OT: anyone have experience with kids and speech delay

AmberLiz99 · December 2015

My oldest was an early talker, butting words together by 18 months and talking in full scentance by 2. Dd has been super slow, and at 19 months now she probably has only about 20-30words (and a whole bunch of animal and other sounds). Most of the words are only one sylable.

Well until she was 18 months everyone including her doctor was saying "don't worry, it's normal, she's just a late talker, she's so physically advanced she probably just doesn't have time for words, etc..." Now that she's 19 months I'm starting to see some improvement. She's starting to try to copy sounds. Still not where is like her to be. But now everyone keeps saying "why isn't she in therapy? Why haven't you seen a specialist yet? There's something wrong with her... Etc".

I'm sitting here trying not to totally melt down over this. Anyone have experience or advice of what to do for a slow talker? I guess I'll try to find a specialist tomorrow, but any opinions or help to calm me down would be appreciated. I'm an emotional mess.

samsonator · December 2015

I'm not sure what state you live in, but it may be worth it to look into early intervention (EI) services through the state. I know in my state they service kids 0-3 and then at 3 they start in school districts. EI should assess your dd for free and let you know if she qualifies. If so, they may even have a speech therapist come directly to your home for therapy. This is all in my state, so not sure about others.

KaylaR628 · December 2015

I'm an early childhood special education teacher with a lot of experience with speech and language delays and it sounds like your daughter is still on a typical language acquisition schedule. It is highly unusual for a two year old to have full sentences...my nephew is over two and just beginning to form two to three word sentences. I'm not sure you need to contact a specialist...your pediatrician is the first resource I would access, and if he/she is not concerned, I wouldn't be either

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peps815 · December 2015

I would not think you need to be worried. 19 months is still young. My daughter was also talking really well by 2 but my son,who is younger, was a lot slower with speech. At 18 months I could hardly understand most things he said. He will be 3 in March and now speaks pretty well. I would say at about 2.5 his language exploded and now he is speaking in 3-5 word sentences. If you are truly concerned ask your doctor. They will refer you if they think you need therapy. Don't let others stress you out.

Emztron500 · December 2015

People are harassing you about your 19-month-old who has 20-30 words, imitates noises, and knows animal sounds and the like? These people need to back the fuck up. She sounds totally normal.

Wyattnash00 · December 2015

My 17 month old has way less understandable words then ur DS. Like 8. He is starting more sounds and completely understands everything we say. I read about all the 'talking' he should be doing on 'dr.google' and slightly freaked out for 24 hrs. Figure I'll ask his ped next month. Also, girls are notoriously faster and most things @AmberLiz99. You know ur kid best, maybe ask ped first then search for therapists

Wyattnash00 · December 2015

ive also heard that 'all of a sudden' everything clicks and words just keep coming?!

NicknShan · December 2015

I wouldn't be concerned at all whatsoever at this point. My son is 26 months. He just starting putting together sentences greater than 2 words. He still cannot use his "c", "g", "f", "s" (in words - although he can make a snake sound), "th" etc. The doc is not the slightest bit concerned.

It's hard not to compare, but I think he is right on track!! It sounds like he is advanced in other areas.

HeartLikeMine3 · December 2015

I agree with pp my DS is 2.5 and still not talking sentences he puts 2-3 words together. My pedi nor non of family is concerned as long as they are progressing with more words a month I wouldn't worry.

nicolesmith0624 · December 2015

I totally agree with PPs! *try* not to allow others' opinions take away what you know in your heart to be true. She sounds completely normal and it will totally click soon and you'll just want a moments' peace

scotten · December 2015

I had the same concern as you with my 25 month old DD. She is just starting to put together 2-3 word sentences, while a friend of ours has a daughter who has been having full conversations since 18 months. Even with the reassurance of my pediatrician, I still worry about it. But she's advancing, and surprises us with new words all the time.

I think it's just a normal part of being a momma! We're always going to worry.

