Nearly 3 year old not talking properly

[IAmTheWorwax]

Has anyone any experience of late talkers? He's on a waiting list to see a speach and language person but I have no idea how long that will take.

He's 2.10 years old and still not connecting any words. His language is very basic and he grunts a lot or points to things to get his message across. I would say he now has at least 30 words but nearly all of them are more noises than a clear word.

How can I encourage him to speak more? I'm doing all the usual of reading lots of books, singing, clearly stating what things are (let's go on the yellow slide, would you like a green apple etc) and do a running commentary on the things he is seeing. What else could I do?

Does he understand everything you say to him? Can he follow instructions? And have you had his hearing checked?

Yes he's a clever little lad, he can follow instructions really well. His hearing is fine too, that has been checked.

His understanding is a real positive and plus the fact that he is pointing and trying to communicate.
You sound like you are doing all the right things. I am sure once you have seen the speech therapist, she will give you some advice what to do at home.
My sons speech was slow to develop- I was advised to use very simple language- not to speak too much - not to try to answer or speak for my son. Reading stories and asking questions, encouraging imaginative play, role play games e.g plastic tea set - making tea- asking milk or sugar etc . Play dates with peers.
My sons speech was best- when chatting to his friends during play.
Your son is still very young, try not to worry- I know of lots of boys who's speech was really slow.

Both my dc didn't speak until after their 3rd birthday and then suddenly came out with little sentences and a few months later were caught up with their peers.
Like you I was really anxious but the speech therapists were not worried and gave me a few tips like repeating things back and offering answers to questions rather than yes or no answers ( would you like blsckcurrant or orange squash? Oh you would like black currant squash!) that sort of thing! Also turning the tv/radio off. She said that often boys can find it hard to tune out background noise? She also said some children only need to hear a word once to repeat it, others need to hear it lots of times. We did a lot of "look at that big red bus!" And " oh look a brown dog!"

Another thing I remembered from SALT was that even if the word they say is not correct it still counts as it's their wood IYSWIM. So ds would say Banda for grandad, and I would just say "yes grandad" and he eventually got it. He is 3.5 now and never stops talking, there is a constant stream of thoughts coming out his mouth! The difference since Christmas is incredible.

there could be a multitude of reasons for the lack of speech. some need more intense salt input than others. but only having 30 words at that age is not normal.

has he never been referred to Salt? if so, I would sort that. What does nursery say? they are usually on the ball with children with such significant delays regarding referrals.

if he hasn't had a hearing test recently, get one sorted. just because he understands it doesnt mean his heating is ok.

but good understanding is a good sign.

hearing, not heating