18 month old son and speech therapy question?

Question

My son just came home from his 18 month check up and the doctor wants him to see a speech therapist. He does not say any clear words. He says certain things for certain things, but, no real words. He communicates very well in other ways though. He has no red flags for autism-other than no words-so I'm not really concerned about that. Could it be that he really dosen't have to talk. I mean, I know what he wants without him having to tell me. Has anyone else had any experience with speech therapy at this age? What should I expect?

Answer 1

My son was the same way. Only difference is we waited until after his 2nd birthday to talk to thd doctor with our concerns about his speech. I think that speech therapy is great. When they are that young usually the therapist will come to you house to play and show him and you techniques to get him to speak. My son started the therapy when he was 2 1/2 because they wanted to put him into a preschool that speacializes in speech. He just turned 5 last week and it is unbelievable how different a few years have made. The words are clear and in some instances I think that he talks better then a few kids that I know who are older then him!
As far as what to expect, you have to get a referral from the doctor and it has to be sent to the school district that you live in. After the school gets the referral they will call you to set up appointments to go to have a speech evaluation. My sons was broke up into two sessions because of his age. And then he also went for a psychological evaluation *they may want him to do that also, most schools require it to make sure there aren't any other services that he needs* After that they will see what percent of speech he has and will basically tell you if he qualifies or not. After that you start the speech therapy. At the end of the school year he will get revaluated to see if he qualifies for the next year. Its really simple once he gets in the groove of things. It really is very beneficial so give it a shot! And the teachers are great- they do fun stuff like blowing bubbles, drinking applesauce threw a straw, etc...as exercises to strengthen there mouths. It depends on your child though. He may only need vocabulary, or he may not be able to move his mouth to properly make the sounds that he needs to form his words. He'll be fine! Good luck!

Answer 2

My son had no words at 18 months and was referred to a speech therapist then. We first had his hearing tested and then went on the wait-list for a speech-path. Some words started to come at about 2 years(ish) and he started seeing a speech path just before his 4th birthday (I love the waiting lists our health care has).

The thing I’ve learned the most since going to see the speech path, is that if I would have stopped interrupting my son 3 years ago, we wouldn’t be seeing a speech path twice a month now. It is so hard to do, because I know what he wants, I’ll just grab it and give it to him before he’s even finished asking or if the answer’s no, I’ll stop him from asking and tell him no.

And (IMO) my boy being lazy (no physical problems were found), if he doesn’t have to talk, he won’t and now he doesn’t have the same skill set for sound production that other kids his age do.

Your son will probably get his hearing tested first and if it’s found to be okay, then you will start seeing a speech path. Where are you from? My son was referred to speech path at 18 months because the wait was (supposed to be) 12 – 18 months, that way he was already on the wait list if there was still a problem in a year. As it was, it was over 2 years before we actually saw one.

What to expect? She will first do an assessment to determine what help if any your son requires. My son was diagnosed as having a mild to moderate speech delay. The sessions have helped. She is also working on other areas where he might require improvement.

Speech therapy is non-invasive. You have nothing to lose by getting it checked out and it will not hurt your son.

And during the sessions? The speech path plays games. My son loves his speech path.

Answer 3

I just went through this with my son at his 2 yr check up. He was saying 'mama' and 'dada' and some other words, but that was about it. Like your son, he was communicating in other ways perfectly fine and understood exactly what we were telling him, so his comprehension was perfect. We went to the initial evaluation with the speech therapist, who did state he needed therapy. As it worked out, the therapy office had just hired a couple of new pathologists, so they couldn't begin therapy for a few months (which goes to show it's not that urgent!!). By the time they called to schedule his therapy, he was talking so much that we declined therapy. Now we can't get him to stop!! He says everything...over and over and over again ;o)

I think pediatricians are too quick to suggest therapy sometimes. If your son isn't talking by the time YOU feel he should be, then you should maybe look into therapy.

Good luck and hope this helps a little.

Answer 4

My second child needed speech therapy.

