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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

How to stop the little niggle

7 replies

Toystory123 · 16/04/2025 18:09

Hi everyone, has anyone had any experience of having a constant little worry in the back of their mind about their DC’s development?
My DC is 2.5 yrs and has 15-20 words including animal noises but not many practical words so no food, drink, activity, toy etc. They’ve been rejected by SALT twice and are currently doing a programme ran by our local children’s centre to support speech & if they think that they need further input at the end of it they’ll refer to SALT.
The lack of vocal speech is a concern but I am also concerned about their understanding. I think they can understand simple instructions and information if it is part of their day to day life and especially with visual cues. However, I think their more ‘abstract’ understanding is behind. For example, we see my mum weekly but if i say we’re going to see gran I don’t think they know what we’re doing until we’re actually there.
DC throws quite big tantrums where they will totally shut off in the moment so even though I keep language simple they’re just not in a position to listen. But they will be quite physical with their tantrums.
Their attention is quite fleeting as well which I don’t think helps their ability to listen to language.
They also struggle with new shoes/coats initially and it takes a few times wearing them for them to accept it and are a little sensory about their clothes in general (never wears socks at home/indoors in familiar places)
They are incredibly social though, affectionate and make eye contact and seek out interaction so no concerns in that area but I just can help shift the niggle. But also aware I could be worrying about nothing and in a few months time their speech may have come on massively.
If you’ve been in a similar position how did you put your mind at rest? Thanks

OP posts:
BunnyRuddington · 16/04/2025 20:22

Difficult isn’t it, especially if you’re comparing them to other DC the same age.

Has anyone mentioned Talking Point to you? They are a SaLT charity. So you can do their progress checker and book an appointment with one of their SaLTs for a quick discussion if you want to, although as they are a charity you might want to make a donation. They also have some resources on their website.

Is your HV keeping an eye on how progress too?

Toystory123 · 16/04/2025 20:39

Yes, try not to compare but it is hard seeing them get left behind a little as they can’t give that back and forth yet but they do have some lovely interactions still

thanks for the recommendation- had a call with them yesterday actually. The tracker says they need support in a few areas so will definitely explore a few of their resources further

I assume they’re semi aware as I think they’re linked to the children’s centre but everything so far has been self referrals and off my own back

OP posts:
BunnyRuddington · 16/04/2025 21:57

My HV seemed equally unbothered. I think if I had my time again I woukd be more pushy.

One thing you could do is to ask your HV to assess him and fill in both the:

2.5 month Ages & Stages

& the 2.5 Social & Emotional Ages & Stages.

Using both together should give her a clearer picture of what’s going on.

Please do feel free to discuss the scores with us Flowers

Toystory123 · 17/04/2025 17:20

I’ve done the 2.5 ages and stages and they score 10/60 so guess that’s my answer ha - fine in the other areas. Finding it hard to know whether it’s understanding as well as spoken communication.. tricky isn’t it

OP posts:
BunnyRuddington · 17/04/2025 17:51

Was that just in the communication section? How did they do in the other sections and on the Social & Emotional Ages & Stages?

Toystory123 · 17/04/2025 17:59

Other section on the ages and stages were fine motor and physical and they scored well. Just done the social & emotional ages and stages and scored 80. The cut off is 85 so the 80 mark falls in the monitor category

OP posts:
BunnyRuddington · 17/04/2025 21:54

Toystory123 · 17/04/2025 17:59

Other section on the ages and stages were fine motor and physical and they scored well. Just done the social & emotional ages and stages and scored 80. The cut off is 85 so the 80 mark falls in the monitor category

Ok so given that he’s in the monitor category I would l call the HV and ask to see her. Show her the results and and her what she recommends.

Ideally you want a referral to a Paediatrician so that they can see what’s going on. A referrals for a hearing test, SaLT and Portage would also be useful.

If she wants to adopt the “wait and see” approach and say leave it 3 months, ask her to make the appointment there and then otherwise she may forget

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