I am still perplexed by a 5 month old having speech therapy.

dots&loops · August 2010

FIVE MONTHS??

July_2009 · August 2010

Really? Wow...is all I can say.

macchiatto · August 2010

Scratching my head over that one as well.

kes3237 · August 2010

I understand that you're really wanting a reaction from the PP whose 5-mo-old is in speech therapy (or anyone else who will bite), so here you go: I'm sure the speech therapist who evaluated PP's LO has some good reason to recommend therapy. I am not a SLP, so I don't know why. I only know what they told me about my DD. Is that adequate for you?

punkfiction_v.3 · August 2010

kes3237:
I understand that you're really wanting a reaction from the PP whose 5-mo-old is in speech therapy (or anyone else who will bite), so here you go: I'm sure the speech therapist who evaluated PP's LO has some good reason to recommend therapy. I am not a SLP, so I don't know why. I only know what they told me about my DD. Is that adequate for you?

no. there is no therapy for a 5 mo old. bc they arent SUPPOSED to be talking. they are babies. so that therapist is a loon.

susanmosley · August 2010

punkfiction_v.3:
kes3237:
I understand that you're really wanting a reaction from the PP whose 5-mo-old is in speech therapy (or anyone else who will bite), so here you go: I'm sure the speech therapist who evaluated PP's LO has some good reason to recommend therapy. I am not a SLP, so I don't know why. I only know what they told me about my DD. Is that adequate for you?
no. there is no therapy for a 5 mo old. bc they arent SUPPOSED to be talking. they are babies. so that therapist is a loon.

There are precursors to talking that are also within the scope of practice of an SLP and if absent, can be strong indicators of subsequent issues. There are also congenital conditions/disorders that warrant early intervention, as in from birth. For example, many kids with Down Syndrome have an SLP lined up before they are even born. I don't know the story to which you guys are referring, but I do know that there are times when early (as in 5 months) intervention with a SLP is ethical and beneficial.

adri77 · August 2010

I used to work for EI. I have seen speech therapists assigned to babies not b/c they are trying to help them talk, but usually b/c there is a feeding issue of some sort, they are often assigned in conjunction with a nutrition specialist. Speaking is a fine motor skill, so if there are issues with the way the mouth is working in feeding, they will assign the person who knows the ins and outs/the intricate way a mouth works, which is a speech pathologist.

Mbitner · August 2010

WOW! Thanks everyone! Yes, that is my child who started OT, PT, SLP (speech AND LANGUAGE and feeding therapy at 5 months)...not unheard of at all. Since this is getting blown way out of proportion....some info: my son is dx with apraxia (problems creating motor movements!), swallowing difficulties bc of a laryngeal cleft, seizures, motor delays, dystonia, etc!!! He has benefited sooo much from all of his therapies. Until you know what you are talking about I would not say anything at all. Speech therapy does not just mean talking! It encompasses babbling, turning to noises, imitating movements, social skills (recognizing and making different faces), responding to different noises...etc.... If your child had delays I am sure you would do anything and everything for them.

adri77 · August 2010

susanmosley:
punkfiction_v.3:

kes3237:
I understand that you're really wanting a reaction from the PP whose 5-mo-old is in speech therapy (or anyone else who will bite), so here you go: I'm sure the speech therapist who evaluated PP's LO has some good reason to recommend therapy. I am not a SLP, so I don't know why. I only know what they told me about my DD. Is that adequate for you?

no. there is no therapy for a 5 mo old. bc they arent SUPPOSED to be talking. they are babies. so that therapist is a loon.

There are precursors to talking that are also within the scope of practice of an SLP and if absent, can be strong indicators of subsequent issues. There are also congenital conditions/disorders that warrant early intervention, as in from birth. For example, many kids with Down Syndrome have an SLP lined up before they are even born. I don't know the story to which you guys are referring, but I do know that there are times when early (as in 5 months) intervention with a SLP is ethical and beneficial.

Yes, absolutely right, I worked with a Downs syndrome little guy who was only 7 months old and had a SP

kes3237 · August 2010

It's so annoying to me when people don't know what they're talking about but respond with an authoritative "that's weird."

