2.2 DS Calls everything by same name.Any SALTS or any advice appreciated

[kissyfurschaos]

Hello
I have a 2.2 year old DS.
He calls everything 'bi' points and says 'bi.' He makes no effort to call things anything else. He can copy the odd word from me e.g 'bu' for bus, mum, ta, 'pease' please.
He has been attending nursery 3x weekly since early sep. Nursery are concerned about his erratic behaviour. It has been commented that his eye contact is limited. He does make it esp when I am reading with him and singing nursery rhymes so don't know whether or not to be concerned over this. He has been put on the equilvilant of an I.E.P at nursery.
Can anyone help please. Is it normal to call everything one word or could it be an indicator of something wrong.
We read lots, do nurseryrhymes, take turns in playing games such as posting, puzzles. He seems to understand things and recognises numbers 1-10 and all the Thomas tank trains etc...
Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks

Hmm, I'd be slightly concerned if it was my ds but more of the lack of eye contact than anything else. Does he point at objects and generally show interest in the world around him? If so, i wouldn't worry, just keep an eye on the situation.

I'd also talk to your HV or GP and maybe see if they think it necessary to refer him.

Also, if you don't need to put him in nersery for childcare, then maybe think about leaving it until he's 3 or older.It's not until that age that it becomes benefical for socialisation.

A lot of children don't thrive in the nursery environment until that age.

Hi i'm a single mum with a TA job and they are like gold dust around here.
I'm at home with him sat-weds and he is in nursery weds-fri.
He is really interested and points everything out saying 'bi' until I tell him it's name. He points out different parts of things too and does take the information in. E.g different parts of trains, people, animals.
He loves animals and is generallhy gentle, he has a good sense of humour.
He will sit for ages to share books but in general rushes around and can otherwise have a short attention span. I am so worried.
He is being referred to a paediatrition (sp)
He will make eye contact during nursery rhymes etc but often not during conversation if he is busy etc..
Thanks so much for resonding. Any further advice greatly appreciated.

It's interesting that he can make the sounds to copy you but is not doing to name objects himself. Sounds like his understanding is good and that you are doing all the right things to help his speech develop. Like pp said if he is pointing, grunting etc to make his needs known that is all a good sign. Some children do struggle a little socially to start with at nursery and they are obviously monitoring it which is good.

Hopefully he'll start to pick up a few more words soon but if you are worried it is a good idea to get a referral to a SALT for an assessment as it can take a while to get an appointment.

Also, please don't worry about the rushing around. It's normal for children of that age to have very short attention spans. That's why a room full of 2 year olds to entertain and keep busy all day is very hard work for the staff and very difficult , too.

Nursery staff hugely underpaid (sorry-off topic- personal bugbear of mine)

Thanks so nmuch for responses.
It has been commented on about his charging around and flitting between toys as well. I am not sure if it is related to the speech issues.
I do think he must be hard work for the staff who appear nice. Agree so much r.e wages as it must be emotionally and physically so hard spending day entertaining room of 2 year olds!
I just don't understand why he calls everything 'bi' when he knows it's name. Really want to help him so much and feel that I am failing him.
He has been to two speech therapy apps. SALT concerned he doesnt understand as he doesnt really listen to her q's, I know he can identify everything required by her but because he is in a new environment he just wants to explore. Hearing all clear was assessed at hospital this year.
I know it sounds awful but I really didn't like the SALT. When speaking to someone in the know in education (20+ years in primary education and a child on autistic spectrum) she said this SALT is referred to as 'Hitler' and not well liked. So although I'd like DS to have speech therapy I would perhaps like to change therapists. I left the sessions feelinglike I have failed DS.

Maybe pretend not to understand of he says 'bi' to an object that you know he can say. Or react a bit slowly . And then go mental with praise and encouragement if he tries another syllable.

I'm surpised he's been referred to SALT so early at 2.2. It's really good they're 'catching' the problem (if it is one) early . But every child is different, he sounds lovely and I really wouldn't worry. And he's very lucky to have such an involved concerned mum.

I can think of one child I know who wasn't talking at 3, and with a lot of help and support at the time is now a happy confident 10 year old.

Could you offer him 2 options e.g. "ds, apple or cake" - that way, you are modelling both words for him, but he has to pick and repeat the one that he wants. It's best done with the actual objects in front of you so that he has the visual clues as well.

I don't agree that 2.2 is early for intervention. I don't think it will be a problem if 'worried well' get caught up in a net, we are better off having a net as those who need help will benefit from early intervention, and 2.2 is late for speech unless there is a known physical problem that would prevent it. A lot of things you say remind me of my DS1 at that age - in particular great interest in books and a large receptive one word vocabulary. He knew umpteen breeds of cats and dogs but could say neither word - only point to said breed when prompted. He also spent a long time learning the breeds by asking me by pointing and waiting to hear the answer. I think you are right to push for further assessments (if that's what you are doing). Most professionals will give a much darker/bleaker picture of your child's abilities and will assume that if the child does not do x y and z in the room then that is the end of the story. You have not failed him and it does sound as if there is a lot to build on but I think you should be in the system getting help regardless of whether there is an underlying issue or not.

Thanks
will try the selection thing, when trying that in the past he has either pointed or taken.

Cybers does your DS still have speech problems, Are there any underlying causes?
Many Thanks

Yes and Yes but I think you need to get a lot more advice and information before jumping to conclusions. But from what you have said, you should go forward to get the further information. Even if he starts talking next month, you won't have wasted anyone's time.

Agree with cyber, I had ds referred at 2.0 for similar issues. I don't feel that was too early as alarm bells were ringing that all was not quite right. 2 years on and he's improving but still delayed. I'm so glad I referred him when I did - go with your instincts.