Thank god my neighbors kids are finally getting speech

I posted awhile ago about my neighbors twin girls and how they were very behind in their speech, mostly b/c she doesnt read to them very often and also b/c she never put them in activities with other kids. This past Sept. she put them in pre-school and finally the teacher and director spoke to her and said they are very behind and they can barely understand them. Although their speech has gotten so much better (probably from being around other kids and being in a school environment) they recommended that she get them evaluated and start speech services. Apparently this happened before christmas but she put it off until now. I asked her if her ped. ever mentioned anything to her and she said no Which again shows, your ped. only sees your kids for a few minutes at a time and truely doesnt always know what is going on with them. I find it extremely odd her ped. didnt pick up on their problem...it was very apparent. My neighbor (who I am very good friends with) said she was first offended when they spoke to her b/c they made it seems like her kids had a disability. I told her there is nothing wrong with her kids getting speech therapy and it can only benefit them. I told her if you dont do it now, when they get to kindergarten she won't have a choice especially if they still feel there is a problem so she should just do it now while she can.

I feel bad b/c she said she can understand them and of course she can, she is there mother and has learned their language in a sense. I am just so happy b/c they are now 4 and honestly are at least a year if not more behind.

Re: Thank god my neighbors kids are finally getting speech

Well thats a good thing

Re: Thank god my neighbors kids are finally getting speech

Re: Thank god my neighbors kids are finally getting speech

ITA, it sounded harsh.

Re: Thank god my neighbors kids are finally getting speech

I don't think she meant it to be harsh. As a speech pathologist, I think she is on to something, not that if you don't read to your child, they'll be delayed, but reading and social interaction provides a huge foundation for building language and world experiences, and it can only help.

I'm glad your neighbor's kids are going to get the help they need!!

Re: Thank god my neighbors kids are finally getting speech

Re: Thank god my neighbors kids are finally getting speech

Re: Thank god my neighbors kids are finally getting speech

Re: Thank god my neighbors kids are finally getting speech

I don't think they're having speech issues because she doesn't read to them. I'm sure hearing the words pronounced correctly would help them but that's cannot be the basis of the problem. I'm sure they've heard their parents speak to each other. I know with twins it is VERY hard because their language is reinforced by each other.

The ped is only going by what he's told. I'm sure he's asked if they are saying words, speaking in sentences. She's answering them because to her, they are. As you said, she understands them. I could see why not having a other children to compare to would be problematic because you don't realize your child isn't speaking up to their age level.

Very glad she's getting help. I wish more people could see it as an opportunity & nothing to be ashamed about it. Four years old still isn't too late.

Message edited 3/26/2008 8:18:38 PM.

Re: Thank god my neighbors kids are finally getting speech

I just want to say that I think it's common for people to feel offended (upset, worried) when told their child needs services. Probably the part about it being Special Education service which is often misunderstood. It sounds like a stigma and it's not obviously. I'm glad your friend is finally getting the help and hopefully they will catch up quickly.

Message edited 3/26/2008 9:01:08 PM.

Re: Thank god my neighbors kids are finally getting speech

Im pleased to hear that she is getting services for her girls...

Im wondering if the ped was slow in referring her for speech services b/c they are twins.

My girls spoke very early and were pretty advanced in their language development. While they were growing up many of their teachers commented on their speech and said that it was unusual b/c twins were usually delayed when it came to language.

Im sure she knew, in her heart, that they were having some issues with speech. But I have learned, from experience, that it is so hard sometimes to admit that there is a problem...My neighbor's son doesnt speak very well either. At 3 he barely speaks inteligible words. And you cant understand his sentences at all. Mom is completely Ok with this...apparently all her kids were late bloomers and he is just following suit.

Where you and I would go out and get help immediately some people prefer to wait and let nature take its course...I dont particularly agree with this decision but it's not mine to make any ways.

Re: Thank god my neighbors kids are finally getting speech

Message edited 3/27/2008 8:18:23 AM.