Glad people responded on here who actually DO know what they're talking about!

RNOHIO · August 2010

susanmosley:
punkfiction_v.3:

kes3237:
I understand that you're really wanting a reaction from the PP whose 5-mo-old is in speech therapy (or anyone else who will bite), so here you go: I'm sure the speech therapist who evaluated PP's LO has some good reason to recommend therapy. I am not a SLP, so I don't know why. I only know what they told me about my DD. Is that adequate for you?

no. there is no therapy for a 5 mo old. bc they arent SUPPOSED to be talking. they are babies. so that therapist is a loon.

There are precursors to talking that are also within the scope of practice of an SLP and if absent, can be strong indicators of subsequent issues. There are also congenital conditions/disorders that warrant early intervention, as in from birth. For example, many kids with Down Syndrome have an SLP lined up before they are even born. I don't know the story to which you guys are referring, but I do know that there are times when early (as in 5 months) intervention with a SLP is ethical and beneficial.

I agree! SLP doesn't necessarily mean that they only help with "talking". The SLP can teach the children even before talking different ways to help roll their tongue and exercises that the family can do with the "baby" to help with speech when the time comes. My sister was referred to an SLP because her DD was slighlty tongue tied and had a heart shaped tongue and the SLP recommended at 6 months different sounds for the parents to work on and certain cups to help her roll her tongue on the straws. It is definitely possible to have an SLP eval at 5 months old!!

sasa625 · August 2010

susanmosley:
punkfiction_v.3:
kes3237:
I understand that you're really wanting a reaction from the PP whose 5-mo-old is in speech therapy (or anyone else who will bite), so here you go: I'm sure the speech therapist who evaluated PP's LO has some good reason to recommend therapy. I am not a SLP, so I don't know why. I only know what they told me about my DD. Is that adequate for you?
no. there is no therapy for a 5 mo old. bc they arent SUPPOSED to be talking. they are babies. so that therapist is a loon.
There are precursors to talking that are also within the scope of practice of an SLP and if absent, can be strong indicators of subsequent issues. There are also congenital conditions/disorders that warrant early intervention, as in from birth. For example, many kids with Down Syndrome have an SLP lined up before they are even born. I don't know the story to which you guys are referring, but I do know that there are times when early (as in 5 months) intervention with a SLP is ethical and beneficial.

Ditto this... I am a speech therapist and when I worked with the EI population, we serviced infants as well as toddlers (birth-3 years). There are standardized measures used to qualify children for services, and an SLP is not going to provide services when none are warranted.

Speech/language milestones go beyond just talking. There is reacting to sound, eye contact, showing interest in others, vocalizing, etc that are important skills. If speech/language services were never warranted for a 5 month old, the federal government wouldn't mandate early intervention services.

Not sure what the exact situation is here, but just wanted to chime in and say that it's not as odd as it may seem for an infant to receive services.

mavilabride4evah · August 2010

sasa625:
susanmosley:
punkfiction_v.3:

kes3237:
I understand that you're really wanting a reaction from the PP whose 5-mo-old is in speech therapy (or anyone else who will bite), so here you go: I'm sure the speech therapist who evaluated PP's LO has some good reason to recommend therapy. I am not a SLP, so I don't know why. I only know what they told me about my DD. Is that adequate for you?

no. there is no therapy for a 5 mo old. bc they arent SUPPOSED to be talking. they are babies. so that therapist is a loon.

There are precursors to talking that are also within the scope of practice of an SLP and if absent, can be strong indicators of subsequent issues. There are also congenital conditions/disorders that warrant early intervention, as in from birth. For example, many kids with Down Syndrome have an SLP lined up before they are even born. I don't know the story to which you guys are referring, but I do know that there are times when early (as in 5 months) intervention with a SLP is ethical and beneficial.

Ditto this... I am a speech therapist and when I worked with the EI population, we serviced infants as well as toddlers (birth-3 years). There are standardized measures used to qualify children for services, and an SLP is not going to provide services when none are warranted.

Speech/language milestones go beyond just talking. There is reacting to sound, eye contact, showing interest in others, vocalizing, etc that are important skills. If speech/language services were never warranted for a 5 month old, the federal government wouldn't mandate early intervention services.

