Isaac's speech is markedly behind where it should be at his age, and we've been worried. We kept hoping that he'd catch up... but that hasn't happened so far. My number one priority after the move was to find a speech pathologist. (His ears have already been checked- they are fine.) So while the big kids were at school on their first day, I took him to be evaluated. As we suspected, he is significantly delayed.
Twice a week he goes for a half hour session. Isaac thinks it is great! The therapist uses toys and play to interact with him. On the positive side she doesn't think he needs to use signs since he is able to imitative many sounds. If he is required to, he will talk to get what he wants, but he strongly prefers to point or get things himself. On the downside, he rarely makes sentences, and then only two words at most. The words he does use we have had to repeat and drill over and over before he uses them. Additionally, words that have 2 or more syllables and change sounds are difficult for him to say, and to a stranger, unintelligible. "Mama" and "Dada" are easy since the same sound is repeated. "Matthew" "water" "marble" are hard for him. Also, the sessions are very expensive ($90!) so we will have to cut down to once a week once he's really comfortable with her.
We'll give it 6 months and see what happens. We are hoping that once he fully recognizes the power of words to manipulate his environment to get what he wants, he will progress quickly. I can see that he is talking more frequently and new words are starting to pop up. I pray that his problems are all speech-related, the alternative is really difficult to contemplate...
6 comments:
HI Rachel! I'll be praying for him and you! Does the school district not provide early support there? Amber started sppech therapy through the school district at barely 3-it may be worth asking about! I hope you see great strides quickly in your sweet dolly boy! Love, Candy
Out of curiosity, does he have the same issue with French? Or is it just English that is the sticking point?
Good luck with this, dearest. /hug
Most school districts will offer (free) speech and language services once a child turns three. You just need to contact your neighborhood school to schedule a time for him to be evaluated. You might still want to continue with some private speech therapy if you're really worried, but maybe you could cut way back and save some money. I wish you luck!
Thanks Suzanne and Candy. I've tried calling the school district's speech therapy office a few times without being able to reach anyone yet...
If it is anything like it was in Utah, then the wait to even be evaluated is many months off, and in Utah it was nearly impossible to get into a class. We had to go with private sessions for Matthew. We'll see how things go here. I'm still trying and hoping to get him into a class through the school. For now though he really needs the help and I don't want to wait any longer.
In nursery on Sunday, the nursery leaders wanted each child to say his/her name and ask for a toy. Isaac doesn't talk much to people he doesn't know well and they asked me, "Does he understand anything?" "What's his problem? You need to tell him that he has to ask for a toy before he can get one, and then he can only have one at a time." I doubt they meant to be critical, but I felt crushed. I don't know why he is struggling with this and I'm certainly trying to get him the help he needs.
He gets so frustrated too. :(
Taryn: He needs a French speech therapist too. He understands French better than his older siblings, but isn't able to say it.
That is too bad about the nursery teachers. I'm glad he has something while you wait for the school to come through (have you tried looking up the special ed #s? they might be able to direct your call) Keep calling because he will definitely qualify!
I remember when James said the "k" sound for the first time when he was 4 and I almost cried. Celebrate every milestone!
Here's a big hug, Rachel-it can be so very hard to see your child get frustrated~and to have situations like in the nursery. You are such a great mommy, so your advocacy will be an asset to him as he catches up in his communication. Hang in there!Love, Candy
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