what age did your child begin speaking?

[CeeTee]

Ds will be 3 in a month. Not speaking clearly Only repeats words & very basic vocabulary. Just spoke his first full sentence a month ago. I set him up with a speech therapist just in case, am I being overprotective or is there a definate concern?

Well, it is hard to judge from waht you have said, but my ds1 said nothing recognisable at 2.2 and went to a speech therapist. She did manage to identify one or two words as that initial assessment but she clearly felt I had some cause for concern (although shortly afterwards he began to develop and he only had a couple of seesions following that initial one). So on that basis, maybe you are right to be concerned about your ds. I would take him to the speech therapist and see what they say.

Has he had his hearing tested? That was something else my ds was sent to do.

It can't do any harm to take him to a speech therapist so I think its a good idea.
Just to reassure you though, some very intelligent people have been late talkers and tend to end up in quite mathematical or scientific career paths.. apparently can be just something to do with the way the brain is wired.

I wouldn't worry too much. My 4 all started speaking clearly at different ages. dd2 and dd3 spoke very early. dd1 didn't speak clearly until you was over 3 1/2 despite being very intelligent. dd4 does have recognised speech difficulties (4 1/2) and has been seeing a SALT, but that is due to hearing problems. You could mention it to your HV and they will keep an eye on things, but they probably will not even consider a SALT until your ds is older. Honestly, try not to worry, he is still very young.

I'd echo the question about the hearing test. A friend's dd was slow to start talking and had had no concerns about hearing, but HV referred her for hearing tests and she had glue ear. She came on a treat after the grommet was fitted. My dd (only 18 months, but no words at all, apparently she should have 6-20) has also been referred.

How's his non-verbal communication (pointing etc?) If he's communicating well withouth speech I woudln't worry too much.

DS2 started talking age 2 and a half (clearly- he was saying stuff before but it was Martian like). Ds1 still waiting- he's 6.

No I think you are entirely right to at least have an assessment done. Early intervention can work very well and your DS is a good age to start. If you are expecting any SALT from the NHS you might have to wait a very long time so the sooner you get in the queue the better.

If going private then you will be able to start straight away if indeed there is a problem.

I think it is wise to follow your instincts and get the professionals to assess him, if you are worried

Hearing, vision, & developmental screening all came back with wonderful results....the child can get on the computer-pull up the blues clues game-& pick out which game to play & plays it very well. I just don't understand why he wont speak.