A mom posted a question last week about her slightly-older-than-mine child not saying much and she got a lot of feedback regarding early prevention programs. My son, too, who is just about 18 months learned "mama" and "dada" about two weeks ago. I'm thrilled, but haven't gotten the following flood of words I was hoping for. I haven't been worried, per se, because both grandmas claim both myself and my husband were "late talkers" and I've read in numerous places that boys tend to be slower with talking. But in all honestly, my son doesn't even babble all that much. Never has. Screeches and grunts a lot, points, knows a handful of signs, but that's it. The comprehension is certainly there; he recognizes tons of words. And I'm sure his hearing is fine, because he's constantly pointing out sounds outside the window that I barely notice myself. So to my point... his 18 month checkup is next week and I want to make sure I ask all the right questions. Does he need his pediatrician's recommendation (or referral) to get in touch with a program? Is there one in Orange County? Are they all free or does insurance help? It's like if I should or could be doing something that would help, I'd like to. I think everyone's frustration level would drop considerably if he could communicate better. Maybe I'm jumping the gun since he's still pretty young?
in OC it is the regional center. free until 3. and then your school district takes over.
Hi, there could be something wrong with his hearing, and your ped should be able to check that...in my case, my daughter took a pacifer constantly til 3, then only in bed or the car...anyway, she hardly said anything until her little brother started out talking her..he was barely 2 and saying a whole lot more then she was. And now, well they both talk non stop, they are 3 1/2 ans almost 5...good luck!
My highly intelegent and now very verbal son was slow in learning to talk so there maybe nothing wrong with your child. From what you described your son is very responsive and alert. Things like eye contact and response to affection are more markers for other problems than a male child learning to talk a lot. I would speak to your ped. about this. If you don't feel satisfied get a second opinion. Persue it untill you are comfortable with their answers.
You should find your closest regional center and they can asses him. Ask Your ped. to refer you. My son is almost 5 and he didn't babble alot when he was a baby. He's attended special education preschool and received speech therapy and he has improved tremendously!!
There is help in OC. I have a 3-year-old that was saying less than 10 words at age 2. We found the Regional Center of Orange County and they funded speech therapy for my son until he turned 3 (that's when the school district takes responsibility for services). RCOC's web site is www.rcocdd.com. We were pleased with their services and the progress our son has made.
