32 Months Old - Not Talking

[RBurns1830]

Hi Everyone,

I haven’t done anything like this before but I’m so desperate for advice and support!
My little boy is 32 months old and is still not talking. He has a referral for speech & language and pediatrician.
The only word he will say is “Mam” – Even then he just says it over and over again without actually wanting my attention.

The waiting list for the referrals are both over 1 year, the referrals were put in, in January 2024, we have only just received the confirmation that he is on the waiting list for the speech and language referral. I spoke to the HV recently and she said that the 12 months+ wait will start from the confirmation.. I feel totally let down and totally lost on what do to and how to move forward.

I guess what I’m looking for is reassurance of other parents that have been in this situation and their little one has turned out fine?
Or any advice/support on how to support him during this “limbo” period.

Thanks 😊 x

@RBurns1830 hiya, it must be horrible to feel in limbo but there will be things that you can do to support your son. I wonder if you have been referred for a hearing check? That would be an important box to check off if you haven't already. In terms of bringing him on, some advice I've read is about meeting them where they are at. In other words, your goal won't be sentences or whatever a 2.5 year old 'ought' to be doing. Instead you will want to look at increasing his engagement and communication more generally. Do your own sort of assessment and make skills-appropriate goals. So how does he communicate with you currently? Nodding? Pointing? Leading you to things he wants? Etc etc. More importantly, how is his understanding? There's an organisation called Speech and Language UK who have a tracker on their website and you can book a free 30 minute call with one of their speech therapists. Whilst you wait for your appointment you will be able to get some pointers from there? (I have no affiliation with them, they are a charity - just recommending as know of people who have used service and found it helpful)

I was going to recommend Speech & Language UK as well. They are a very well respected charity and have done good resources on their website as well as the feee consultation service mentioned by Bobs.

Also seconding getting back in touch with your HV and asking for a referral for a hearing test as glue ear can interfere with speech and language.

Is your DC in any form of Childcare yet? You might want to apply for an ECHP now. It can take a while and you don't need a diagnosis. If you ask on the SN Children boat they should be able to tell you how to apply for an effective ECHP, what can be included and making sure it's workable.

Has your HV also put you in touch with any local groups for DC with speech delay?

Hi,

Thank you so much for replying, I wasn't sure if anyone would!
I will definitely look into Speech & Language UK!

I should have included a few more bits in the original post but I didn't think anyone would reply!
So, we have tried private speech therapy, which I felt was a bit of a let down, I felt there was no engagement with my little boy during the sessions so we didn't really gain much more understanding on the best way to communicate.
I have introduced communication boards and flash card. At the moment he will grab our hands and take us to the kitchen if he wants a snack or just give us something if he can't do it himself such as pulling lego bricks apart.

He is current in nursery 1 day a week, and has additional 1:1 support in place.
I will definitely speak to the HV about a hearing test! A few people have suggested that but I personally don't think he has any issues with his hearing, but I suppose eliminating all possibilities before his actual referral comes through will help quicken his support!

Thank you so much again 😊

Hi, my sons 4 in November and mostly non speaking. A private speech therapist suggested he's a gesalt language processor and just as you're mentioning the way your child is repeating mam, i'd look into that or whether its echolalia. Each area varies massively, the NHS only gave us 2 hours therapy and decided he'd not made enough progress so we're just on follow ups every so often now.

Keep validating any communication you get from them to encourage them and do your best to match their level of understanding rather than what's expected of their age. I'd also apply to DLA with the evidence you currently have.