Any late talkers?

[CharmedLife]

Curious...is anyone in his family an engineer or a musician?

meandtheguys2 - Just interested why you asked this question? My DH and I are both engineers, as is his father, brother, and three of my cousins. Please share your info!

OP - My story is similar, I have a DD5 who did all the talking for my DS2. At his 2-year checkup in May he barely said 2 words. My pediatrician (who by the way has been in practice for 40 years and is the former chief of staff at the children's hospital, so I figure he's seen it all) said, second child that's a boy and a late talker, TEXTBOOK CASE. Don't worry til he's 2.5 and still not talking. Well, he's now 2 years and 4 months, and wouldn't you know it - the doctor was right, he's started talking up a storm. And just like another poster said, he is already putting sentences together.

My son was an earlier walker than his sister. His physical skills seem ahead of the game, so it was natural that maybe talking would lag behind - he was busy developing other things. But it is unnerving when you hear girls his age talking like crazy. My best friend has a daughter the same age and she has been talking since before 18 months. I always think of my son as so much younger than her because he didn't talk. But he definitely understood us, would follow commands, communicated by pointing and grunting, etc. I think the most important thing is whether he cognitively understands you. If so, the rest will follow.

Personally, I would wait til 2.5 and then have him evaluated if he hasn't really progressed. I just can't tell you how many people have told me that their 2nd child was a late talker.

Of course, I'm no pediatrician, so what do I know???

 

[staci]

See that is just it I don't know what my gut is saying to me. Until this past weekend I thought he was a little delayed but I wasn't worried. Again my first child did the same thing just had a few more words.

I am taking him to the Dr's tomorrow to check his ears(Ear infection prone) because we are leaving for Disney in 10 days. I will mention it to her. I will ask if there is any testing she would recommend so I can get the ball rolling either way. By the way I don't think he has any problems hearing. He sure can hear DORA when it comes on the TV.

To be honest I really don't think there is anything wrong. I do believe he is delayed but will eventually catch up. I agree with the "why wait" statements because if I am wrong then it's better to start now vs later.

Unfortunately I have already checked with my insurance and they do not cover ST. Any idea on how much ST costs? I am not even sure if there is a program here in Ohio that would cover the cost. I am sure DH and I make too much money if they did. It doesn't matter we will do what we have to do.

Keep an eye on those ears. DS had horrible ear infections, from 15 months until 19 months. He hardly said a word, but acted like he could hear us. Within the two months after his tubes, his speech TOOK OFF. Our ped. said that when the fluid builds up in the ear, children can often still hear, but it is kinda muffled? So they can understand what is being said to them, but they can have a hard time hearing themselves learn to sound out different words, so much of what they say makes sense to them and no one else.

DS is now 23 months, and probably has 100 words (50 of which are disney related ).

 

[BBGirl]

See that is just it I don't know what my gut is saying to me. Until this past weekend I thought he was a little delayed but I wasn't worried. Again my first child did the same thing just had a few more words.

I am taking him to the Dr's tomorrow to check his ears(Ear infection prone) because we are leaving for Disney in 10 days. I will mention it to her. I will ask if there is any testing she would recommend so I can get the ball rolling either way. By the way I don't think he has any problems hearing. He sure can hear DORA when it comes on the TV.

To be honest I really don't think there is anything wrong. I do believe he is delayed but will eventually catch up. I agree with the "why wait" statements because if I am wrong then it's better to start now vs later.

Unfortunately I have already checked with my insurance and they do not cover ST. Any idea on how much ST costs? I am not even sure if there is a program here in Ohio that would cover the cost. I am sure DH and I make too much money if they did. It doesn't matter we will do what we have to do.

