Speech Development Problems At 3 Years Old

bethanyguse

As much as I think it is SO cute, I think I let Jed say certain work wrong until he turned 3 and then I was like OK, yer to old to be saying “deep” instead of “sheep”. He can’t say the “sh” sounds what so ever. Or “durd” instead of church, I thing it’s adorable but he already gets teased about it in preschool and Sunday school and places like that. Sometimes I tell him to say “sheep” drawing out the “sh” sound and he’ll say “sh-sh deep” or “ch-ch durd”. I don’t know if I should just let it go and he’ll change all by himself or if I should get some kind of Speech Development Teacher. What are you’re guy’s thoughts.

00kim00

As an early intervention teacher, I'm not concerned given the information you provided. "Sh" and "ch" are later developing sounds, we don't expect kids to have mastered those until they're 5+, so it's totally normal for a 3 year old to do that.  Now, if you said he's unable to make the early developing sounds (a variety of vowels plus m, p, d, t, etc.,) or people usually can't see understand what he's trying to say, then I'd be more concerned.

I don't know where you're from, but if you're in the US and still concerned, there are 2 ways to get your child tested. First, ask your doctor for a speech therapist referral. If they evaluate him and decide he needs therapy, you'll be able to bring him to the clinic for therapy. Second, the school district is required to provide free evaluations for children with suspected disabilities, including speech impairment. If he does qualify, they'll provide speech therapy at your local school and may even provide transportation to get him there from home or daycare if he's not already in public Pre-K at one of the schools (if he is, the therapist would see him at school).

bethanyguse

Ok, thanks! I'll look into that