My son is 6 and is having difficulty talking?

Question

My son is 6 years old. He is in kindergarten because we held him back because at the beginning of last year he could barely speak full sentences. His speaking is very unclear and more like a 3-4 year old may speak. He gets frustrated with himself. A lot of people can't understand him. Or they will get some of what he is asking. He isn't shy. He is very bright when it comes to math and computers. He doesn't color or hold his pencil very well unless it is a big stubby kind. He gets along with other children but sometimes he gets frustrated with the play because I can see he doesn't get what is going on around him sometimes. We speak to him using full sentences and always have. I have for years thought something was wrong. We have often thought maybe he could be autistic or mentally handicapped very mildly. He caught rsv when he was a 2 months old. That is his only major ilness. Any ideas what could be wrong? He is going to see a speech pathologist next week.

Answer 1

Go to your GP and get speech therapy- whatever the cause if he's having trouble with speech- he needs it.

The speech therapist will be able to assess his needs but:

Also ask for a referal to a consultant child psychologist for a possible diagnosis, there are many things it could be (hundreds even)- and only them will be able to make the best diagnosis based on their knowledge.

Keep asking if they try to ignore you, with the NHS as it is- it can take years for a diagnosis if you wait like they want you to.. and all the time your waiting, your son isn't getting the help he needs (with nearly everything- early intervention is key).

You have the right to know what's going on and how to help your son.. Keep fighting!

Although a lot of people are pointing towards autism- with only a paragraph and without seeing your son and yourselves, no one can have any real idea.

Sorry I can't suggest a label for it- but I'd rather point you in the right direction than lead you down the wrong (and perhaps hazardous) path.

Answer 2

I have a granddaughter that sounds a lot like your son. She is also 6 years old and in kindergarten. Was held back a year because of her speech. She started seeing a speech therapist at 4 years old. It has really helped her. It took time but I have seen a big difference especially the last 6 months. She too, is very smart in a lot of ways and plays the violin and is doing well in dance class. It's too bad your son hasn't been seen by a speech pathologist when he was younger but I do believe you too, will see a big difference in your son after he starts speech therapy. It is so frustrating for these little ones who are trying to communicate and can't be understood. He will change and be a happier boy. I wish him the very best.
One more thing, have you ever had his hearing checked?

Answer 3

My son had similar problems. He had speech therapy, and was referred to a child development unit where he was assessed as having a severe specific language disorder ( if you're in the US I believe they may still refer to this as dysphasia or aphasia).
It has now been recognised that he is at the lower end of the autistic spectrum. He is quite able and bright, just needs support in social skills and activities. He doesn't pick upon new concepts easily but if they're explained clearly he's OK
It may be that your son has similar problems but it's also possible that he isn't hearing well.
It seems to me that you are doing all the right things. If he's seeing a specialist next week then they should be able to assess his problem and give you advice on how to deal with it.
If you're in the UK you should approach your LEA and request a statement of special educational need to ensure he gets the support he needs at school.
Good luck to you both

Answer 4

You sound like you are really on top of things with your boy. I agree that so much of it points to Autism. You will need to make an appointment at a mental health center so he can be evaluated. Some city's have an agency that provides services for Autistic persons. I do work for Autistic kids and parents, also I have a daughter who is Autistic. Best of luck to you!! You will feel so much better if you know for sure then you can start early intervention to help him with his skills. I picked up on the things you did when my girl was about one year old.

Answer 5

Good getting him speech thearapy will help him. I have mild cerebral palsy I was born with it. I had a hard time in school. I studder and my right foot turns inward so I sometimes trip. I went to some college. So with the right help he will thrive. See if your school has a special ed department. He may need an adaptive device I don't know what that is. Also take him to a physical therapist and occupational thearpist may be good too.

Answer 6

Going to a speech pathologist is a good start, they will be able to pick up on things that to us as parents we may have missed. Instead of trying to think what is wrong, and stressing yourself out wait and see what the professionals have to say, they can do wonders nowadays.

Answer 7

you have him in speech treatment so which you're on the final song. My 3 3 hundred and sixty 5 days previous twins weren't talking as much as i might have cherished them to at 24 months. No listening to issues etc....basically did no longer communicate alot. yet they understood each and every thing. and, as quickly as I sat down and extremely thought approximately their "words" I got here up with numerous them. little ones will say issues (like mi for milk) that are no longer extremely words....yet what many peditricians enable you to understand is that in the event that they consistently use that "observe" for the comparable ingredient, that's a observe for them. no longer all little ones strengthen in the comparable way on the comparable time. wait and notice, shop him in speech treatment and shop your eyes open for something that could concern you. Ask a peditrician or the speech therapist while you're extremely in contact they might have the terrific preparation achievable for you. by utilising the way...my 3 3 hundred and sixty 5 days olds started extremely talking whilst they have been approximately 28 months. Now they talk in 5 and 6 observe sentences and in no way look quiet! it's going to take place.

Answer 8

I do not believe he is autisitic but if the doctor says h is get a 2nd opinion. I believe there could eaither be a learning disibility or a speech impairment since he is good at math and computers i do not see him being autisitc but i could ask the docotr if it could be eaither of those things and of course get a second opinion

Answer 9

I would tentatively suggest hearing problems. Ask your GP/doctor for a referral to an audiologist.
Check his eyesight too.
Simple, painless tests.
If in UK, ask Health Visitor for help, too.

Answer 10

so am not a doctor..but a friend of mine said that he was a very slow talker..because he was suffering from hearing loss...luckily from small ear tubes and an ear wax problem...he couldnt hear and it made it impossible to talk..had no frame of reference...worth checking out...good luck