OT- Need some help with speech

[PebblesMK]

My niece will be turning two in August. Her speech seems to be delayed and I think it's because her mom doesn't work with her. I do have her a couple days a week and try to work with her but am not entirely sure what I should be trying in regards to helping her.

Like I said, she's almost two and she says a lot of words-but will not put words together (like "Hi Daddy"). Also, her words almost all start with H. We read hooks instead of books. We hump instead of jump. She can say most letters of the alphabet correctly but if it is at the beginning of a word, she won't/can't. She can say mama, daddy, papa, Millie, Bits and various other words that start with the correct letter, but she called me Gookie instead of Cookie or Brookie, but it's mostly the letter H that starts everything. Is there anybody that can explain what can be done to help the situation. I'm not expecting perfect speech, but it would be nice everybody (including her parents) didn't have to ask me what she is talking about when most of the time I don't know!

 

[mjkacmom]

Have her mom contact early intervention - all states have them, usually through the health department or schools. They will send out a team and evaluate her, and is she is eligible, she will receive ST, probably at home, at little or no cost. If she waits it out, and it doesn't improve by 3, she will still be eligible for services, but usually the birth - 3 services are better than the 3 - 5 services (here, they attend preschool for kids with all kinds of disabilities).

My ds7 thrived with ST. My sister's ds was diagnosed with apraxia, a more serious neurological speech condition, and after 2 years, he is improving, slowly (your niece doesn't have apraxia, I think - just wanted to share a story of how important is was that my nephew got diagnosed at 2).

I don't think it's an issue of not working with her - most kids develop speech on their own, and if not, need a trained speech therapist.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

She might be like my niece.

She didn't talk much for the first 3 or 4 years and everyone was really worried about the whole thing. The next thing we know she is spouting off full sentences. It seems she wanted to wait until she was really good at it before she showed everyone she could do it.

 

[PebblesMK]

Have her mom contact early intervention - all states have them, usually through the health department or schools. They will send out a team and evaluate her, and is she is eligible, she will receive ST, probably at home, at little or no cost. If she waits it out, and it doesn't improve by 3, she will still be eligible for services, but usually the birth - 3 services are better than the 3 - 5 services (here, they attend preschool for kids with all kinds of disabilities).

My ds7 thrived with ST. My sister's ds was diagnosed with apraxia, a more serious neurological speech condition, and after 2 years, he is improving, slowly (your niece doesn't have apraxia, I think - just wanted to share a story of how important is was that my nephew got diagnosed at 2).

I don't think it's an issue of not working with her - most kids develop speech on their own, and if not, need a trained speech therapist.

Sadly, I don't think she would contact anybody. She really is kind of neglectful, not that she means to be...but it's how she was raised. The mom thinks my niece is way ahead of other kids and is amazed at how smart she is. And maybe this is normal, but I can only go from personal experience. I just think it's much easier to catch things now than let them progress to the point where it's exceedingly more difficult. The mom's sister failed to notice that her son was completely deaf until he was about 6 or so and finally took him in. Her other children have extreme speech delays as well...and I'm betting that it's just the fact that they were/are ignored and sat in front of a tv all day- which is what happens to my niece.

You seem a bit versed in this, would it be possible for me to call and perhaps set something up? Heck, I'm even willing to pay part of this, as are my parents, but getting her help would be great if it's available to her. She may also go to a montessori school which could help as well. I appreciate your advice!

 

[bumbershoot]

This just doesn't sound abnormal. Kids develop differently from each other.

I've NEVER had a kid say my name properly until they are at 3; my name is Molly. One of the reasons I'm cool with DS calling me by my name (and it's only in the last year gone from Mowy to Molly, despite a genetic predisposition to difficulty with L (and S...his dad and uncle both have lisps b/c of the way their mouths and teeth are formed)) is because most kids I've known have called me Mommy b/c the Ls are just too dang hard for most littles.

