Will my 5 year old ever speak? Need some positive stories

[Ayd7815]

Hi all.

My son is just turned 5 and he only has a handful of words he only uses rarely. He babbles a lot and has is own little babbling language and some meaningful babbling eg he will jump and say jumpa jumpa jump.

He’s reluctant to use words and I’m not sure why. He was born a premie and was always speech delayed.

His receptive Language is progressing though. He understands instructions and does up to 2 step ones and he watches and learns quite a bit. Can dress himself etc and knows his colours and shapes and sounds out his phonics and does a lot of puzzles with me.

He has been with NHS speech therapy since 3 and as you know they not to most useful and has been no help at all. But they say he’s a bright boy and does communicate in other ways eg pictures He has ehcp in school and gets help there with speech too. Attends mainstream.

Cuddly happy smily boy who communicates through pointing and handing me things and pulling me etc. Always following me around and watching and coping things I do too.

Has anyone else experienced something similar? When did your child want to talk and start speaking and forming sentences? Desperate here. Wondered if private is best route. Any recommendations in Berkshire area? Thanks

[Leafylife]

Hi OP, you might find this board a better place to post. People on here tend to be adults with autism (or other SN) rather than parents of autistic children, so might not be best placed to offer support. I hope that doesn't sound unwelcoming - just want to be sure you're in the right place.

[Ayd7815]

Hi @Leafylife I just realised this thanks!

[HumphreyCobblers]

Yes, and the only thing that helped my son was working through the ABA. VBMAP. I honestly believe he would be pretty much non verbal without that specific intervention. Feel free to PM me.

I have a pretty low opinion of speech therapy as an intervention for children like my son. None of the ones I have ever encountered have given me a single useful bit of information.

[Lotsachocolateplease]

I used to work with a young boy who was speech delayed (I was the nanny) and used to take him to speech therapy - not in the uk. The therapist was brill, gave me loads of tips and games to play with him to help.
Guess who
Junior scrabble
Snap
Kim’s game
Orchard games are good too.
And lots and lots of repeating yourself and asking him to copy you.
Dance about with him singing, play nursery rhymes in the car.
Talk and give him a chance to reply, so a silence which always seems strange!

[SunInTheSkyYouKnowHowIFeel]

Could you see a private speech therapist?

[Ayd7815]

@HumphreyCobblers thanks I have PMed you

@Lotsachocolateplease thanks for the tips I will use them and do use some already

@SunInTheSkyYouKnowHowIFeel yes I would if this really helps my son

[SunInTheSkyYouKnowHowIFeel]

www.saltbythesea.com/

This speech therapist is worth following on FB, may have some tips