Jgar2u2 · December 2015

My son will be 3 in January. He had maybe 2 words at 23 months (mama and dada) and he didn't repeat words. He started speech just before his 2nd birthday (private therapy) and then we received more speech through early intervention in Ohio, which is free. He has come so far since last year. I would say to at least try. Our EI people did a full blown evaluation with age equivalencies for each area. He was at 9 months for expressive speech but at his age for receptive speech. They thought he had Childhood Apraxia of speech since he wasn't repeating words but has since moved to a phonological disorder. He just qualified for a preschool IEP this past week and this will start in a month. He mostly speaks in vowels but has many more sentences and solid words now. Speech has done wonders and at the least lets us know what to work on with him at home. Your child doesn't sound nearly as bad. As long as they have words to communicate and are repeating they will likely pick up on it. If you're worried it doesn't hurt to have early intervention check your child if your state has it. It's free to have them evaluate and give services, if needed.

FutureMrsCAF · December 2015

I really think your daughter is right where she needs to be. DD is in speech therapy now, and when she was your daughter's age, she didn't speak a single word. Her vocabulary is now growing everyday and probably has over 200 words with 3-4 word sentences (she's 2.5). Even if it is decided that your daughter has a delay and needs therapy, it is nothing to worry about. My daughter loves going to speech therapy, we love her therapist, and she is improving so much since starting. It's hard not to worry, and I still struggle with blaming myself, even though speech problems run in DH's family, but your daughter seems to be in a good place.

AmberLiz99 · December 2015

That's ladies! I'm feeling less panicked now

mom worry combined with pregnant hormones is dangerous, lol

I think I'm most worried that her words are mostly single syllables, but u think I'll keep working with her and after Christmas try to find a specialist just for an opinion.

purplefan1 · December 2015

This doesn't completely apply, since we've had so many advances in early intervention, etc, however when my husband was a child he didn't talk until he was 3. Like, at all. His mom took him to Easter Seals and he was tested for autism, every thing came back fine. Doctor and every one said he would talk when he wanted to. And sure enough, when he first talked it was a completely formed, full sentence. He still doesn't talk much, but his speech is fine and I think he is super smart (and cute). I think keeping track of developmental markers is important, but I also think we sometimes make parents go crazy with "fixing" what may not even be broken. Sounds like she is developing and you all are doing a great job monitoring the situation and ready to step in if necessary.

splsmama2016 · December 2015

My nephew, now 5 years old and a certified chatter box, didn't start speaking more than 3 words at a time, until about a year ago. Even a speech therapist couldn't figure out why he wasn't talking, and one day it was like the flood gates opened!!

goldie987 · December 2015

My mom had me evaluated for speech delay issues when I was 2 years old because I was missing speech milestones. Turns out I just was a late talker and today, people can't get me to shut up. I don't think there's anything wrong with looking into your options or getting a second opinion but I at least would wait it out a little to see how she progresses.

Rosehip15 · December 2015

FWIW, My son was always at the later end of normal with early speech - he would just hit the cut-off (3 words by X age, etc) which . By age 2 it all came out in the wash, and he's a totally normal 8 year old, and singing in the choir. My daughter was on the earlier side of everything.

lola6711 · December 2015

My dd's experience sounds similar, with the exception that it seemed like they were losing words. I had them evaluated and one suggestion the therapist had was to buy the videos, Signing Time, which build vocabulary.
I showed the girls one video a day, and they were fabulous. Obviously, we also read and talked and sang, but it was really nice to feel like there was something I could easily add in to help.
You might want to check them out!

PBear93 · December 2015

If you are still concerned after the new year, look into Early Intervention. Every state is required to have a program, you just have to find who to contact in your state. They will send a group of therapists to your house to do an evaluation, and if your daughter qualifies, a therapist will come to your house every week to work with her.
If you want to get private therapy for her through your insurance, you would need a prescription from her pediatrician for speech therapy.

june2016baby · December 2015

Truly, you only need to be concerned at this point if she starts losing words or is no longer learning new words. Or, if you start to feel her comprehension of what others are saying is below other children her age. Call your local early intervention program if either of these are the case.

My middle child showed signs of learning disabilities by age 1 1/2 to two. He is now in kindergarten and gets extra help. I also quit my job to stay home and help him succeeded. (I am a teacher.)

VikingGirl12 · December 2015

I'm an elementary teacher that works closely with a Speech Language Pathologist daily since I have so many children with speech IEP's in my room. I agree that your daughter is still on track for her age. Our SLP doesnt suggest any testing until 24 months, and that's for pretty severe cases. Some things she suggested for my son when I asked her (he wasn't saying anything at 13 months) was to start with one word- "mama". Say lots of words that start with that letter. Let him touch your lips when you say it. Practice saying the sounds in the mirror together so she can see what she is doing with her lips.
I don't think you have any reason to worry yet though. Good luck and keep us posted!

