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Original poster

Good talker - no more?

80 replies

juniper68 · 24/02/2004 14:14

My mate's 3 yr had incredible vocabulary from a v young age. This last month she's become hardly understandable. My mate took her to the doctors yesterday and asked if it could be something pressing on her brain to which he said he couldn't be certain and is rushing her through to see a consultant. I'm terrified so I can't imagine how they're feeling. The GP mentioned adenoids but I can't see how this would totally change her speech? Has anyone else heard of this?

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prettycandles · 24/02/2004 14:22

How scarey! I've no experience of this, but as the mum of a very articulate child, I too would be concerned if he became incomprehensible. I remember that his speech became less clear when he was teething his molars, and still does when he gets a bad cold. I imagine that if the adnoids were too big, then they might obstruct her breathing, or in some other way make it difficult for her to talk. Let's hope that that is the cause, and not anything worse.

Evita · 24/02/2004 15:41

This is scary. How long has it gone on for? It could be a temporary thing, I mean do you think she's 'playing with language'? My friend's little boy did this, it was very odd to hear. But when it stopped getting any attention he sort of forgot about it and reverted back to normal speech. This may be way off the mark of course. I hope it'snothing serious. Keep us posted?

noddy5 · 24/02/2004 15:53

my son has enlarged adenoids but not severe enough for an op.But sometimes when they flare up and hes really blocked we cant understand a word he says yet the rest of the time he is being chosen to speak at school assemblies etc and is v clear I can imagine a child with v severe adenoiditis would be hard to understand

Jimjams · 24/02/2004 16:26

Is she still trying to talk in sentences? (trying- even if she isn't clear)

Original poster
juniper68 · 25/02/2004 09:19

Thanks for your messages x
She is still talking in sentences. She's a clever little girl so hopefully she's playing with language?
thanks for that Noddy5, it gives me hope x
She started nursery school in Jan and is friendly with a chinese girl who's mum talks to her in Chinese but they don't mix outside school do don't know if this has had an effect? She still goes to playgroup 3 mornings too and the workers there are v concerned
I'll keep you posted and thanks again xxxxx

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Evita · 25/02/2004 09:41

juniper, you didn't say how long it had gone on for? Dp works with speech so I can ask him if he's got any ideas. I think the Chinese friend may be a partial influence if the adenoids problem turns out not to be a reason. Is it really bad? I mean you literally don't understand a word she says?

PipBeckett · 25/02/2004 12:32

Does she suffer from a lot of ear infections? My son does and after the last one my GP asked that I bring him back so she can listen to him speak when he's well. It could be that her hearing is slightly off so to her the words will sound different.

Original poster
juniper68 · 25/02/2004 14:08

Hi again,
sorry I forgot to say, it's been goin on for approx. 6 weeks I'd say. Before this she was as clear as any adult and now I can't understand her and even her parents have real trouble. She does get ear infections and today my mate said she spoke behind her and she didn't react. I hope it is ear or adeniods that are causing it.
thanks
Juniper x

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Jimjams · 25/02/2004 14:12

IS she trying to say the words correctly? I mean would dog be du, Mummy be mu-ee or something or are the words totally different? With adenoids usually you sound as if your nose is blocked so some sounds are deadened, but the word is usually being phrased the same iyswim. Whereas my son with speech problems says words which are nothing like the original (so stairs is an, computer is deedan, toilet is mmdan etc).

Does she know that she can't be understood?

Original poster
juniper68 · 25/02/2004 14:42

Her words sound nothing like they did. She was totally clear before but now her words are very strange. My mate said she sounded like she'd changed her vowels round but it's getting worse. I don't know if she realises she isn't being understood, she's very bright though she doesn't come across as being now.

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Clarinet60 · 25/02/2004 14:46

It does sound like a hearing problem. Fingers crossed. Let us know.

Jimjams · 25/02/2004 15:07

Ah but children with speech problems never come across as being bright, its an age old problem- doesn't mean anything is going on intellectually.

If her words have changed totally (although I would worry more about consonants changing that vowels) then it does sound quite worrying- her poor mother must be beside herself. No advice only to say that her mother must ensure that she doesn't languish on some waiting list for ages (because of worry if nothing else). Is there any chance of going private if necessary?

Original poster
juniper68 · 26/02/2004 10:07

The GP said if she hasn't heard from the hospital today then to get back to him and he'll rush it through. He's put her as an emergency so I'm praying she does hear soon. I'll keep u posted and thanks again for the support x

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Original poster
juniper68 · 26/02/2004 20:05

My mate has been told by her GPs secretary that she'll get an emergency appointment with the paediatrician within 2 weeks.
Today I spoke to the little girl on the phone and she asked who I was? and ended it with I love you. This is totally out of character and I'm so scared. I could barely understand her but her mother told me what she'd said. I'm so sad, this little girl could talk for England before. If I feel like this how on earth are her parents feeling?

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PipBeckett · 27/02/2004 20:04

It sounds like you are doing everything you can to be supportive to your friend. I understand how worried and upset you are. A friend of mine recently lost their youngest child to meningitis and it was heart breaking. Be strong and hope it's nothing serious.

Original poster
juniper68 · 27/02/2004 22:19

That's so sad PipBeckett x

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Original poster
juniper68 · 16/03/2004 17:26

Thought I'd update you. My mate took her little girl to consultant on Thursday and they say it isn't her ears and she has to have a brain scan. They're going to sedate her first. I'm gutted so I can't imagine how they're all feeling.

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lou33 · 16/03/2004 17:27

Sending positive vibes that way Juniper.

CountessDracula · 16/03/2004 17:28

Oh god, fingers crossed

coppertop · 16/03/2004 17:28

The poor little mite. I'll keep everything crossed for your friend and her family. xx

Jimjams · 16/03/2004 18:37

oh heck. I hope they aren't left waiting for too long. Any idea when the scan will be done?

fio2 · 16/03/2004 18:57

((HUGS)) juniper your mate must be so worried

prettycandles · 16/03/2004 20:23

{{more hugs{}}} Thinking of you and your friend, and her daughter. I hope to God that it can be resolved safely.

Evita · 16/03/2004 20:57

I'm so sorry to hear that. And I feel foolish for my stupid suggestions. Do they have any idea what it might be? I really wish you and them all the very best. x

tigermoth · 16/03/2004 22:50

juniper, I do so much hope the news is good for this little girl and her mother. Sending them my love.