I know everyone's all into early intervention now, but gosh, once you've done that, how can you know if it was that or just TIME that caused the change? And if you've decided that EI made the change, then you'll be an advocate of it. It's frustrating to see from the outside. But to me, it seems that these EI people are getting the credit for something time will take care of for most kids....

I wouldn't think twice of needing a translator for a 2 year old. Almost every 2 year old I've ever known has needed a translator! (always helpful to have an older sibling, as they generally know exactly what their little sibs are saying...I was part of the reason my brother didn't speak until he was THREE, because the kid just didn't NEED to!)

 

[mjkacmom]

Sadly, I don't think she would contact anybody. She really is kind of neglectful, not that she means to be...but it's how she was raised. The mom thinks my niece is way ahead of other kids and is amazed at how smart she is. And maybe this is normal, but I can only go from personal experience. I just think it's much easier to catch things now than let them progress to the point where it's exceedingly more difficult. The mom's sister failed to notice that her son was completely deaf until he was about 6 or so and finally took him in. Her other children have extreme speech delays as well...and I'm betting that it's just the fact that they were/are ignored and sat in front of a tv all day- which is what happens to my niece.

You seem a bit versed in this, would it be possible for me to call and perhaps set something up? Heck, I'm even willing to pay part of this, as are my parents, but getting her help would be great if it's available to her. She may also go to a montessori school which could help as well. I appreciate your advice!

The assessment is free of charge. Why not make a phone call and find out? I've never known anyone who regretted getting an evaluation - either you find out there is no problem, or you get help (pay is on a very generous sliding scale - I payed less than $100 for 2 years of services, and DH has a nice salary). There is a shortage of therapists, so no danger of them saying a child needs services when none is needed.

 

[Hoodie]

This just doesn't sound abnormal. Kids develop differently from each other.

I've NEVER had a kid say my name properly until they are at 3; my name is Molly. One of the reasons I'm cool with DS calling me by my name (and it's only in the last year gone from Mowy to Molly, despite a genetic predisposition to difficulty with L (and S...his dad and uncle both have lisps b/c of the way their mouths and teeth are formed)) is because most kids I've known have called me Mommy b/c the Ls are just too dang hard for most littles.

I know everyone's all into early intervention now, but gosh, once you've done that, how can you know if it was that or just TIME that caused the change? And if you've decided that EI made the change, then you'll be an advocate of it. It's frustrating to see from the outside. But to me, it seems that these EI people are getting the credit for something time will take care of for most kids....

I wouldn't think twice of needing a translator for a 2 year old. Almost every 2 year old I've ever known has needed a translator! (always helpful to have an older sibling, as they generally know exactly what their little sibs are saying...I was part of the reason my brother didn't speak until he was THREE, because the kid just didn't NEED to!)

This. My brother was almost 3 before he started really talking and like the PP, he started in full, multi-word sentences. I'm convinced my son will be the same. He's only 16 months, but only has about 8 words. He babbles non-stop and can point to things if you ask him, but very few "words". Interestingly, it's mostly H words as well. If she's interacting and knows what you're saying to her, I wouldn't be too concerned. It takes a while for them to speak really clearly.

 

[mjkacmom]

I know everyone's all into early intervention now, but gosh, once you've done that, how can you know if it was that or just TIME that caused the change? )

As someone with a background in special education, I've seen what happens when some parents wait it out. Studies show that the earlier interventions start, the better the outcome. A ST will know what sounds a child should make at what age. A good ST will be able to know what is normal, and what is not. I can't see any harm in speech therapy - kids love it, and even if they would've eventually spoken, a lot of frustration is avoided. There are kids who are just delayed, and kids who have a real physical or neurological problem.

It's like finding a lump on one's breast - is it a tumor? Is it a cyst? Gee, my friend had one, and it was just a cyst. Better to wait it out, right?

 

[Wishing on a star]

My niece will be turning two in August. Her speech seems to be delayed and I think it's because her mom doesn't work with her. I do have her a couple days a week and try to work with her but am not entirely sure what I should be trying in regards to helping her.

