Communication but no speech

[chinchi]

DS is 2, and was born at 29+5, and had a dx of CP in July. It is only mild, but one of my major concerns is his lack of speech.

He can communicate in other ways- he knows a few signs, will point to what he wants, and can understand what we say and ask of him in two languages (DH is Turkish).

He makes no attempt to copy anything we say. He uses a high pitched mumble for almost anything and although he has the ability to pick up signs, Im worried if his speech will ever develop.

The results from his MRI were clear, and even the cyst that was spotted on the cranial ultrasound when he was a week old has 'resolved itself'.

His SALT wants us to concentrate on signing and has asked to see him again in November. I asked at the CDU this week if they knew of any courses to help me learn signing as Im struggling with just the diagrams on paper that I was given.

Can anybody advise any ways I can encourage him to talk? He will babble constantly, but not one word is recognisable, and it is frustrating for both him and ourselves as parents

DS2 has is at the severe end of the spectrum for speech and language problems. We have found signing a lifeline and he was probably a similar age to your son is now when he started.

The SALT arranged for me to attend a course with other parents for makaton. It was much better than reading it of sheets and I learnt loads. Maybe worth asking your SALT about it?

DS2 is currently being assesed for a comunication aid as well as he is fast outgrowing makaton and starting to struggle again. He has a lot to say!

A communication book is a great idea and again it helped us no end.

Good luck.

Thanks Riven and slightlycrumpled

DS too has so much to say, I just wish I knew what!

I will ask SALT about a Makaton course as I learn muvh better when I see something being done, rather than just looking at a still diagram. DS even picked up the sign for 'fish' last week just by watching Justin on Something Special do it just the once, so I definitely feel like its something I need to persevere with.

I try to keep my hopes up by reminding myself that Einstein didn't speak until he was 4... well, I have that hope for another two years!

It must be so hard for them Riven, something which we take for granted I guess. I am trying to be stricter with him in the hope that he will just come out with what he wants, instead of giving into him when I know what he wants, but he is my baby, and I hate to see him struggle.

I try to stay as positive as I can, but there are days when all I want to do is cry, and to turn back time to wish all could be ok.

Despite the cyst having resolved itself, its apparent that the damage has already been done and there is no going back.

Makaton runs courses - very good - I went on one and learned a lot. It gives you confidence as well. They also do a (rather pricey) home learning kit which is equivalent to the basic workshop. But the videos are good and much cheaper. They have a boring one which just gives the signs, but the best one is Makaton Dave