EVERY STATE HAS to have an early enterventation program that is free to you if your child is delayed yes I said EVERY STATE--It's a Fed program the only thing that changes is who runs it from state to state here in PA it's the UCP in IN it was called First steps/Steps ahead. Let your Dr know that you want early intervention. Hearing may still be an issue as what they are really looking for are the high and low ends of the septrum that cause speech delay--not the medium range which most of us actually speak in ecpet for certain letters. It's in OH it has be. They should test in your home and if ST is needed the therepist comes to your home also. This is for under 3 which is another reason not to wait. We are doing this with our DD(2) and she had improved by leaps and bounds. We pay nothing our insurance is not billed and would have covered ST if we opted to not through through the state program but not a home so we went with the state program. ASK it is there for you.
HTH

 

[meandtheguys2]

meandtheguys2 - Just interested why you asked this question? My DH and I are both engineers, as is his father, brother, and three of my cousins. Please share your info!

There was a book I read when I was so concerned about my middle guy. It documents children, primarily boys, who are late talkers. The common denominator appears to be family members who are engineers and musicians. All of the men in both my family and my husband's family are one or the other. They all talked late, best I could tell. My boys were doing 50 piece puzzles at 3 and are all math whizzes. They all started talking when they were ready and made huge leaps in a short amt. of time. He also talks about famous engineers and mathematicians who fit the same dscription.

If I can remember the title i will pm you with it, but it may take a few days! It was interesting because he said it isn't studied, or documented much, because once they start talking, it is just sort of forgotten. It was interesting.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_1/103-6144907-5434262?v=glance&s=books


OK, if i did that right this is the book!

 

[CharmedLife]

meandtheguys2 - Thank you so much! I am going to order both of those books today. In my gut I wasn't all that worried (although quite frustrated - definitely different emotions!) because he did seem to be ahead of the game on the physical stuff. My husband was convinced he was autistic, especially when seeing my friend's daughter, but of course he's calmed down now. I'm sure in another month or two we'll be wishing for the days when he didn't talk!

Thanks again - I had heard something before about children who have a mathematical tendancy being late talkers (and that Einstein didn't talk til he was 4), but I will be very interested to actually read the book about it!

Thanks again!

 

[Luv2trav]

Thanks again - I had heard something before about children who have a mathematical tendancy being late talkers (and that Einstein didn't talk til he was 4), but I will be very interested to actually read the book about it!

Thanks again!

I heard this too and I also heard Bill Gates was a late talker however I have also heard they both are/were more than likely on the Autism spectrum as well.

We didn't go the Dr yesterday. Our Dr only works Wed and Fri so we will probably go tomorrow. I have done some research on Early Intervention and it's very confusing so I guess I will have to wait until I speak to the Dr.

 

[klj27]

meandtheguys2 - Thank you so much! I am going to order both of those books today. In my gut I wasn't all that worried (although quite frustrated - definitely different emotions!) because he did seem to be ahead of the game on the physical stuff. My husband was convinced he was autistic, especially when seeing my friend's daughter, but of course he's calmed down now. I'm sure in another month or two we'll be wishing for the days when he didn't talk!

Thanks again - I had heard something before about children who have a mathematical tendancy being late talkers (and that Einstein didn't talk til he was 4), but I will be very interested to actually read the book about it!

Thanks again!

my 6 1/2 year old was a late talker and needed st for articulation. He is a math whiz! Last year my third grader was so frustrated because my kindergartener could answer a lot of her math questions quicker than she could. He also taught himself to read the summer before kindergarten. His brain amazes me.

About autism... one thing to remember is that talking and communicating are not the same thing. I have a niece who is autistic. She did not say any words until she was 2 1/2 and in st, but her problem was not just words. Their first clue that something was not right was her SID. She has lots of food aversions, would cry anywhere that she was over stimulated, would strip off her clothes (not because it was fun, but because she didn't like the feeling of her clothes), hated to be restrained in any way and has a very high tolerance for pain. As for her communication: she had very poor eye contact, you could say her name over and over again and it was like she didn't even know you were there, and at her 2nd birthday party she stayed in another room all alone while everyone else celebrated. I think so many people hear late talker and automatically think autism, but there is so much more to that disorder.

