What to expect?

[TMCPC]

Hello,

Our DS nearly four seems to be struggling with stringing sentences along he knows loads and loads of words can follow instructions to the letter, can explain what he would like i.e. book please, drink please etc but but he struggles with a more in depth sentence.

He attends nursery twice a week and they only mention he repeats himself a lot (which he does)

Am I expecting to much at his age with sentences or am I just a over worried parent?

Thanks in advance!

Am I expecting to much at his age with sentences or am I just a over worried parent

I think the simplest way to find out is to do this very simple SLT progress checkerr*. If he needs some support, it will tell you

I'd agree that it's time to look a bit more in depth at his speech. I think 3-4 word sentences is a 3 year milestone, and by four years, they start to expect 4-6 word sentences, starting to include little words like 'is, the, an'.

Depending on how the checker goes, perhaps get in touch with your HV or GP to see about getting some support. It might also be worth asking nursery to specifically observe his speech and arranging a meeting with them about it (or have you already? not sure if it's just been quick chats at pick up or something more).

Thank you, that was really useful!

If the progress checker said that he requires additional support, you can book a free appointment with one of their SLTs but as it's a charity, there may be a wait. Alternatively you can see your HV and ask first a referral to SLT and a referral for a hearing test. The SLT will want him to have had a hearing test to rule out things like Glue Ear.