AmberLiz99 · December 2015

Thank you all! I will keep all this in mind, and I love the tips for helping her.

She leaned a new word today

"eat" haha. One if her favorite things the do. She also started saying "tree" this week whenever we see a Christmas tree. It's not super clear, but I can tell that's what she is saying. Still just one syllable, but we'll keep at it.

photomama142 · December 2015

My son had maybe 3 words at 2 years old. Our dr referred us to the school's early childhood speech person. He did some weekly stuff with her. Honestly, didn't help at all. He just all the sudden started talking in sentences at 2 years 8 months, so in our case he was just a late talker. I know sometimes stuff really is wrong, but seriously the speech "help" he got didn't work. He was just stubborn (and still is, incredibly so) and kind of a perfectionist and didn't want to talk till he was ready. Some kids have a physical/mental reason for a delay and really do need help, I'm glad that wasn't our case and don't automatically worry something is wrong at your stage, but the help is free (at least in our state?) if they qualify with enough of a "delay" from "normal". It caused me a lot of unnecessary worry though, and that annoys me a little but I figured I'd rather him get a little help and not end up needing it, then deny him help and find out he really did need it.

fishwife799 · December 2015

DS will be 15 months in a few days and all he says is mama. It has many different meanings though. DD was an early talker as well so it has concerned me at times. But I watch him and know that he understands the things that people say to him because he can follow simple commands. He walked early and is a very physical little guy so I assume he just developed that sooner and will work on the speech when he is ready.

HBamama2B · December 2015

@AmberLiz99 right now it sounds like your DD may just be a late talker, especially if she was focused on walking early and other areas. Does 'everyone' include your doctor? If the dr thought she was on track and she's improved in the last month, I don't see a cause for worry. Another factor to consider is that she may be having her needs met via non-verbal communication. If her primary caretakers understand what she wants without words and are providing it quickly, she'll likely start talking more as her needs become more complex.

couple of examples: One girl I worked with at 22 months only had a few words (she was up to WNL by around 28 mths then bounced way ahead, cause was believed to be lack of interaction/people asking questions interacting verbally with her). Another had Low normal vocabulary by 22 mths but no sentences. She had tons of nonverbal cues though and when we 'stopped' understanding them at key times by not looking at her when she wanted things, she started joining words together and caught up.

I wouldn't usually encourage parents to worry until 22 months unless there's and underlying reason or the child has other communication concerns, but you can do things to encourage development like not seeing her cues and music is fantastic! Try pop as well as kids songs, one that have known words are fun at that age. Has she heard Adele's hello? if she likes it and you play it for her, she might sing along and you'll get your second syllable.

if there's a confounding factor though, EI is definitely worth looking into, I did not speak until age 3, but that was due to frequent ear infections, hearing loss, and lack of verbal interaction from my caretakers. I needed speech therapy around age 8 for enunciation, earlier (24mths or later) is definitely better.

Definitely talk to your pediatrician at your next check up and they can help clarify and will look at all of DD achievements and concerns as a whole. If they recommend EI, definitely go for it--it can be a fantastic tool. In the meantime, tell the well-meaning a-holes to back TF off.

AmberLiz99 · December 2015

Thanks. She understands absolutely everything, so I'm pretty sure RS nt a serious problem, but I still worry there might be some sort of isssue. We keep plugging away. Doctor wasn't concerned at the 18 month check up. Hopefully after the new year I can figure some things out.

JuneBaby1984 · December 2015

I would check out this website about developmental milestones...

sorarose · December 2015

My DS only says a few words at 20 months. @PrimRoseMama is the resident expert on this. Maybe she can help?

PrimRoseMama · December 2015

Hey just chiming in. Gonna read the OP but I just got home from playing all day with the kids. BRB with any help I can offer. :-D

PrimRoseMama · December 2015

AmberLiz99 said:

My oldest was an early talker, butting words together by 18 months and talking in full scentance by 2. Dd has been super slow, and at 19 months now she probably has only about 20-30words (and a whole bunch of animal and other sounds). Most of the words are only one sylable. Well until she was 18 months everyone including her doctor was saying "don't worry, it's normal, she's just a late talker, she's so physically advanced she probably just doesn't have time for words, etc..." Now that she's 19 months I'm starting to see some improvement. She's starting to try to copy sounds. Still not where is like her to be. But now everyone keeps saying "why isn't she in therapy? Why haven't you seen a specialist yet? There's something wrong with her... Etc". I'm sitting here trying not to totally melt down over this. Anyone have experience or advice of what to do for a slow talker? I guess I'll try to find a specialist tomorrow, but any opinions or help to calm me down would be appreciated. I'm an emotional mess.