As his mother, you probably understand most of your son't needs and what he is trying to communicate. You spend more time with him than anyone else. If you ask family about your son's speech, they may notice a problem but not want to hurt your feelings so they sugar coat or tell you what you want to hear. Although boys are slower to talk, if your doctor noticed a problem, then you should have him evaluated by a specialist. What is the worst that can happen? He gets therapy he might need now and it takes an hour out of your day? It is better than waiting, and sending him to kindergarten where kids will make fun of him for his speech problem.

My daughter went for 2 years and the difference is amazing. It also helped her learn to read because she was constantly practicing her letter sounds.

Basically, it can't hurt to get him checked out. It isn't anything you did and doesn't mean you are a bad parent.

Answer 5

Honestly I am surprised that a doctor would recommend speech therapy at that age, he is only a year and a half. Usually from 2 years old is when you would consider therapy if a child is not speaking much unless there are major issues in more than one area.

My son is 26 months old and as he wasn't saying more than a few words when he turned 2 so I took him to a paediatrician who has referred him to speech pathology. He is okay in all other areas, just a little slower to talk. I think it would be difficult to engage an 18 month old in any speech related activities outside of home but they may make suggestions to you as to how you can help him speak more at home so it might be worthwhile following up on this if you are happy to, otherwise you could wait a bit longer.

You probably already do a lot of things anyway but always talk to your son about everything that happens in your day, constant language is the best thing as well as reading books each day. Absorb him in language! Hopefully he is just a bit of a late talker, as boys often are (especially as strides in physical development can often over-ride other areas, especially language). My boy is really starting to improve before his therapy has started so I am hoping he will get there eventually. Ideally he will be a fluent talker before preschool starts, so there is plenty of time.

Best of luck.

(Mum of 2 and 1 year old boys and former early childhood teacher)

Answer 6

18 months is probably too early to worry about him not talking but there might be a program he would qualify for. My grandson was in a program where a therapist came to the house every week while he was 2 and then the public school system has a special program where he went to school for half a day once he turned 3. His Mom found out about the programs through the WIC office. He'll be going to preschool in August now that he's 4. He still doesn't speak very well. I'm hoping he improves a lot this coming school year.

Answer 7

18 Month Old Speech

Answer 8

Hi there I'm mum to twins aged nine, my twin son Thomas has severe autism non verbal he is nine now, at aged two i raised concerns but they said then it was early for worrying, at aged 2 and a half he had his hearing tested it was fine, then at 3 he went to see a speech therapist, she was concerned more with his social skills than his speech, he wouldn't play with anyone he wouldn't look anyone in the eyes (still doesn't) lined toys in rows still does this too, i have to say you need a second opinion a child is just finding their feet at 18 months they shouldn't be referred to anyone unless there are any more factors and there is still lack of speech by 2 and a half

Answer 9

My daughter has had some mild speech delays. Your doctor should have your son see a audiologist and make sure he is screened for hearing delays. My daughter had to have hearing tubes placed, tonsils and atnoids removed. Also you can have your local child study team, or early intervention have screen him as well. Just go to your local board of education and ask to speak to the person that is in charge of early intervention in the area. My daughter is in speech therapy and it makes a world of a differance. First things first if you speak more than one language @ home stop. Its too confusing for the child that has speech delays. Second speak to your child clearly and slowly so he sees the shape and motions that your lips are making. Have him drink from a straw more this will be helpful for the sh and ch sounds and vowels. I love my daughters speech therapist she always trys her best to make sure my daughter is doing what she needs to do @ home. Also try having your son make facial expressions in the mirror and describe what the facial expressions are i.e. happy, sad, angry & disappointment and repeat what they are. Label everything in the house and no pointing no pointing. I repeat no pointing when he points for something and you give in you are inabling him to do these things. Say would you like juice and repeat the word juice with yes or no. Hope this help. Wishing you peace and blessings. I will keep you & your family in my prayers.

Answer 10

I think the pediatrician is quick to say that he needs speech therapy... although I don't know your son so I can't make that decision.

My son is 14 months old and not saying any clear words... he is just mumbling and making vowel sounds. I don't see him making extaordinary progress in the next 4 months that would set him so far ahead of your son... just meaning that it doesn't sound like your son is that far behind.

So maybe you should get a second opinion.