ds1 4years old being referred to SALT and ds2 16mths isnt saying words yet what am i doing wrong?!

[mum2samandalex]

DS1 can talk and string sentences togethe but isnt pronouncing his words properly.Theres no clarity. And hv said today that ds2 should be asying a few words but he hasnt feeling like a bad parent dont know why they arent talking properly

DS2 just bables and points wondering whether hes goint o have speech problems too now

Well my ds2 who is also 16 months says very little that are discernible words - lots of 'mama' and some 'dada' but thats it.

Does babble away all the time in a very expressive way and i'm not that worried yet.

I'd have thought babbling and pointing was ok for a 16 month old boy but am no expert.

Don't feel like a bad parent. I know at least two, truly marvellous parents, who's children had late developing speech. Really - they are fab parents - very involved - did all the right things.

Take it as good news that the SALT is involved. Possibly they want to see the 16mo, because his brother is having problems? 16mo is normally way too early to worry, AFAIK.

Hi,l am a salt. Lots of children at the age of 4 had problems with clarity. Sounds still progressing until age 7. Your assessment with the SALT will tell you if he needs any help or if he is following a normal pattern of development. Its like learning anything children have to practice. Your 16mth old sounds like he is doing ok. Babbling and pointing are excellent skills for his age. NOT YOUR FAULT. Some children find maths hard or reading hard some will struggle to drive speech can be hard for others. For the 16mth old l would just use lots of single words and clear labeling which l am sure you are doing.

My DD was referred to SALT when she started school. By the time she was referred, had an assessment and then referred to a group her speech was coming on so well I discharged her. Being in school really helped her and now her speech is fine.
You're not doing anythign wrong!