 

[LiveForVacation]

My daughter, now a 3 year old blabbermouth was not talking whatsoever when she was 24 months. Actually, the only word she said was Ma. She would get sooo frustrated and mad at me that I didn't understand her needs. Her pediatrician was concerned and she qualified for an early intervention group called First Steps. She then had a speech therapist come 2 times a week for a full year. I have to admit I was not as concerned as everyone else seemed to be. I was used to responding to her pointing and grunts, and had a feeling she would eventually speak. Then, once her therapist started seeing her, I realized how little she actually spoke.

After a couple months she started talking a lot more. In fact, within 6 months she had almost caught up. Right before her 3rd birthday, she was tested by the school district (because First Steps ends at age 3) She tested way above her age appropriate speech and understanding, at a 4 year, 3 month level.

I think the Speech Therapy helped her a lot, and it was great for her. However, she has no other problems or disabilities. I learned that some kids just need a little help to get started. Just because your child isn't talking yet doesn't mean autism or any other delay. My daughter threw tantrums constantly, but these diminished greatly once she was able to communicate verbally. Think about it-wouldn't you be frustrated if you could not express your thoughts?

If you are concerned, you should follow through with your pediatrician and/or early intervention, but don't assume the worst. My child will not stop talking now. In fact, I wonder why I ever worried

 

[mimif1]

Lots of great advice! My now 6yo DD was a late talker too. At 24 months she had two words. My pediatrician kept saying she was fine and would catch up. I finally went to my older DD's school and talked to the speech teacher there. She pointed me to the state sponsored program and I finally got her evaluated at 3.5. The evaluation showed she was off the chart in understanding but was severly delayed in speaking. She got to go to the "big school" three times a week for speech therapy when she was four. She's now in first grade and still goes twice a week for speech during the school day. I kept feeling that there was a problem, but I couldn't get my pediatrician to listen to me. It used to break my heart when I couldn't understand what she was trying to tell me. She would give up and say "Never mind, it isn't important." I'm glad that she could start speech before kindergarten. It's hard to make friends when noone can understand what you're trying to say. We still laugh about the time she came out of her dance class and said very matter-of-factly, "I'm sure glad I'm taking speech. That lady couldn't understand a WORD I was saying." I'm with the gang of people to believe in your gut feelings. If you don't feel there is a problem, then you could hold off for a bit and see if he begins to catch up. But if you're not sure, an evaluation might be the way to go. I wish that I had not waited as my DD is still behind her peers, but at least they can usually understand her now. She loves her school speech teacher (young, beautiful and quite cool!). All the kids love Ms. Lea so she feels lucky to get to see her and there is no social stigma about leaving class for speech.

 

[mistaroo]

My DS was a late talker. I still vividly recall bursting into tears of joy when he said "pick up" when he was 23 months old. Before that he said a couple words like "tree" and "book" but just once and then didn't say them again. He only said Mom and Dad periodically.

Now 10 months later (few months shy of age 3) his speech is very advanced for his age. He talks circles around his friends, speaks in complex full sentences- paragraphs really- and I can't get him to stop talking!! I used to wish he would talk and now I wish he would be quiet for a couple minutes

You should definitely talk to your ped about your concerns but it is possible for a child to simply be a late talker without any major underlying problem. Good luck.

 

[snowbunny]

Snowbunny,

Not to alarm you, BUT my son was a lot like yours when he was young. Except he walked at 9 months but didn't talk much until he was about 2 1/2. He had a great imagination, and read alot when he was young and was always a very good student. He could sit through a 2 hour movie at 3 years old. Fast forward to high school, the s**t hit the fan big time. He's in a very competitive prep school to make a long story short I had him tested for ADD in high school, he has inattentive type, (very bad case). Never set off any teacher's alarms because he wasn't bouncing off the walls. Everyone mentioned his daydreaming. We are struggling now, he's a senior in high school and it's not easy. It really frustrates him.

