When is speech delay a concern?

[Mad Scientist]

Wait a little longer! My DD1 was EXACTLY the same. I posted pretty much the same thread as you 7 months ago. My DD1 at age 2 had a word explosion and now at 27 months says five word sentences. At 19 months, she had about two words but lots of expressions and gestures etc. I had everyone telling me to wait until age 2. Definitely wait a little bit. The main thing is, he understands you and does communicate

[Early Kids]

It doesn't hurt to get an opinion from a Speech Pathologist.

Both my boys are delayed. Brendan has been in therapy since 11 months and Tristan started this month (9 months old) Brendan started for feeding issues and went on to the speech side of things. Tristan is in it for the speech side of things as he is not babbling at all. The earlier you get onto the delay the better the outcome.

Our CHN referred the boys onto the speech therapist.

I've got some material that might be of some help to you if you want I can PM it to you. It's some handouts that I was given during Brendan's Speech Group Session.

[maz]

We're having issues with speech here and Tank is 26months old. I myself am not overly concerned as my other 2 boys have been through speech therapy...one for lack of understanding his wording and the other due to his autism. But allas the Pead we see is insisting we go and Im more then happy to get him checked

What is your 'gut' telling you? Do other factors and behaviours have you concerned at all?

I am in total agreeance with getting on a list...really what harm can it do if by appointment time you have to cancel? The waiting lists for public/private can be the same and in the mean time you could work on it yourself if you wanted to. Lots of speechies use games and puzzles when they are trying to teach speech. Making it a game is a hell of alot more fun and doesnt seem as hard for them.

[Matryoshka]

wow thanks for the replies... really helpful! i wanted to reply to some things but dont know how to multi quote.

Freya, yes he's really "manual", hands on. His hand/finger co-ordination amazes me.... i can't help stereotyping but i can see he'll be good with gadgets, sport etc.

His scope for understanding (and hearing) is really good, for instance he points to the right body parts and things when you ask him (where is your nose, where is mum?).

The ONLY thing that concerns me, is that when he wants something now he uses the hand signals, and says "ah ah ah ah" with a sense of urgency. He never says anything else, even when i repeat back "oh you'd like a drink, D R I N K" (pronounced slowly), he just smiles.

DS1 used to try to copy me... around this age... i know i'm comparing again, can't help it.


Raven, do you mind telling me what else i might look for that he's doing that is abnormal?

See the other thing that i wondered if it is a factor is our isolation, because of my PND & other health issues, we literally haven't socialised in over 6 months, no playdates, no friends etc. I was a lot more social with DS1, but then i figure DS1 & DS2 have each other, and they are good mates. I feel guilty about not providing them with more of a social life, but its hard when predominantly i haven't been able to drive/leave the house. Though i can't really say its lack of communication, because DS1 is always talking to DS2, and i am too..... just lack of alternate stimulation. Though now that i'm on the mend (touch wood), i really am trying to get our social life back.

Sally, that would be great if you could pass that on to me!! thank you.

Maz, my gut is thinking he needs a little help getting words out... but i don't know why..... i just know he hasn't been read to as much as i would have liked, and can't help wonder if its something to do with the PND, I dunno.

I've tried to ramp up the wooden puzzles too, you know animals, vehicles, so i say the word when he has the peice.

What to you think of flash cards? DS1 was given some but i thought they were a bit um, un-natural? Maybe they'd help though?

Also something else to mention, the dummy... DS1 had one until 2ish and it wasn't a problem with his speech. I let him have it when ever he wants (as i feel he's needed that source of comfort particularly through my PND), but if its around he'll put it in. I'd like him to have it a bit longer as sucking for comfort is really natural (at his age DS1 was breastfeeding for comfort), he doesn't have the boob for comfort though. I hope its not hindering him, mouth development etc?

[maz]

Freya, yes he's really "manual", hands on. His hand/finger co-ordination amazes me.... i can't help stereotyping but i can see he'll be good with gadgets, sport etc.

now there is an alarm bell going off in my head reading that hon.

Having a child on the spectrum who was aware of things beyond his years with gadgets it really does make them go off big time.

go to your health nurse hon and get a referal

[Mad Scientist]

Flash cards really helped my DD1. They say dummies can affect speech but DD1 had hers until 2 and she's caught up now although still behind a bit. It's hard not to compare when it's all you know. I'd give the flash cards a go. They require perseverance but it's worth it

[Early Kids]

The ONLY thing that concerns me, is that when he wants something now he uses the hand signals, and says "ah ah ah ah" with a sense of urgency. He never says anything else, even when i repeat back "oh you'd like a drink, D R I N K" (pronounced slowly), he just smiles.

I'll PM you those things soon, but just wanted to add in here for everyone else to read too... You need to simplify your language. When he points to a drink and you know that's what he wants just say "drink? you want drink?" that way you are giving him the correct word twice and much simpler or his language. He is more likely to answer or speak back if you give that chance to as well.

Another tip we use that works well is don't speak normally, try and sing your words focussing on the sounds of the word.

I don't speak to my kids like they are babies, I speak to them as another human, just in a more cheerful tone with simpler language.

