Early Intervention recommendation for speech

MaggieF516 · March 2014

My son had a check up at the pedi yesterday and she was concerned by his speech, so she indicated that he needs to be evaluated by Early Intervention services. I'm really disappointed by this news and feel horrible like I've done something wrong She said he was great at every other skill (very social, engages people to play with him, knows what is being said, etc.) but he isn't communicating with expressive speech well enough. He says the following words and he isn't putting two words together yet: Mama, Dada, Nene (grandma in Turkish), car, plane, doggy, door, hot, baby, hi, bye, water, tv, cookie, dragon (How to Train Your Dragon is his favorite), light, coffee, shoe, candle, names of two of his uncles, tree, train, paci in Turkish and there is probably a few I'm missing.

The pedi also said that he has a ton of energy and is very active (even for a toddler his age) which is probably not helping the issue because he's not interested in talking but more in "doing" things. I have a lot of trouble trying to read with him, show him pictures, etc. as he immediately leaves. He also wouldn't identify any of the animals in the pictures she showed him because he was too interested in some of the other toys that were in the room. He would also only say two words while he was in the room (mama and coffee, he is obsessed with saying coffee because he sees me make it and drink it everyday) and is still kind of making a grunting noises and pointing as opposed to saying words.

I'm also concerned because he is watched by his grandmother during the day who is a very loving caretaker, but she does somewhat baby him and she also only speaks very minimal English. He isn't saying much in her primary language of Turkish though. I'm thinking I want him to go to daycare a few days a week to help his speech.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has had an Early Intervention recommendation? Does his speech sound very far behind for a 21 month old? Any recommendations? I try to talk to him and point out things as much as possible, but I'm sure there is something else I can do to help him. Thanks!

brachysira · March 2014

He doesn't seem very delayed for a child exposed to 2 languages. I do not think you are likely to qualify for EI, but if you do, it's great. Do the evaluation, which will give you peace of mind and perhaps some tips. I personally would ask grandma to talk more in Turkish. How nice if he would grow up bilingual.

Beth.1212 · March 2014

I agree with PP. Babies exposed to two languages usually take a little bit longer to speak, but how wonderful if your LO can learn two languages! This is the age for them to learn them, not high school.

Definitely don't feel like a bad mom. If you qualify for EI services for speech, I wouldn't attribute it to any sort of neglect on your part. A lot of kids have the same exposure to language and energy levels as yours, I bet. If you do qualify for EI, all that means is that your LO needs a little extra help to get there. EI shows parents things you can do to help support your LO and help him learn to communicate.

ashiscute · March 2014

I think we've talked about this before but please do not feel like you are doing anything wrong. When my DD wasn't talking yet I was so stressed and sure it was all my fault but obviously it's just an issue she has that we have to work through together. While I do feel sad for her to have to struggle with something that comes so easy to most people I also know I'm doing my best to help her and that does make me feel better.

Call EI and schedule your evaluation right away. They will assess him across all areas of development and give you where his averages fall. If he doesn't qualify for services then they will give you some things to work on and plan to follow up in 6 months. If he does qualify then he can begin speech therapy. There is a lot of negativity surrounding speech therapy (even on here) but honestly it's exactly what you are asking for. Someone comes to your house and plays with you and your DS. Then they give you different things to work on and different strategies to encourage more communication. It is low stress and really beneficial to the parent. I am so incredibly grateful for all of my DDs speech therapy.

I think I would also consider daycare for maybe 2 days per week if you could afford it. Being around kids and listening to them speak could be hugely beneficial for him. My DD just started preschool and her speech is much improved. Before that she only stayed home with me. Try not to think about what other 21 mo are doing because that isn't helpful. My DD had 3 words at 21 mos. DS is 18 mos and has 50 or so and puts 2 words together. Just concentrate on what he needs and helping him.

pb_bride · March 2014

First of all, please don't blame yourself! I think you are doing everything right!

DS is only 16.5m right now, and he is bilingual (I speak Chinese to him/I SAH, DH speaks English). DS had zero words at 15m when we were at pedi, and pedi said he wouldn't worry at all until he is at least 2. I personally think I'll reassess when DS gets to be 18m.

Many many people have told me anecdotal stories about their kids (or relatives' kids) who had speech delay while learning 2 languages, but they all eventually spoke and did well with both languages.

I personally think it is a GIFT that your DS is being exposed to 2 languages. Even though Turkish might not be "useful" per se (meaning, being useful for work etc when he's an adult), simply learning a 2nd language helps with brain development. So I'm just thinking that by taking your son away from his grandma and going to DC, he will be exposed LESS to 2 languages.

Anyway, TBH, it sounds like your son is doing fine but if you are concerned, go ahead and call EI. As other PPs said, try not to compare your son too much with his peers. Children develop different skills at different stages/ages.

1 of DS's friends (17m) knows 10 alphabet letters at this point, and he's bilingual too and knows probably 50-100 words. Another of DS's friends (same age) can count from 1 to 10. My son can only say 4 words and do 3 animal sounds. I try not to worry too much. His receptive language is great (in both languages) and we've been doing sign language. DS now knows 2 dozen + signs.

JulesDiane · March 2014

He doesn't sound far behind to me at all. But, I am not the expert. I would have thought he was on the right track with no issues! Good luck with the IE. I guess it can't hurt.

Doubletrouble12 · March 2014

I'm glad you posted this! I've been having the same thoughts with my girls that just turned 18months. Very few spoken words but do very well understanding and in all other areas. I'm planning to talk to the pedi at their appt. next week. Sounds like you are doing a great job though!

Irishsapphire · March 2014

I was concerned with my daughter's speech development. We had my daughter evaluated by a school district in January, but they said she was fine and she did not qualify for services. But we also got a hearing test, and there were some issues with her middle ear and pressure is off--there is fluid. She will be getting tubes in the middle of April to help her hearing. In the meantime, we found a private speech therapist who specialized in children, and she goes there on a weekly basis. They give us exercises and books to help with her words.

ktpaladino · April 2014

That sounds like a ton of words to me. I had my son evaluated by EI at 21 months and they said he was within normal range and dismissed his case. I know he's way behind though. At 2 years he is only saying mom, daddy, hi, hot, here and there, and a few animal noises. I think I just discovered he is tongue tied though. Have you taken your LO to be evaluated for tongue or lip ties? Pediatricians aren't trained to detect them. Usually pediatric dentists and ENTs can evaluate and correct the tie if there is one. Just a thought...not a lot of moms know about tie problems affecting speech (most people just think it causes latch and breastfeeding problems) so I just wanted to throw it out there.

Want a personalized experience?

Early Intervention recommendation for speech

Re: Early Intervention recommendation for speech

Choose Another Board

Search Boards