Language different at home than outside the house

DS has a language delay which I have posted on here about many times, mostly pragmatic and social

I’ve been noticing lately his language at home is much different than his language outside of the house. At home he will talk to myself, DH, my parents, people he is very familiar with about a variety of topics. His speech is generally very clear. He’ll have back and forth conversation, not quite like other 4 yr. olds with no language delays, but he does well enough for the level he is at. He is also in a social skills class with other children and the social worker who runs it says he does wonderfully using his language.

When we are outside of the home in a different setting like at soccer for example, he only talks about the same things. Right now it’s trains. Maybe because he feels comfortable with it and it is what he knows??? I think he realizes that his language is different then other kids. I know at least he is trying to have a back and forth conversation with other kids which is wonderful. When I see him talking to another child like at soccer the other day I try to prompt a different topic or help him initiate a conversation like, “Did you tell X what kind of birthday party you are going to have?” And he would say “I’m going to have a fire truck party, do you want to come?" Fortunately this little girl had already been invited

I guess it's just a little depressing because at this age you start to see the differences in the language. 'm just wondering if there is anything I can do to help him feel more comfortable with social language outside of our home and his comfort zone. It's as if he gets shy and insecure

Message edited 4/11/2011 11:27:53 AM.