Not sure what the exact situation is here, but just wanted to chime in and say that it's not as odd as it may seem for an infant to receive services.

Sorry ladies. There is no room for logic on the bump.

Mbitner · August 2010

RNOHIO:
susanmosley:
punkfiction_v.3:

kes3237:
I understand that you're really wanting a reaction from the PP whose 5-mo-old is in speech therapy (or anyone else who will bite), so here you go: I'm sure the speech therapist who evaluated PP's LO has some good reason to recommend therapy. I am not a SLP, so I don't know why. I only know what they told me about my DD. Is that adequate for you?
no. there is no therapy for a 5 mo old. bc they arent SUPPOSED to be talking. they are babies. so that therapist is a loon.
There are precursors to talking that are also within the scope of practice of an SLP and if absent, can be strong indicators of subsequent issues. There are also congenital conditions/disorders that warrant early intervention, as in from birth. For example, many kids with Down Syndrome have an SLP lined up before they are even born. I don't know the story to which you guys are referring, but I do know that there are times when early (as in 5 months) intervention with a SLP is ethical and beneficial.

I agree! SLP doesn't necessarily mean that they only help with "talking". The SLP can teach the children even before talking different ways to help roll their tongue and exercises that the family can do with the "baby" to help with speech when the time comes. My sister was referred to an SLP because her DD was slighlty tongue tied and had a heart shaped tongue and the SLP recommended at 6 months different sounds for the parents to work on and certain cups to help her roll her tongue on the straws. It is definitely possible to have an SLP eval at 5 months old!!

Thanks ladies for posting correct info! So sad that people have no clue what they are talking about...but they still post. I am so happy we started therapy for my LO when we did! Best thing we have ever done for him!

sasa625 · August 2010

Mbitner:
WOW! Thanks everyone! Yes, that is my child who started OT, PT, SLP (speech AND LANGUAGE and feeding therapy at 5 months)...not unheard of at all. Since this is getting blown way out of proportion....some info: my son is dx with apraxia (problems creating motor movements!), swallowing difficulties bc of a laryngeal cleft, seizures, motor delays, dystonia, etc!!! He has benefited sooo much from all of his therapies. Until you know what you are talking about I would not say anything at all. Speech therapy does not just mean talking! It encompasses babbling, turning to noises, imitating movements, social skills (recognizing and making different faces), responding to different noises...etc.... If your child had delays I am sure you would do anything and everything for them.

Good for you for being proactive and getting the services your child needs!! Early intervention often makes all the difference!

Also, I forgot to add swallowing/feeding issues in my previous post. It bothers me (as a speech-language pathologist) how many people don't understand that there's more to my job than correcting a child's production of specific sounds!!

Good luck with your adorable little guy!!

susanmosley · August 2010

Mbitner:
Speech therapy does not just mean talking! It encompasses babbling, turning to noises, imitating movements, social skills (recognizing and making different faces), responding to different noises...etc....

and engaging with others, developing relationships, discriminating auditory stimuli, understanding cause/effect, understanding nonverbal communication, soothing to a familiar adults' presence, social games/exchanges, and on and on and on

smellycat15 · August 2010

Are you serious or just that dumb? Speech therapy isn't just for talking. My DD has had OT and PT since she was a few months old. She started speech around 5-6 months as well. Speech has helped her learn to eat as well as ways to communicate. Since she's blind, she needs all the help she can get. She goes once a week for "class" and its done amazing things for her. Good lord. Get your head out of your asss and do some research before you make judgments.

Mbitner · August 2010

sasa625:
Mbitner:
WOW! Thanks everyone! Yes, that is my child who started OT, PT, SLP (speech AND LANGUAGE and feeding therapy at 5 months)...not unheard of at all. Since this is getting blown way out of proportion....some info: my son is dx with apraxia (problems creating motor movements!), swallowing difficulties bc of a laryngeal cleft, seizures, motor delays, dystonia, etc!!! He has benefited sooo much from all of his therapies. Until you know what you are talking about I would not say anything at all. Speech therapy does not just mean talking! It encompasses babbling, turning to noises, imitating movements, social skills (recognizing and making different faces), responding to different noises...etc.... If your child had delays I am sure you would do anything and everything for them.
Good for you for being proactive and getting the services your child needs!! Early intervention often makes all the difference!
Also, I forgot to add swallowing/feeding issues in my previous post. It bothers me (as a speech-language pathologist) how many people don't understand that there's more to my job than correcting a child's production of specific sounds!!
Good luck with your adorable little guy!!

