Kids and their speech difficulties?

Question

My Baby just turned 2 years old and he only says 2-3 words. He was born with a cleft lip and palate that has already been corrected. I am worried because he is not saying much. He understands everything, he is a real smart kid but his speech is way way behind. Any advice please.

Answer 1

I would contact your local Early Intervention office and have your son evaluated. They will come to your home for free and the services are free. Once he turns 3, they will transition him into the school district if he still needs therapy. It's certainly not too early to consider ST for him since he's delayed already. The earlier; the better. And his past surgeries must be taken into consideration; what I mean is, it might not just be simple delay; he could have physical difficulties articulating.

Good luck! I wish you and your son the best.

Answer 2

Your child needs speech therapy NOW. Children, at 2 years of age, should typically have a vocabulary of at least 50 words and be able to use those words in two word sentences. There usually is some variation, but 2-word utterances are the norm.
The earlier the intervention, the better. Frustration for both of you can be a real issue.
Contact the surgeon who did the operation(s), and he/she can refer you to a local speech pathologist who works with kids who have repaired clefts. If you have not consulted a craniofacial team, do so. They are affiliated with teaching hospitals, and may have more resources for finding lower-cost therapy. Many states have funding for children with major health issues (in CA, CCS is the agency. ) The surgeon or your pediatrician will know where to refer you.

Answer 3

Contact your school district and ask if he can be evaluated by a speech therapist. She will probably come over a few times and do an activity or two with the baby and then let you know what she recommends. Probably a reevaluation at the age of 3. Sometimes kids just don't talk too much until 2 1/2 or 3.

Answer 4

Have your child evaluated by a speech/language pathologist because of his special circumstances. Depending on the extent of surgery that was needed to repair the cleft lip and palate, he may need occupational therapy as well to help him articulate words. You can get an evaluation through your local Regional Center (contact your local school district for help). You have the right to have your son evaluated for free.

Answer 5

Sounds like Autism. My boy is 3 and 4 months and he can barely speak, he just copies sounds of words, and he phrases he has can mean 10 different things, he too walks on tiptoes, spins in circles and flaps his hands.. All of which are signs of autism. The main indicator is regression. Going backwards as they say. She has some markers though so i would ask for her to be tested if you are unsure, it could be something simple like glue ear, a common hearing problem which usually resolves itself over time, but means she is not hearing properly. Either way, take her to see a doctor is your unsure.

Answer 6

I suggest talking to your pediatrician about any concerns, but don't look for a referral to a speech therapist just yet. Many children develop their speech later, as late at 3-years-old. As long as he is making the effort to mimic your words and sounds, he is on the right track.

Answer 7

Start with simple words and phrases and build his vocabulary from there. Talk slower and clearer so he can see your lips moving and hear the words better. Use as simple of a phrase as possible when talking to him. Don't use alot of words and things but just simple phrases that are easy for him to understand. Read and sing to him as well and that should help his vocabulary as well.

Answer 8

Be patient, some children just don't have much to say. Does he just point and whine, if so encourage him to ask for what he wants by not responding to his pointing and whining.

Answer 9

I would talk to your Dr. about getting him speech therapy.