Good luck

I'm not alarmed; I know he's different. I'm not expecting an easy road, as I have a normal bright tween and I know what that looks like -- this is not the same. But honestly, physicians and teachers are more than willing to diagnose any kid who is not an easy, average, complaint personality with ADD.

I'm not anti-medicine or anti-teacher and I don't have blinders on -- I work in healthcare information and both our kids attend good public schools. But quite frankly, ADD and ADHD are the diagnoses du jour and the urge to medicate kids into zombies is, in some cases, an excuse not to deal with them as individuals.

 

[crisi]

I don't know if this could be typical behavior or not? My first son was so laid back. He NEVER threw tantrums. When I used to see children like this I used to blame the parent and now that child is mine?

Now you can come join us in all the threads where the parents with perfect children (my first one never threw tantrums either) accuse us of being bad parents or not watching their signs, not having them nap, not giving into them, or giving into them too much.....Welcome to reality!!!! Its not quite as pleasant - I must say - but the lack of smugness I feel with my second is somewhat liberating!

My son didn't talk much until three or four. He still can be kind of quiet and mumbly (he is now in first grade). We had him evaluated at 2 1/2 and the speech therapist said "well, every parent wants their kid to be better than average, yours isn't, but he is right here" and she pointed to the 38th percentile. Since he spent the first six months of his life in Korea (he's adopted) and she saw Asian immigrant speech patterns (language starts imprinting early), we breathed a sigh of relief. My daughter was 17 months at the time, and one of those chatterers - the speech therapist didn't evaluate her, but she did say if she had, she would have been off the charts and that I should never compare my children linguistically - good lesson, she taught herself to read at four.

On the other hand, a girlfriend went through the same thing and her son did qualify for help and did get help and it has made the world of difference. Both her children have been languaged delayed, both have required therapy. So if you do have doubts, call the school district and see if a free evaluation is available. Only good can come of it - it will either ease your mind, or get your son the early intervention he may need.

 

[ChristyJ]

I have a background in speech/language therapy, and I would recommend that you have your child evaluated. You have concerns that should be addressed. It's great that your son's receptive language (understanding of language) seems to be on target-that's a good thing!! However, much can be done to promote his expressive language-BUT he needs an evaluation first. You can get a free evaluation done-I'm not sure who you go to in Ohio-ask your pediatrician (in NY, it's done thru a referral process through the county for early intervention). I'm a firm believer that early intervention is the key! I've worked with children who come in with a minimal vocabulary and whose behavior shows they're frustrated (hitting siblings/parents, biting, temper tantrums)-as they develop more words and can better express themselves, their behavior improves. It's also amazing how quickly their expressive vocabulary can increase in a short amount of time. All children do develop at different rates; however, from what you've indicated, I would encourage you to make that phone call. Early intervention services in most states are also free (some have a sliding scale for early intervention, not sure about Ohio). Once your child is three, services are provided through school districts.
Good luck-I'll be thinking about you!

 

[pweyl36]

my son would not say anything,so when he went to his 18mos.check up I told his dr who said that we will wait till he turns 2 then we will get him tested.In delaware theres a program called child watch that will test children
and get them the help they need for free.Well my son does have a speech problem.The first thing they did was teach him sign language.He picked that up real fast and that stopped all the frustration.Then 2xs a week a speech therapist would come to my house and teach my son.when he turned 3 they put him in preschool 3xs a week all school year for free.the school bus picks him up at my house.after 2wks of preschool ,my son really learned alot .He talks alot now and he his still eligable for preschool this year.I think you should wait till your sons 2 then talk to your dr about his problem,your state should have free programs avilable for your son.your dr should know these programs.

