Speech and Language

When OJ had his two year development check with the health visitor, she said that she had concerns about his talking - or lack of it.  Apparently two year olds are supposed to be able to say around 50 words and be able to put two words together, like "drink mummy".  All OJ could say was "Ta", and that was whispered with no confidence and only when he was in the mood to say it. 

Because of these concerns, she referred him to the Speech and Language Therapist who is based at the local sure start children's centre.  She gave me a call and went through with me what he does and doesn't do, then came out to the house to assess him herself. 

She came one morning with a sack full of games and toys, such as shape sorters, and jigsaws, picture cards, books and bubbles, with this she attempted to engage him in some games. OJ was having none if it, typical toddler I suppose he never plays to the crowd. He became shy and very uninterested and unimpressed. This for a start is very unusual for OJ. He is usually very intrigued by new toys of any sort and is never normally shy.

She observed him playing for a short while and asked us questions about what he does and doesn't do.

He quite blatantly hears us when he speak even if he sometimes ignores us, he understands questions and follows instructions, such as "go get your shoes" and "go put this in the bin for mummy". So there is no concern about his hearing. He babbles and vocalises during play, which meant she wasn't overly concerned but at the end of her assessment she made some suggestions for activities and things to try, to get him to speak.

For example, putting his thomas train up high where he can't reach it but can still see it, so he has to ask for it, in whatever way he does (whinge and point) then say to him, "train? Do you want your train?" 

Another was to offer him a biscuit but on,y give him half, then keep the other half in our hand and so he can see it. Then when he wants more he has to ask for it. We then say to him "more? You want more?" Enthesising the words train and more.

She also said that she wanted to invite him to attend a group called chatterbox which is held during term time at the local children's centre. Chatterbox is a small group of 4-6 children all at the same speaking level, they do activities that help socialise, bring on learning colours numbers  and speaking through activities. 

I don't know what to think about this. Apparently both me and CJ were both late talkers and didnt have to go to any groups. I know it's not designed to worry us but don't all children develop at different rates. All the health visitors and doctors, nursery nurses etc, keep telling me to read to him and talk to him and talk to him about pictures and books. But it's like telling someone to breathe. It's what I already do, I talk to him about everything, and i mean everything! As i dress him im talking him through every item, as im making his breakfast im telling him exactly what i am doing, where we are going. I've read books to him every day since the day he was born. We look at picture cards and books and talk about what we can see. It is frustrating that he can't talk yet but as my dad says I'm am sure he just has nothing to say. All the suggestions they make feel a bit patronising but I'm sure there is a reason they feel the need to send him to the group. So we will see how it goes. 

Do you have any tips or suggestions? Or have you had a similar experience?

Vic and Family

xxx