First, HUGS. Its rough when the journey starts and you realize that your child might need help. If she has 20-30 words then that sounds like she is on track. My son is 2 when he got evaluated last month and he has barely 15 words. He just recently started saying "mommy", but words that most kids have by 12 months-- "mama", "bottle", "milk" "want"-- etc. neither DD or DS had at this age. So your daughter doesn't sound like she has anything too severe just by what you are describing.

Does she have one word "conversations", answer questions and seem like she is "with it" when it comes to her speech? Her reception is good? Our issue is apraxia (word ordering neural issue) and some sort of mouth muscle problem. They know what they want to say but the expression is garbled and they can't make the words when they want to. Your daughter sounds like she has appropriate words to assign and has no issue talking when she feels like it. DD didn't really string sentences until weeks into age 3. Before then rote sentences ("I got it") were the thing, but nothing spontaneous as far as sentence building.

My advice to other moms if they feel there is an issue with speech or language is to go ahead and get evaluated. You can look into the early childhood intervention in your state. The evaluation should be free and then they should adjust how much you have to pay (if you do at all) by your income on a sliding scale. They will tell you if your child needs help. In Texas (my state) the ECI program requires at least a 33% expressive speech delay to qualify. My son's was 50% on expressive delay and I believe 15% on receptive language and other markers. The evaluation is really like a bunch of games that the Speech Language Pathologist and Case Worker will play with your daughter. Both my kids LOVED their evaluations and subsequent therapy. I did have to fight with my insurance company because they suck balls. So that might be the worst part.

I know it can seem scary, but if your child doesn't need any therapy the ECI program will tell you. If you want a second opinion there are lots of private therapy locations that can screen your daughter and provide you with a print out of their recommendations. You may have to pay out of pocket (that's what we did). Odds are if one SPL recommends services that the other will as well. We've had both kids screened a total of 4 times. All four SPL evaluations recommended therapy to help.

Also, you aren't a failure as a mom if that is the case. I beat myself up pretty good because I "did all the right things" with both kids. Read to them, narrated my actions, assigned labels to things, and generally am very verbal with them on a daily basis. It made me feel AWFUL that my kids needed help expressing themselves, but it boils down to needs and it has nothing to do with you or your parenting. Just like a parent that has an early talker etc. didn't really do anything to "make them that way"-- you didn't do anything wrong to affect the delay (if there is one).

Please feel free to PM me if you have any more questions or I can answer them here as best I can.

AmberLiz99 · December 2015

@PrimRoseMama Thank you! Lots of information and great perspective. Her reception is almost perfect, and she understands, "answers", and gets her own thoughts across, just not verbally most of the time. My biggest worry is that all the words except one are single syllable, or she only says the first syllable. I need to research how to do things in our state and set something up.
Thanks again!

nrs164 · December 2015

My DS is 2.5 and we noticed that he was a late talker so we contacted early intervention and they came to our home and did an assessment. He currently works with a speech therapist once a week (they allowed us to pick the frequency). It's all free and they come to our house and work with our schedule. They play with him and give tips and encourage/foster more language. They have been great. I figured it is free and any extra help before the school years can't hurt and early intervention is so key for success with kids. And I like that we can stop the services at any time and review his skills and goals every 3 months. He will be re-evaluated at 3 and we will determine if we will continue with the IU (since early intervention ends at 3) or if he doesn't need it at that time.

Also, our local library offers free evaluations once a month too if you just want to get an idea where your kiddo is at in different areas of development and the evaluators are amazing at even just giving some extra helpful tips even if you don't choose to have any services. There are so many great services/options out there!

Nikid27 · December 2015

I am a speech therapist in nj. Seems a bit delayed but nothing significant. It's common with the second child. If ur not seeing more words in the next few months they it wouldn't hurt to contact early intervention for an eval. Let me know if you have more questions!

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OT: anyone have experience with kids and speech delay

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