One of the first things Speech Pathologists ask (in my experience) is, How is their hearing, when was it last tested. So my advice would be that if you are looking at the speech therapy road get a hearing check done first so at least that aspect can be eliminated.

Will get those sheets to you now

[Matryoshka]

now there is an alarm bell going off in my head reading that hon.

Having a child on the spectrum who was aware of things beyond his years with gadgets it really does make them go off big time.

go to your health nurse hon and get a referal

Oh Maz i'm panicking now! can you please tell me more?

what i mean is that, you know little wooden puzzle pieces, they have a tiny knob you grab to put them in the hole... well ds2 can turn these to adjust the piece to fit in the hole, (sorry to compare again) but my Ds1 didn't do that until recently i think! Um other things like light switches, again little knobs that hold shelves together he can turn and pull them out.... um trying to explain it but my mind has gone blank.... okay putting shapes in to the shapo - he's really good at this - again comparing Ds1 could never manage that, um still think he struggles a bit... what i'm saying is DS2 seems really co-ordinated hand wise, i guess foot wise too, he can slip gum boots on, DS2 still needs help.

Are the above things "normal" for 20 months... should i be looking at other things rather than just the speech delay. I don't know what to look for?

[Early Kids]

Every child displays some things on the autism spectrum, it doesn't mean they are autistic I wouldn't be too concerned with those things, he sounds like he has great fine motor skills! They sound perfectly normal for 20 months. At Brendan 24 month corrected check up they wanted him to be able to those things then and he couldn't.

[maz]

Um other things like light switches, again little knobs that hold shelves together he can turn and pull them out.... um trying to explain it but my mind has gone blank.... okay putting shapes in to the shapo - he's really good at this - again comparing Ds1 could never manage that, um still think he struggles a bit... what i'm saying is DS2 seems really co-ordinated hand wise, i guess foot wise too, he can slip gum boots on, DS2 still needs help.

does he make eye contact easily? does he listen to you? does he have certain fetishes?
Look honestly hon...if you are really concerned go to you MCHN and have a chat about it. She can point you in the right direction.

Maybe keep a written diary if it helps you to process things. hon...Im sorry if I made you worried but the earlier you get an autistic diagnoses the sooner you can get help and intervention.

IM only ever a PM away hon

Every child displays some things on the autism spectrum, it doesn't mean they are autistic I wouldn't be too concerned with those things, he sounds like he has great fine motor skills! They sound perfectly normal for 20 months. At Brendan 24 month corrected check up they wanted him to be able to those things then and he couldn't.

I agree that every child display's some things on the spectrum but if a mother has a gutt feeling somethings not right then I am a firm believer that the mother should follow her nose. Quiet obviously we are not professionals and in my opinion M would be much better taking her concerns to a MCHN and getting a correct diagnoses. Better safe then sorry. Early detection with ANYTHING is better for mother and child and if that isnt the diagnoses in the end then thank goodness...but atleasat M would have eliminated one thing.

Autism is NOT fun and I wouldnt wish it on anyone! I would rather my child just have a speech delay then go down those 3 years of heart ache and tears road again.

[Early Kids]

I agree that every child display's some things on the spectrum but if a mother has a gutt feeling somethings not right then I am a firm believer that the mother should follow her nose. Quiet obviously we are not professionals and in my opinion M would be much better taking her concerns to a MCHN and getting a correct diagnoses. Better safe then sorry. Early detection with ANYTHING is better for mother and child and if that isnt the diagnoses in the end then thank goodness...but atleasat M would have eliminated one thing.

Autism is NOT fun and I wouldnt wish it on anyone! I would rather my child just have a speech delay then go down those 3 years of heart ache and tears road again.

Absolutely, couldn't agree more. I was merely pointing out that it may not be something to be concerned, so that Matryoshka doesn't get worried unnecessarily until she's been to the Dr (or CHN). I in no way present myself as a professional, I am just another mum going through the process of several (mis-)diagnosis's and several therapies. I am still travelling that journey and will not know answers for Brendan until we've seen his paediatrician.

In my opinion I would not be overly concerned until a Dr(CHN, therapist ect) was to tell me I should be. Life is too short and children grow up far too quickly!

[Matryoshka]

does he make eye contact easily? does he listen to you? does he have certain fetishes?
Look honestly hon...if you are really concerned go to you MCHN and have a chat about it. She can point you in the right direction.

Maybe keep a written diary if it helps you to process things. hon...Im sorry if I made you worried but the earlier you get an autistic diagnoses the sooner you can get help and intervention.

IM only ever a PM away hon



I agree that every child display's some things on the spectrum but if a mother has a gutt feeling somethings not right then I am a firm believer that the mother should follow her nose. Quiet obviously we are not professionals and in my opinion M would be much better taking her concerns to a MCHN and getting a correct diagnoses. Better safe then sorry. Early detection with ANYTHING is better for mother and child and if that isnt the diagnoses in the end then thank goodness...but atleasat M would have eliminated one thing.

Autism is NOT fun and I wouldnt wish it on anyone! I would rather my child just have a speech delay then go down those 3 years of heart ache and tears road again.