Thank you! I appreciate the support!

soontobeahigh · August 2010

My DD has been receiving ST/SLP since she was 8 weeks old. It is totally normal for this young age when you are dealing with special needs. We do it for feeding issues and poor motor skills and low tone. Its so much more than just "talking"!

howa0155 · August 2010

Wow, OP. I hope you feel like an a$$ for posting about a topic you don't know anything about.

ONYD · August 2010

MrsOlson · August 2010

howa0155:
Wow, OP. I hope you feel like an a$$ for posting about a topic you don't know anything about.

Florak8 · August 2010

Seriously.

How lucky for you who don't spend most of your lives in health care facilities, spending all your free time and money on any and all therapies which might help your child achieve a somewhat typical life.

A$$.

JOEBunny · August 2010

Your just ignorant and that is that. At least those babies who need it have parents who are not.

mavilabride4evah · August 2010

annibes · August 2010

Language involves a lot more than just speech. And SLPs are trained to deal with a lot more than just speech and language, in some cases. I imagine you'll have to see one one day when your uptight nature starts to affect your voice, or tge big stick in your butt starts to affect your swallowing.

Echowysp · August 2010

kes3237:
It's so annoying to me when people don't know what they're talking about but respond with an authoritative "that's weird."
Glad people responded on here who actually DO know what they're talking about!

But it's so much more fun to be a fake expert. Cheaper too since no schooling is involved.

macchiatto · August 2010

Thanks to those of you who explained more fully.

Also, I don't know if some of your upset responses were to neutral responses like my "Scratching my head over that one" comment. If so, please understand that not everyone who is confused or going "Huh?' is judging; in my case at least, I was honestly curious and wondered what the back story was. I did assume there was most likely a good reason, just not sure what it was. I have a good friend with a 26-weeker who has had a wide range of therapies since infancy and it's given me a glimpse. I do remember her saying that an ST could help with his feeding issues.

ivs112 · August 2010

Mbitner:
WOW! Thanks everyone! Yes, that is my child who started OT, PT, SLP (speech AND LANGUAGE and feeding therapy at 5 months)...not unheard of at all. Since this is getting blown way out of proportion....some info: my son is dx with apraxia (problems creating motor movements!), swallowing difficulties bc of a laryngeal cleft, seizures, motor delays, dystonia, etc!!! He has benefited sooo much from all of his therapies. Until you know what you are talking about I would not say anything at all. Speech therapy does not just mean talking! It encompasses babbling, turning to noises, imitating movements, social skills (recognizing and making different faces), responding to different noises...etc.... If your child had delays I am sure you would do anything and everything for them.

Thank you for enlightening the idiot masses.

Temp449052375008045 · August 2010

punkfiction_v.3:
kes3237:
I understand that you're really wanting a reaction from the PP whose 5-mo-old is in speech therapy (or anyone else who will bite), so here you go: I'm sure the speech therapist who evaluated PP's LO has some good reason to recommend therapy. I am not a SLP, so I don't know why. I only know what they told me about my DD. Is that adequate for you?
no. there is no therapy for a 5 mo old. bc they arent SUPPOSED to be talking. they are babies. so that therapist is a loon.

Oh my. LOL. Your brilliance obviously knows nothing about ST.

jptimestwo · August 2010

yup.....my son has Down syndrome, and the fact that he was able to nurse from the moment he was born was part of his speech therapy. Before you gasp and judge.....be greatful that your LO doesn't have these needs.....having therapists for your baby in infancy is not easy. I know it may see crazy to you, but it is reality for lots of us.

cranberry27 · August 2010

Haven't we all learned by now? OP knows EVERYTHING.