 

[POOHDRMR]

My daughter didn't start talking untill 26 months. At her 2 yr check up my ped said she would need testing if she didn't start by 26 months. She didn't even say 10 words.She would grunt,point and say moy(more) for everything.She would get very frustrated and throw tantrums and bang her head into the wood floors often.My big mistake was allowing her to have a pacifier during the day. She would walk around with it in her mouth between her teeth almost all day and would't talk because of it.Once we took it away she immediently began talking more and now no joke you can not stop her!!I dream back to the days of silence and often think about returning the paci!!She also stopped the tantrums when she could express her feelings and would tell me "Mommy I very angy(angry) at you" She is now the most talkative 4 yr old we know and her cousin often says he needs a break from her cause she is giving him a headache!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I asked my pediatrician about my DD's speech delay at her 18 month visit. She recommended we get her evaluated by early intervention and she did qualify for help. At the time she had about 10 words but they were all ba and ma. All my friends thought I was crazy "so & so's kid didn't talk til he was 4 and he's a doctor now...." but I knew she was frustrated. She was constantly screaming. I was worried that I was "rewarding" the screaming by giving her what she wanted especially in the kitchen but it was the only way she knew to communicate.

It is amazing the progress she has made in the past 12 months. From ba and ma to "I don't want the Buzz plate mama. I want the Cinderella one." She still has articulation problems (that's how she got the Buzz plate ...) but she's so much happier now that she can express herself.

 

[guangs]

My daughter is 19 months old and doesn't say but two words. I wasn't worried until now. You can stand right next to her and say her name (loud) and she won't even look at you. I thought maybe it's her hearing, but if you say "patty cake....." she will start to patty cake (she even rolls um and picks um). She only says "bye bye" "hi" and "boo" (after covering her eyes). She doesn't understand much other than "want a cookie?" "where's your blanket?" or "want to go bye bye?". Maybe we don't call her by her name enough?? She started feeding herself with a fork and spoon at 12 months old and walked at 9 months. Should I be concerned? I should also point out that she has been sick 75% of her life. (kidney problem and daily vomiting) Also I stay home with her ALL THE TIME, so she doesn't do much socializing (fear of catching viruses). Any advice is appreciated!!!

Doesn't it help when there are others who know what you are dealing with? Thanks guys!

 

[krcit]

Another vote for Early Intervention. You have nothing to lose by getting your child evaluated. I had my son evaluated at 20 months b/c he was not speaking much at all. He's my 3rd child(only boy)so I knew he would most likely speak later than the girls but by 20 months I felt he should have had more words. He tested behind at 20 months but not enough to qualify for services, they told me to have him re-evaluated at 24 months if I was still concerned . I called as soon as he turned 2 b/c there was really no improvement and this time he qualified. He recieved speech 2x a week at home until he turned 3. At 3, the school system takes over so he was evaluated again and did not qualify for more services. He is 4 now and speaks quite well. Would he if I never had him tested? Maybe, but I'm so glad I went with my gut and had it done. he improved so much, so fast b/c of all the great therapy he had. The therapists also teach the family ways to work with the child. I thought it was great.

Guangs, I would suggest you ask your ped about Early Intervention in your state. If for nothing else, to put your mind at ease. Good luck.

 

[steen995]

Seeing all the comments on late talking, just had me wondering. Did anyone else with a late talker have their child diagnosed with Apraxia? My son is 2-1/2 and has been in speech therapy a few months. The speech therapist mentioned that it is a little early to diagnose but that he is giving signs of having Apraxia. Just wondered if any of the late talking children on this board receiving speech therapy had been diagnosed with this.

 

[klj27]

Seeing all the comments on late talking, just had me wondering. Did anyone else with a late talker have their child diagnosed with Apraxia? My son is 2-1/2 and has been in speech therapy a few months. The speech therapist mentioned that it is a little early to diagnose but that he is giving signs of having Apraxia. Just wondered if any of the late talking children on this board receiving speech therapy had been diagnosed with this.

My son was diagnosed with mild apraxia. He started st at 3 years 9 months and just finished at 6 years 9 months. We are just taking a little break from speech and will probably start back up at the first of the year. His mild apraxia has not affected him in any way other that speech. After therapy the only thing that he still suffers from is poor articulation, which we will continue to work on.