For those of you who have dc's in speech...need some help!!!

We had my ds evauluated for a speech delay and was told he does have one. They said that his receptive speech is not too bad, but his expressive is very low compared to where he should be. He is 2.5 and will be getting services. I'm not sure how many times a week yet, we have our meeting on the third. First it was such a shock to hear this even though my dh and I knew that this was probably the outcome. My question for those of you with dc's in speech, how long did it take until you actually noticed a difference. I feel sort of guilty for waiting this long to have him evaluated, I'm hoping it wasn't too late. They also told me that b/c of his speech delay, maturity wise he is a bit lower than he should be as well. Does this make sense to you? I know it's not a bad thing and am grateful he'll get the help he needs I just can't help feeling that I failed him somehow. Any helpful advice would be great!

Re: For those of you who have dc's in speech...need some help!!!

My DS just turned 2 and has a speech delay. He was evaluated 3 months ago and did not qualify for services, but since he has not really made any progress since then, I am currently waiting to schedule his next eval (I am waiting for the agency to call me back to setup the appointment). So while I do not know the entire process, I wanted to let you know that you are not alone and you did the right thing by addressing it and taking steps to get your DC on the track to where he should be.

Re: For those of you who have dc's in speech...need some help!!!

My son started receiving speech around age 2 and I saw progress almost immediately. They started teaching him to sign so I could understand his immediate needs. He is nine now and still receives therapy for articulation. He was also (and still is) not as mature as other children. He's made great progress with all of his therapies though!



ETA: Now I can't get him to shut up!! I hear him talking to his friend that is sleeping over and he just keeps talking and talking and talking, it's cute though

Message edited 2/16/2008 8:08:51 PM.

Re: For those of you who have dc's in speech...need some help!!!

I'm a speech language pathologist, and wanted to tell you that it is so great that you're getting him the help that he needs! He is definitely not too old to start! Some kids make progress right away, others need more time to show any results.

Your SLP will probably do a lot of her therapy in the form of play. So although it may not look like she is really working, she is (I call it "play with a purpose"). Children at 2 years old learn the best through play... and hopefully your therapist will show you some techniques and give you some ideas for how you can help when she is not there. Good luck and if I can help in any way, please don't hesitate to ask!

Re: For those of you who have dc's in speech...need some help!!!

Jacob has had speech since he was 18 months old, and his progression is phenominal... He is now 2.5 years old and within the last 2 months has had a world explosion.. He started off getting services 2x a week and we upped it in October to 3x a week... I really do think that having speech therapy was a godsend... There have been some struggles at school due to him not talking but we have worked on things and he has improved tremendously.. It was very hard for his teachers when he was so frustrated he would cry because he couldn't communicate with them... Now, things have started to get much better... He still has to work with his articulation but that will come in due time...

Its great that you have qualified for EI services but remember that you age out of Early Intervention at 3. I have already started the process of going through CPSE (you must go through your school district, Jacob turns 3 in Sept 1) and it is another major process.... They are on school schedule so you can't get evaluated during the summer which is why I started now... My speech therapist really thinks he won't qualify ( which is great) but I feel it is important to see if it does... It will only help in making is communication with others better.

Re: For those of you who have dc's in speech...need some help!!!

My son will be 3 in 2mos and I had him tested 2x's (one when he turned two and one and 2.5) he did not qualify for EI because he only has an articulation problem. All other areas he scored higher. Well I tried again when he could go threw the district and he did qualify. He started in Jan., goes 3x a wk for a 1/2 hr a day. I already see improvement. As another poster mentioned my son was also taught how to sign with words it helped him relax and to get his point across. They also give me exercises to do with him (ex: blow bubbles, hold a straw in his mouth with only using his lips NO teeth, and some others) When he started he said about 25words and I have to saw I think he is at about 50 or a little more and it's only been 1.5mos. Now not every word is perfect but good enough for me to understand what he wants which makes me so proud of him. I think it's great that you had him tested I really believe it helps them. Good Luck with everything.

Re: For those of you who have dc's in speech...need some help!!!

Thank you everyone for the vote of confidence. I guess this is just all new to me and even though I have two older kiddos....I can't help feeling like I didn't do enough for my little guy. I'm just glad to hear so many positive outcomes with everyone's dc's. It makes me feel a whole lot better!

Re: For those of you who have dc's in speech...need some help!!!

Great response Lauren! I couldn't have written it any better. I'm another SLP and can also answer any questions!