EI moms, speech therapists or just another caring mommy - advice....

Ryan is almost 22 months. As a infant he hit all milestones as expected. However, now at 22 months, I can't help but feel his speech is falling behind. He still hasn't hit any sort of "vocabulary explosion" and I am starting to get worried that maybe there is a delay. When we saw the ped at 18 months he asked how many words Ryan had and I said probably over 10 including sounds (ie moo, baa, neigh). The ped said that was right on target. Since then I think maybe we have added maybe 5 words? And most of the words he does have he doesn't use them on his own accord, only when prompted.

I know the worst thing to do is compare your child to another but I feel like there are so many other kids even younger than Ryan with much better words. My nephew who is 6 weeks younger is already putting 2 words together and he had EI services (OT) at 9 months for low muscle tone. When he was released at 15 months they said to have him re-evaluated ASAP for speech since they are usually paired hand and hand with his gross motor delay.

I ask him constantly to repeat a word to me. I'll say that duck is yellow, can you say yellow? And he flat out says no without even trying.

We read all the time. He will even sit and read his own book. He will point at the pictures and just say "this, this, this" even if he knows its a cow.

His comprehension on the other hand is astonishing! When I say "Go throw this in the garbage" or "pick up your sippy cup off the floor and bring it to me" he does just that. The kid understands everything. If you say "do you want iced tea" and he says yes but sees you pouring water into his cup he bugs out and won't chill until he sees you put iced tea in his cup. He really does not miss a beat.

So, what does everyone think? Should I get him evaluated?

ETA - I'm sorry this became a novel. Just wanted to be as thorough as possible.

Message edited 4/5/2010 8:16:00 PM.

Re: EI moms, speech pathologists or just another caring mommy - advice....

Hmmm. Now I don't do EI.. but, I don't think he would qualify. Honestly, his receptive language sounds awesome and I think it is just a matter of time.


He isn't two yet and it will happen. I can't believe that he says, "no" to you when you ask him to talk.. So smart!

Hang in there. It will happen.

Re: EI moms, speech therapists or just another caring mommy - advice....

Generally the "rule of thumb" is 40 words by 24 months. That said, 40 words is the bare minimum. It sounds like his receptive language is great (kudos for reading and labeling!). If you have concerns about his expressive language though, definitely have a talk with the pediatrician and contact EI. No child is ever "hurt" by an evaluation and at the very least you'll get a clear picture of what his strengths and weaknesses are.

Re: EI moms, speech therapists or just another caring mommy - advice....

I agree with AP, it doesn't hurt to have him evaluated. If your instinct is telling you that he might have a delay just go with that and see where it goes.

Re: EI moms, speech therapists or just another caring mommy - advice....

Posted by Porrruss

Generally the "rule of thumb" is 40 words by 24 months. That said, 40 words is the bare minimum. It sounds like his receptive language is great (kudos for reading and labeling!). If you have concerns about his expressive language though, definitely have a talk with the pediatrician and contact EI. No child is ever "hurt" by an evaluation and at the very least you'll get a clear picture of what his strengths and weaknesses are.

Re: EI moms, speech therapists or just another caring mommy - advice....

I also agree with Amy, I would call EI and have him evaluated, if nothing else you will get peace of mind.

Jack understood everything we said or asked of him but he was delayed in speech.

Re: EI moms, speech therapists or just another caring mommy - advice....

Thanks for the advice, girls! I figured an evaluation was probably the next step, so you all just confirmed my instincts

So now, care to share where to start? Do I have to go through the ped or can I start the process on my own?

Message edited 4/5/2010 8:30:53 PM.

Re: EI moms, speech therapists or just another caring mommy - advice....

Posted by sunflowerjesss

Thanks for the advice, girls! I figured an evaluation was probably the next step, so you all just confirmed my instincts

So now, care to share where to start? Do I have to go through the ped or can I start the process on my own?

Re: EI moms, speech therapists or just another caring mommy - advice....

I think that an evaluation can't hurt and it will be good to see what they say

But I will also say that Christopher was always a verbal kid, but when he hit two, the pace totally stepped up. He said SO much and we even noticed a huge difference, so try not to worry too much

Re: EI moms, speech therapists or just another caring mommy - advice....

Thanks again, everyone. I am going to call first thing tomorrow.

Re: EI moms, speech therapists or just another caring mommy - advice....

I could have written that post myself! Your DS sounds exactly like mine... great receptive speech, follows directions, has good focus, sits and looks at books and overall makes sure his opinion is understood no matter that its non verbal. I'd say he says a dozen words.

I took DS to be evaluated at 21 months. Though you don't need to start with your pedi, they may have a relationship with a certain facility they respect which would be ease of mind. ours did.

Anyway, long story short my son did not qualify for services, but does have a delay. They believe it is developmental and will work itself out. They would like us to re evaluate at 2 if there hasn't been significant improvement. It was a little frustrating to hear he didn't qualify but was behind, but they did give us some excersises to that might benefit DS in the meantime.

Apparently sometimes speech delay is brought on by low oral motor skill (sometimes pacifier/bottle causes this). You can google oral motor skills and a bunch of exercises com up. Blowing bubbles, sucking a thick beverage through a straw, using a kazoo, making kiss marks on a mirror, licking a popsicle.... you get the idea.

We've been working on this, and have seen improvement! He's come up with a few new words and a ton more sounds in just a month. But of course, it could just be timing. who knows. Just wanted to share a similar experience.

Keep me updated if you remember, i'd be interested to hear your experience.

Re: EI moms, speech therapists or just another caring mommy - advice....

Re: EI moms, speech therapists or just another caring mommy - advice....