially his ears too.

But don't stress too much just yet, he maybe just a little shy :o :hugs:

[Harry&Max's Mummy]

Hi
Thats what we have been up to this week as well. Mr 3 has problems with pronouncing the letter F uses S instead eg fishies he says sishies etc letter C is replaced with T. On monday we visited the Audiology clinic for an assesment at the childrens hospital at Randwick and his ears were clear now it is a speech analysis we need. I recieved a phone call this morning and we are on the waiting list ( the lady said up to 9months wait), so we may have to go a private therapist

[Maghan]

My DS is 5 and has been having speech therapy for just over a year. When DS was 3, I was concerned and I saw one speech therapist that gave me the diatribe of "he's a boy, he's young, give it a year". I wish I had listened to my "inner-self" and got him therapy earlier... anyway another story.

He will probably have speech therapy for many years to come. If your child has a speech or language disorder, verbal dyspraxia, etc there is no quick fix, but early intervention (before school) is the key. Their little brains can take so much more in when they are young, leaving it too late is a problem.

You may want to have a read of the thread's in the special needs forum too. Good luck!

[Renee Fleur]

Hi I would not rush into it, some specialist actualy reccomend that you delay formal speech assistance until after all of the childs teeth have formed (around 7-8 years). Because it can place unecessary pressure on the child and can lead to a low self concept.

If I was you I would talk to him clearly (no baby talk) Sing, dance, play and enjoy language together. Make opportunities for lots for verbal play with out pressure. If he still fails to develop then get some assistance.

Just my thoughts.

All the best. Renee

[melbryan]

Thankyou girls, it's nice to know that there are some options out there. I know my son is very forward in other development stages and so am just wondering about the speech. If I go and get him assessed then that may put my mind at ease. I don't want to put him and myself through it for nothing though cause I know he is still very young.
We had a very quiet household before he came along and he has turned everything upside down, we have never talked baby talk to him and sing dance etc. ( loves stage shows which we go to alot, he never shy and can't wait to run to the front of the stage) but my husband and I are quiet people who like to relax in peace this may have worked against our son I talk all day as I am a school teacher so want a little quiet time which never happens.
He is opposite to us though very loud, boisterous and outgoing. He seems a confident boy very social and that's why we are having another one to help occupy him as he runs me and the dog ragged. Another boy will mean he will have someone to knock around with. He just doesn't have any interest in talking!!!
Thanks again,:D
Mel

[suemp]

my son autimatically got speech help as he was born with low muscle tone , so he held his mouth open and dribbled alot. it was a few years ago but i remember it was more about teaching them to use their mouths in different ways , then teaching actual words. for example ch ch ch like a train. blow like blowing a candle out . wish i could remember more but i hope you get the idea.
good luck

[3TinLids]

I have a son with verbal dyspraxia and would strongly suggest that if you are concerned, get your son assessed. It won't hurt him and would put your mind at rest. I knew at 18 months that there was some sort of issue with his speech but was told repeatedly not to worry. Thankfully I didn't listen and just before 2 and a half he was diagnosed. With lots of speech therapy he is coming along. Catching it early has been really beneficial. Their little brains just soak it up. Had we left it he would be a lot further behind. It is not just their speech to consider. Julian is not too good socially because of his speech. However he is getting there!! Child and Youth Health can help with assessments and can refer you on.

As Maghan said check out the Children with Special needs thread.

Good luck

Rebecca:)