I'm amazed that with your extensive knowledge of breastfeeding, you don't know that speech therapists work on children with feeding and swallowing disorders.

If speech therapy were something that you could understand just by giving birth and having attitude, I wouldn't have gotten a Master's Degree in it. We cover a whole lot of things that you will never imagine. Do you really think that we are wasting our time, the parents' and child's time, and all that money?

pretty_helmet · August 2010

punkfiction_v.3:

kes3237:
I understand that you're really wanting a reaction from the PP whose 5-mo-old is in speech therapy (or anyone else who will bite), so here you go: I'm sure the speech therapist who evaluated PP's LO has some good reason to recommend therapy. I am not a SLP, so I don't know why. I only know what they told me about my DD. Is that adequate for you?

no. there is no therapy for a 5 mo old. bc they arent SUPPOSED to be talking. they are babies. so that therapist is a loon.

your amount of FAIL never ceases to amaze me.

aajfoster · August 2010

I like that those two have yet to come back and defend their idiocy. Do some research

pretty_helmet · August 2010

aajfoster:
I like that those two have yet to come back and defend their idiocy. Do some research

commence backpedaling.

Caroline&Stephen · August 2010

My DD started speech therapy at 2 months old. As soon as she was diagnosed with hearing loss we started therapy.

Speech therapy is not only about speech. It first begins with listening. Babies begin listening as soon as they are born and maybe even before that. For many babies listening is a skill that needs to be developed properly before they can speak.

My DD has been fed language via speech therapy 2 times a week for well over a year and now at 15 months she is chatting up a storm. Thank goodness for E.I.!

smellycat15 · August 2010

punkfiction_v.3:
kes3237:
I understand that you're really wanting a reaction from the PP whose 5-mo-old is in speech therapy (or anyone else who will bite), so here you go: I'm sure the speech therapist who evaluated PP's LO has some good reason to recommend therapy. I am not a SLP, so I don't know why. I only know what they told me about my DD. Is that adequate for you?
no. there is no therapy for a 5 mo old. bc they arent SUPPOSED to be talking. they are babies. so that therapist is a loon.

Really? The amount of ignorance with you guys is just astonishing. Try making educated responses next time.

jennessey · August 2010

pretty_helmet:

aajfoster:
I like that those two have yet to come back and defend their idiocy. Do some research

commence backpedaling.

Yup. Pathetic.

LoriFalce · August 2010

JuneSUBride:
punkfiction_v.3:

kes3237:
I understand that you're really wanting a reaction from the PP whose 5-mo-old is in speech therapy (or anyone else who will bite), so here you go: I'm sure the speech therapist who evaluated PP's LO has some good reason to recommend therapy. I am not a SLP, so I don't know why. I only know what they told me about my DD. Is that adequate for you?

no. there is no therapy for a 5 mo old. bc they arent SUPPOSED to be talking. they are babies. so that therapist is a loon.

Oh my. LOL. Your brilliance obviously knows nothing about ST.

Don't be ridiculous. Punk is WonderMom. She knows all things about everyone's baby ever.

Babies live in a photo studios with faux wood floor and backdrops and moldings. They spend their days performing in small vignettes and drinking Slurpees. They would probably only require therapy if they didn't turn toward the camera when heard it click, as that would be an obvious sign of birth defect.

maddiesmama09 · August 2010

People need to think before they post. Did the OP honestly think someone was concerned about their 5 month old not talking? Seriously??

My DD is very advanced with talking, but she has swallowing issues, so she might need speech therapy. If we would have caught her swallowing issues when she was 5 months old, maybe she wouldn't still be eating only baby food at almost 14 months.

birdie_1010 · August 2010

I came back to thebump today, after a long hiatus, to join the special needs board and this is one of the first posts I see. Tongue Tied

I see TB hasn't changed much. People that feel the need to spew their ignorance. I am very glad to see that the OP was put in her place on this one. What an insensitive way to approach this topic. I am sure if you would have asked nicely there are plenty of people that would have answered your inquiries.

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I am still perplexed by a 5 month old having speech therapy.

Re: I am still perplexed by a 5 month old having speech therapy.

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