Unclear Speech - Should I Get Her Checked?

[fionas]

DD is two and a half and knows lots of words, speaks in short sentences and learns new words quickly BUT her speech is not very clear.

I'm pretty much housebound right now so don't' get to go to my MG as often as I would like so it's hard for me to tell whether her speech is 'normal' (for want of a better word or not) but last time it did seem like she was speaking very unclearly compared to some of the other children.

I'm not seeing any other sign of a hearing problem really.

What would you do?

And if I do seek advice, do I need to see a GP for a referral to a paediatrician or a speech pathologist?

[spiceoflife]

Hi Fiona

I have some experience with young children and speech issues:
- all children will develop the ability to use speech sounds in a general order, pattern and timing (you can probably read up about this); most children will make common speech errors that correct themselves through normal development
- but sometimes they don't. Hearing loss (even if temporary) is one of many reasons that might contribute to a child's delay or disorder of speech
- speech pathology treatment is usually most effective is children under the age of 5

My suggestions:
- try to make a note of anything you can to do with DD's speech, e.g. the errors, if they're consistent or if she 'breaks her own rules', if it's worse when she's tired/sick etc, if she's bothered by being unable to make herself understood
- don't give her too much specific feedback or request that she correct her speech, but let her know you're trying to understand and want to communicate with her
- keep doing lots of reading and other vocal play; you are her model
- investigate both hearing and speech assessments in local public and private clinics (for some you may need a GP referral, others you may not); just make an enquiry at this stage, as some clinics have waiting lists, and other clinicians may ask you to monitor for a few months more, depending on how you describe what's going on with DD's speech

HTH

[Turkish Delight]

My DD is 2.5yo also and her speech can be very unclear at times too. Sometimes when she says a word, i have to guess what she is saying and ask her if she said xxxx or xxxx or xxxxx and when i do get the word right, i ask her to repeat it after me.

I think it is pretty normal for kids this age to have unclear speech.

I know you don't need a referral to see a SP but do need one for a paed.

Goodluck.