Thanks Maz, I've been researching and calmed down a bit... i'm too easily panicked, i know that!

Yep he makes eye contact, always looks directly at us, there's definately a sense of understanding in his eyes, and emotions, love, happiness, he's very alive in his eyes if that makes sense.

He listens to us and follows instructions, anything we ask him "point to your nose" or "bring your bowl to the sink" (actually he does this after he finishes every meal now without asking!) and if you ask him a yes or no question he will shake or nod his head. Or if he's outside playing and i say "time to go inside" he'll run away

Um, he doesn't have anything i see as a fetish, the only thing is when he's tired he grabs his neck, kind of with 2 fingers. He used to do this to my boobs, when BF, and i think because he was weaned quickly in an emergency situation, its a comfort thing that stemmed from there, as he's done it as long as i can remember. He goes to sleep with his fingers at his neck (sounds weird, but doesn't look overly weird). He doesn't have a comfort/sleep toy like me DS did, even though i did try to introduce one.

Thanks for your advice Maz, and Sally for the info...

So in regards to where to go from here, i already have the GP appointment booked, should i just ask for a refferal to a pediatrician instead of a speech therapist???

Do i also go to the MCHN? i took him at 12 months, she said everything was fine, and to bring him back at 18 months, but i haven't had a chance. Not sure if theres any point if i'm going to a paed, wouldn't they be the main route for having him properly checked out all round?

[~Raven~]

Every child displays some things on the autism spectrum, it doesn't mean they are autistic

I agree with this too, which is why I said:

Late onset of speech on it's own isn't an issue but it can be if there are other things that he is doing now or he may develop as he gets older. I think if you're concerned it is wise to follow your instinct and get him checked out

Just to give you a bit more insight, at that age my DS was obsessed with his routine and would freak out if it wasn't followed to the T. He knew the order that we did things and if I tried to dress him before brushing his teeth = meltdown. He would do the same destruct-o-thon to his bedroom every afternoon in exactly the same order. He was also lining up his trains etc.

His major Aspie behaviours didn't come about till he was older, like about 3.

I would say to see a speech therapist first because if it is just a speech delay then they can help with that and if they think it's more then they can refer you on with their opinion.



It could be a good idea to join a playgroup or look into occasional care (short stay creche) so he mixes with other kids too.

[Early Kids]

I agree with Raven, Speech Pathologist first, because depending on where you are you are looking at quite a wait. In the meantime I would get the opinion of your GP and CHN, if you are still not satisfied then seek another GP's opinion or get a referral to a paediatrician. In my opinion I don't think you will need a paediatrician, I think that a speech pathologist will be all that is needed for now.

All the best!

[Mad Scientist]

From the extra info you have given, she sounds even more like my DD1 was at that age. Excellent motor skills but language had taken a back seat. Everyone kept telling me that some kids develop their motor skills before their language ones and vice versa. I waited a little bit, worked with flash cards, read books etc and eventually it all came together without me having to see anyone. I'm just speaking from my experience because I was the same as you, wondering if something could be wrong. But I do agree with maz, if your gut is telling you to get checked then go ahead and do it. There's no harm in it. Good luck xx

[Katie]

Hey everyone,

Hi everyone,
just thought I would let you know what the 'norms' for language development are.

*Babies generally should start to babble around 8 months of age
*first words start to come around 1 year of age
*by 2 children should have around 50 words and are starting to combine words
In saying this, there is a large range of what is normal
Public waiting lists can be extremely long (eg 18-24 months in some places) so I would take the 'better to be safe than sorry' approach as others have said you can always cancel the appt and waiting lists usually get longer the older the child is.

I think books are better than flash cards as communication is a two way street and flash cards don't really give children the opportunity to start communication.

Baby signs or makaton can sometimes be useful for children whose language is delayed. Research has shown that using signs can actually help to develop language just make sure that you ALWAYS say the word with the sign.

Good luck

[Matryoshka]

*UPDATE*

So we've been to the DR, and she did think it was worth referring us. Basically she referred me somewhere called "early child intervention" or something, which is the public system in my area that deals with these things. I asked her if i couldn't get a referral for a private speech pathologist, and she said yes if i didn't mind the cost. She explained to me that speech pathologists are NOT dr's, so i won't get a medicare rebate. I might get something back from private health insurance, but if not its all out of pocket. She said they aren't classifed as drs, they are under the banner of chiropractor, etc.

She gave me a few private ones to ring, and i will get some quotes because its been 2 weeks and haven't heard a peep from the public system.

He has had the odd random garble of sounds, but increasingly is pointing to things going "ah ah ah" and is starting to seem frustrated.

So if the fees for the private SP aren't ludicrous then i guess we'll go that route so we can get on to it, hopefully not too long a wait there either.

[maz]

Fantatic news hon!!! (well it is cause you know were your going now )

We do early intervention. The waiting list is long but its fantastic.
Early intervention do more then just swpeech too, they do physio, have an educational advisor and an OT.
Good luck finding a private speechy to. From memory you pay an initial outlay of approx $140 then a weekly fee of approx $60