A child without speech/hearing problems will learn to speak without being 'worked with'.

It would have to a very rare case, where the child was seriously deprived of normal interaction, for a parent to be implicated in a child's speech development. So, I wouldn't be making the suggestion that you seem to be making.

It is also presumptuous to think that you would be 'working with' somebody else's child. (unless specifically requested, paid...)

This child has not turned two yet!
I am with those who feel that it is premature and presumptuous to begin to assume that this child is so 'delayed' and that it is the mother's fault.

I agree with the others, that if needed, early intervention is the way to go...

However, free or not, the OP can not have somebody else's child evaluated.

It is very possible that the mother/parents will take a lot longer than others to really see any problems/deficits. Sometimes it just takes time. If things do not improve before she is 2 1/2, going on three, you can be 'encouraging' with her mother re: eval. and early intervention.

So, this would be my advice.

 

[Tinkermommy]

If her mom won't do anything not sure she would let you do it.

You may suggest having the mom talk to her pediatrician at her 2 year check-up.

My son was a slow talker he said a few words at 2 but he was speaking really well by 3.

I think it is a little early to rush into testing like this. I know some that did when the children were older (over 3) and both kids ended up speaking just fine when they started.

 

[PebblesMK]

I agree that a lot of kids take their time to speak and some kids don't feel the need to. It's sort of like my cousin who didn't walk until he was 5. He knew how to, but he also knew that he could be carried or put in a stroller and so refused to. His speech was also delayed because he was catered to a bit too much.

Like I said, I only know from experience with my daughter who at 18 months spoke in full sentences. Generally I can understand her because I'm around her all the time, but sometimes when she said "hawk" it gets so confusing. That word stands for about ten other words!! Hahaha!!! If she can get tested just to be sure she is on the right track, that would be great. She very well could just be stubborn. I tried to teach sign language and that one was completely out for her!

 

[PebblesMK]

A child without speech/hearing problems will learn to speak without being 'worked with'.

It would have to a very rare case, where the child was seriously deprived of normal interaction, for a parent to be implicated in a child's speech development. So, I wouldn't be making the suggestion that you seem to be making.

It is also presumptuous to think that you would be 'working with' somebody else's child. (unless specifically requested, paid...)

This child has not turned two yet!
I am with those who feel that it is premature and presumptuous to begin to assume that this child is so 'delayed' and that it is the mother's fault.

I agree with the others, that if needed, early intervention is the way to go...

However, free or not, the OP can not have somebody else's child evaluated.

It is very possible that the mother/parents will take a lot longer than others to really see any problems/deficits. Sometimes it just takes time. If things do not improve before she is 2 1/2, going on three, you can be 'encouraging' with her mother re: eval. and early intervention.

So, this would be my advice.

Since she is my niece and I have her quite a few days a week....sometimes as many as five or six- for a minimum of 4 hours a day up to 10 hours a day, I do think that I'm capable of "working" with her. I'm not saying a rigorous detailed schedule, more along the lines of what most parents would do with their kids. I know mine didn't learn her colors and numbers and letters from watching Dora....it was because I worked with her. The same that I would do with my niece. That really can't be seen as a bad thing. I'm not trying to "fix" my niece either, but help her. And there's nothing wrong with that, even at two.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

My middle child (and only girl) did not talk until 2yrs and 4 months. I was worried because my oldest had talked in sentences at 18 months. At her 2 year old appointment my doctor told me to relax as long as I was sure she was understanding what I was saying and could respond to simple commands. My doctor told me to let him know if she still wasn't saying words at 2 1/2. I'm not sure when he wanted sentences because within two months she was talking away.

She now never stops talking!! I have to tell her to let others talk also!

The best thing you can do is talk to her even if you think it is boring. Tell her what you are doing. "Let's make lunch. First I need to get out bread....." T.V. does not count, but reading certainly does.