3.8 DS has speech delay

[marytheresa]

Hiya

My DS (DOB August 2009) saw a speech therapist today. This was a follow on appointment from an initial assessment for speech. I was worried because he was saying half sentences, and the other half was muddled speech ( iykwim). The therapist showed him ten pictures and asked him what was happening in each one. It became clear that he couldn't tell her what the 'action' was in each image. One was of a man picking up apples, which had fallen from a ladies burst shopping bag. My DS couldn't tell her that the man was picking up the apples, but he could say that the bag was broken. There were 9 more images showing an 'action'.
She suggested that we point out actions at home etc to expand his vocab. She said that she wasn't worried about his speech, as that would come, but she was more concerned about his language understanding. He is fine otherwise socially etc and no behavioural problems although the hearing test he had a few weeks ago indictated fluid near both eardrums and hearing in one ear wasn't great. It was a real eye-opener today. Just a bit concerned for the future. He can count to 20 and knows all his colours and most of his alphabet.

Anyone with similar stories, would be great to hear how things panned out. Apparently my DH didn't really talk much until he was 5 as did my elder brother.

DS has an older sister who is a January baby and talks for England.

The fact that your DS is described as having a speech DELAY and not a disorder is a very positive thing.

A delay is just that...something which is delayed in it's development.

Did the therapist give you advice as to how to help DS?

Hi MrsMushroom

Thanks for the advice. Yes, she said that she is going to send me some info about special groups that he can join, where he mixing more with kids to develop his vocab, which are lead by speech therapist. I was quite happy about that, as when I first spoke to her on the telephone, she said that he may need four sessions with her, but in the end she just suggested the groups.

He is at a primary school lead nursery at the moment, which is good as the teachers voiced some concern to me about his speech also. There is a lady from SNE attached to the school, who is aware of the situation.

So we have the spring and summer to give him a head start before reception. The teacher was concerned as he was only managing about 3-4 word sentences at best. But today he said to me 'I want to draw a picture'. So that is encouraging. Early days as they say. Trying not to get too worried.

Yes, I forgot, she said to really point out actions when he is doing something, so that he can develop his verbs. So I have been doing that, and instead of reading a book to him, I should discuss the illustrations and what is happening in the picture.

It all sounds very positive marytheresa...I'm not a knowledgable person about speech delays but I know that the special needs section here on MN is excellent with advice about how to bring children on....they know all kinds of tricks over there!

Here is the [[
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/special_needs SN board on MN]]
My Dd needed help with comprehension and they sorted us right out! Go over there and post asking for advice on any books you can buy to help bring him on...and what games and tings to play at home. Some of them are actually profesionals in the speech and language area and others are as good as considering how much time they spend reading up on this type of thing!

You could also describe your own actions couldn't you....and even if he's reading daily, if he watches some TV it might help to point out what the characters are doing too..."Look DS...Humf is mopping the floor. He has a mop and he's mopping the floor!" etc...