speech difficulties in a 3 year old

[kathielm1]

My son recently turned 3yrs old, and is very far behind in his speech. He was referred by the HV to see a speech therapist, who says he is approx. 1 year behind he should be and gave us some exercises we can do with him.
The problem is, he has absolutely no interest in doing any of these exercises and won't even learn his own name, or basic words such as 'please', and 'yes'. It's really worrying me that he is going to be severely left behind in his development, and I really don't know what to do....

my dd was a bit older when she was referred to a SALT, so not much help, but could you incorporate some exercises whilst reading him stories, and try and make it fun. I remember my dd not being able to do the S sound, so I had difficulty saying Sally's name in the story and dd had to help me out IYSWIM.

someone else of much more value will be along shortly

Is he just 3yo or nearly 4?
Are you doing the turn taking silly games (like Pop Up Pirate) & lots of listening exercises?

Has he had his hearing checked recently? If not ask for a referral to audiology. My ds had glue ear even though his general hearing was normal. It may also be worthwhile asking for a referral to a developmental paediatrician.

My ds has speech and language difficulties (attends a language unit). At you ds age I was advised to narrate his play, speak to him in short simple sentences, offer choices rather than ask open questions, read to him. Encourage any attempt at speech, don't correct him but repeat the word back to him (e.g. Him:"a", you: "yes, cat!")

a very good point blaeberry. my dd was diagnosed deaf, which is why we were referred to a SALT, as she has speech and language delay. doh!

I'm sure though that if the op's dc is 3, they will have tested at birth.

think it's time for bed, of course you know they test at birth,you were asking about a recent test. double doh!