10 Year old- Speech/Language

[Crazycrazylady]

Hello,

Hoping someone can offer advice.
I have a 10 year old boy who has always struggled a little socially and i think its because its down to his speech.
Its just very slow!, He takes so long to tell a story or ask a question, Lots of pauses and em's etc. I find myself tuning out before he's finished talking not to mind his school friends. He's definitely not able to take part in over and back quick banter
He is bright in school and when he reads, its a normal pace its only in conversation that his language seems "immature" or just a bit laboured.

Has anyone come across this, Is this just the way he is or is there something i can do to help him somehow.?
Any advice would be appreciated.

You could have him assessed by a speech and language pathologist, they will suggest therapy if needed. You can go privately or try an access one through the school.

You can also try games at home. It sounds like he is taking his time to access the words he is choosing to use (which is why reading aloud is faster) and is often linked to smart kids as they have so many things they want to say. Try games that are timed to encourage speed. So how many animals can you name in 15 seconds. Then you try. Each of you are just racing your own last score, dont race each other.
Do you have card games where you have to call out words if certain cards are played.? Also, maybe try role playing certain social situations so he can practice frequently used phrases to increase speed. Finally have a chat to him, explain that at home you love nice long relaxed chats, but at school, where its busy, he needs to be a bit quicker...see what he thinks

What about joining a drama group or something? Or encouraging him and siblings/friends to put on a show at home or something?

Thanks for the advice
I did have his assessed when he was about 5 and he came back as 'average'. What ever that means !

Might be a good idea to have hi. Re-evaluated then. Things can change.

Think you might be right. Back then I think she focused more on speech than on language and his speech was never really an issue.
It cost 320 then and my husband still isn't over the fright as he still brings it up!