Speech delay

[WendyLit]

Hi,

Hoping fellow Mums can offer their advice.

My just turned two year old DS2 has only 30 words in total. These include Nanny, Grandad, Mummy and Daddy. He uses these words infrequently and has to be prompted. There is no linking of 2 words. Outside of the family I do not think many people would understand him.

When trying to get him to say words he often makes sounds that do not sound the same as what we have said. He also often sounds quite nasal.

He is bright in himself, follows instructions, points things out when asked etc.

We are not aware of any hearing issues.

We just raised our concerns with the Health Visitor who has said that she would leave it and refer him in July when he is 2 1/4. Do you think we should be pushing for a referral now to check his hearing?

As a background. We have a nearly 4 r old DS1 who was linking words at this age (although I do understand all children are different).

Thanks for any advice!

I have no direct experience of this, but a friend's daughter didn't talk at 2 and by the time she say the SLT she was talking a bit and she is fine now. If you are really concerned and you're not happy with what the HV says then try your GP.

You know your child best, but I often feel that these things just come in their own time and one day your DS2 will be arguing with DS1 and you'll wonder what you worried about.

I hope you find a solution that puts your mind at rest.

Thanks,

Hope you're right and in a few months I will be wishing he would be quiet!

Hi,

It is very difficult as we can't help comparing our children with their siblings and with their friends (it is only natural).

I have some friends with 2 year olds and they are so different at their stages of development. One of them I can understand quite well and says quite a few words and strings a few words together, whereas the other one I would not say is at 30 words yet and only single words at a time (but there certainly does not appear to be anything wrong with his hearing).

It is very hard if one of your children develops quicker than the other because you expect them to be the same and worry when they are not. I do agree with Mung that if it is really worrying you then ask your GP to put your mind at rest but personally I would give it a bit longer and see where you are in a few months time. My brother was very late talking but once he started, he didn't shut up :-)

Good luck and let us know how you get on

Have you posted on the main development boards to see the views of a wider range of parents?

Hi,

My Ds didn't even say 30 words at 2. At about 2 1/2 he sat next to me, pointed at the fish tank and said 'fishie'.

Now at 3 1/2 he is never quiet, he talks all day long.

He just did it at his own pace. He spoke clearly from the begining and picks up new words very easily.

Good luck

Thanks all,

Bit of a delay in responding.

We have decided to leave it the three months until July and try to give him a bit more attention and time (usual second sibling scenario of forgetting the time you gave the first one with these things).

No massive improvement yet but he does seem to be trying to say things even if they sound nothing like what we said!

Just an update... saw HV today for a face to face. She reveiewed his speech and noted that as he is comprehending everything we should not be unduly concerned. However she was more concerned about his mouth breathing, nasal speech and the fact he dribbled. She has referred him to someone to look at his adenoids and tonsils to see if tehy are enlaregd. She said this does all link to his hearing as well. 6 weeks for referral date but I feel more positive that it is being looked at.

Great news Wendy...I am glad the HV seems to be doing her job! I hope you get seen swiftly.

my eldest daughter dribbled way past 2yrs,every pic we have of her in pretty dresses etc. she always had a bib on,I always had to take 3 or 4 out with me!
My son is a mouth breather,as was I.Both of us cecked for Tonsils and Adenoids,his were fine,mine were enlarged,but didn't have them out until I was 37!

The Consultant said my sons was more habit than need,suggested holding a pencil or equivelent in his mouth(he was about 5 then)whilst doing something to practice keeping his mouth shut,and to breathe through his nose.

My S.A.L.T friend suggested that my daughter practice Blowing bubbles or making animal noices to teach her to purse her lips,to gain more control,to reduce the dribbling.It did decrease within a year or so.She doesn't dribble now at all.She is 5 yrs old.
Best to get assessed,but if not enlarged,maybe some of this would help.

sorry checked and noises I can spell/type really!!!

Thanks all. Will let you know what they say...