To spend my holiday money on holidays and not on speech therapy

[MrsBramStoker]

My DTwin boys just turned 2 and am very very concerned about their language. Or lack of it. It was really, really getting me down so sought out a private SL therapist who will charge 600 for both for an assessment. I was all set to pay it, but DH thinks we should wait til they're 2.5 to see if their language 'accelerates'.

They're on the public waiting list for SLT but this could take about 9 months.

I have a background in language development so was concerned about their delay. I've been very stressed lately too as DH was in hospital and also have DD age 4 so feel we really need this holiday as a family. In fact, was worried about my mental health. My mother and friends were too.

Should be able to afford it in a few months, should I wait til then?

Have frightened myself by googling and think they might have verbal dyspraxia - they have the same few coherent words (more, ball, there, ma ma and some animal sounds) for last 5 months and just babble in incoherent streams. They understand everything, point out what they want and nod and wave so have lots of gestured but everthing they say is 'ah ba'. However, they're smiley, communicative little guys so am hoping it's not ASD.

Feel guilty now about not referring them immediately and very worried. Anyone out there have 2 year old not talking much and turned out fine?

Thanks in advance of your answers

I'm not a professional, but from my contact with SALT for DS I'd say you're likely to receive a "wait and see" type response at such an early age.

Your boys are still sooo young, and twins. So please relax, enjoy your hol and rest assured that your referral is ticking away in the back ground. You say you could afford the private treatment again in a few months so if you're still unhappy, and the NHS isn't quick enough for you, you can reconsider then.

Hope you have a great holiday!

One thing I would like to add is that the NHS SALT has only picked up on and addressed sound issues after he passed the basic comprehension tests with them.

Our recent private assessment has shown that DS is in fact way below average for comprehension (which has come at a surprise for us - but does explain some of his behaviour problems).

As a result if immature grammar he is finding reading very difficult - I am very much in favour of early assessments and fighting your corner if need be.

I haven't managed to read all the thread, though I'll try and come back later.

My DTs are 22 months. DTS has just (on the last few weeks) started to learn words - shoes, no, yes, daddy, mummah, door (I think!), b-bye. That's about it. He shows some understanding, thought I think he understands more than he lets on! He also tries to copy sounds and words when you talk to him.

DTD has virtually no verbal language. She understands everything you say and follows instructions and reacts to things she overhears, even if you're not directly talking to her. But word wise, she tries to make ssssss sounds, babbles lots, nods/shakes her head and makes a sort of yes sound, but that's pretty much it. She did say mama and dada for a while, but I've not heard it for months now.

I think DTS is probably a bit delayed in comparison to his peers, judging by friends and nursery toddlers, though the nursery staff say he's about right for his age. I think DTD is well behind in her speech, but her understanding and ability to communicate non-verbally is well beyond her age.

I am hoping it is all just different kids developing at different rates and it'll all sort out in the end. As long as they're communicating, I trust that the speech will follow when they're ready :)

OP, my DS is 2 and has only 3 words. TBH, I'm not really worried. His hearing is fine, he understands everything I say to him and he's happy. So I'm just going to wait a few months and see how it goes.
One of my nephews didn't talk at all until he was 3, except for his own weird version of mummy. My sister did not worry and it turns out she was right. He is now a very pleasant, articulate and interesting 19 yo.
In short, go on holiday and enjoy yourselves!

Go on your holiday - you sound like you need it.

I would agree with the poster who recommended buying 'It two to talk', or I would suggest 'More than words', which is part of the same programme. We did this with my DS and his speech increased by about a year in 5 months (although he still has about 2.4 year language delay as he has ASD).

The sooner they get checked they sooner they can get the help they need, if they need any. Nine months is a long time in the life of a two year old, it's a long time to be letting them go without any treatment they may need. Their development is more important than any holiday. Put your children first.