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Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

Behaviour/development

SALT or give her more time?

12 replies

lazzaroo · 14/09/2012 19:33

I am unsure what to do for the best. DD is 2.9 and although she is talking, her pronunciation is not always clear ( often dropping Start or end of words) and sometimes I'm not sure what she's saying. She uses individual words, puts some sentences together, can count to 6 and knows most colours. But when she's with her friends I realise how she is less clear. She isn't very good with names, for example, and doesn't say her own name. Her comprehension is excellent. She naturally signs when she can't get the words out. We do lots of reading, singing etc and she does 2 days at nursery. I have asked them before if I should be worried but they seem to think not.

I am encouraged by the fact that she's not afraid to chatter & we here new words ( or attempts at words!) most days. The other night I was urging her to go to sleep as I had work the next day...the next morning she was saying 'mummy's got work to do!'....it wasn't perfectly clear but a good effort!!

So, when, if at all, do I decide it's not all just going to come together of it's own accord?

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EBDTeacher · 14/09/2012 20:35

I'm not sure to the answer to your question but do you have a Children's Centre anywhere near with a SALT drop in clinic? If so I would go there and have a conversation with a SALT.

If not, it might be worth getting a referal for SALT in case the waiting list is really long. You can always cancel the appointment if you decide it's not needed.

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Traceymac2 · 14/09/2012 20:44

You could go for an assessment and see what SALT think. There is no harm in that and it may give you peace of mind. My dd1 was referred at around the same age ith the same speech issues.
I was told that there are certain speech impeminents that are normal at this age, often children may have one or two but my dd had them all. Now at age 4 my dd has very good speech. My dd2 aged 2.4 is slower to speak clearly too, she loved her dummy too much so we have got rid of it and her speech has improved. I think it is genetic and am not too worried second time around.
Have you noticed any issues with your dd's hearing?
It is reassuring that the play school aren't concerned but I think if you have any worries get her assessed and then you can put it out of your mind once and for all.

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Traceymac2 · 14/09/2012 20:45

Impediments!!

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maresedotes · 14/09/2012 20:48

I'd err on the side of caution and either see your GP or health visitor. My DD2 (4.11) wasn't talking at all until she turned 3 and even then it was a struggle to understand her. I was told that it was because her elder sister 'spoke' for her. Took her to the GP who advised me to wait 6 months (as she had only just started speaking). I went back 6 months later and she has been going to a speech therapist (off and on) ever since.

Your DD sounds more advanced than mine at that age but I would still ask a professional.

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NeverKnowinglyUnderstood · 14/09/2012 20:49

I was guided several times that DS1 needed help and i resisted, it was a mistake.
He finally started speech therapy at 3.5 till 6 years old. It was hard work.

The sooner you can get there the better even for small problems

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Rindercella · 14/09/2012 20:54

From experience, I would personally get her referred for SALT by your HV or GP. DD1 was about 2.10 when she was first referred. Initially she had a hearing test, which was fine. The waiting list on the NHS can be very long. I waited so long (and chased several times) that I finally opted to go privately. DD1 (who's now 5) now has weekly speech therapy and is coming along a treat.

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lazzaroo · 14/09/2012 21:07

Thanks all. In answer to questions & comments...I haven't got any reason to think there's a hearing problem ( she was in bed the other night & asked for milk because she heard the distant whirr of the microwave!!), she has never had a dummy or anything else to stop her chattering and she's my only child so no siblings talking for her. Although apparently I was a late talker for that very reason.

I think a visit to children's centre & chat to health visitor next week would be a good start. My posting on here makes me realise I must be worrying about it more than I let on.

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lljkk · 14/09/2012 23:23

She sounds very advanced compared to my children at same age, who still had only mild speech delay. Do whatever puts your mind at ease, but I would be completely relaxed if she were mine.

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Startailoforangeandgold · 14/09/2012 23:31

No harm in talking to your GP.
DD1 was discharged after her one and only SALT appointment. She'd learnt to talk while on the waiting list

GP thought she might, but waiting until she was over 3 before beginning a six month wait wasn't a good idea.

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lazzaroo · 20/09/2012 19:53

Phoned health visitor today and got an appointment for Monday. Sounds like they'll start with a hearing test & then take it from there. Thanks for all replies.

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maresedotes · 20/09/2012 21:57

Glad you have an appointment. Hope it all goes well.

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lazzaroo · 24/09/2012 16:55

Health visitor appointment today. She tested little one's hearing & is referring her to hospital for more tests. She thinks she is not hearing all sounds/ frequencies. Have to wait up to 6 weeks for appointment but at least it's got things started. Now I have to stop beating myself up for not doing it sooner!