Almost 2 year old speech delay: advice needed

DS has always had texture issues with food and has been seeing a speech therapist since he was a year old. The therapist he was seeing went out on emergency sick for two months and he saw someone else. When she returned I asked her if she thought he was having any speech issues. I was a little concerned that he doesn't parrot what we say. He has over 50 words but tends to use alot of the the same phrases in appropriate context. Like hi, bye, mama, daddy, papa, nanny, I do, baby, baba, hide etc. Other will come out every so often and are accurate but he primarily says about 20 words more frequently.
She said she was concerned and she thinks he has a delay in expressive language. She said she will continue seeing him twice a week and will focus on that. She feels he would not qualify for EI and I know he won't being familiar with the system bc he has no other delays. He understands everything we tell him and will follow directions. He makes eye contact is personable etc.

I guess I am just looking for support and someone who can relate. I work ft and I feel like if I was home more maybe it would make a difference. What things do you do at home that helped? We read books all the time, I talk to him constantly and play as does my parents and dh. I am having a I'm a bad mom moment. Sorry so long, thanks if you read all this.

Message edited 1/5/2013 1:26:50 PM.

Re: Almost 2 year old speech delay: advice needed

Your DS sounds similar to my DD. she's 2.5 and because she has a lot of words I didn't think anything was wrong, but my DS, who just turned 4, his speech therapist said she has difficulty with articulation. We had her evaluated in EI and she gets an hour a week now.

We were told to work on animals and the sounds they make, using the word yes instead of ya bc it develops more sounds, and just to explain things and repeat things often. Ex. DD- mama juice, me- say I want juice please, I let her try, then repeat, ok milana would like some apple juice, please. They don't expect very long phrases at this point, but they should be encouraged to try and not limit the words. I know for me I used to just say ok hunny I'll get you juice, but this was limiting her.

ETA: Im a SAHM and I feel like I'm the one letting her down bc I'm the one who should know how to teach her these things, and I should have all the time in the world for her to get it right, so I feel guilty bc I don't think I'm doing enough. So try not to be so hard on yourself, I know easier said then done, but I truly feel social environments for speech delay is the best thing possible, my son has done wonders now that he's older and in classes/school. Sometimes they just need a little extra help, it's nothing you did or didn't do.

Message edited 1/5/2013 1:45:36 PM.

Almost 2 year old speech delay: advice needed

My first ds was a late talker and didnt qualify for speech. They said it was like the light was on up there in his head, but just didnt express words.

From my own experience, many boys are like this. My son now literally does not shut up for a second and we all laugh at how we were even concerned over his speech. I see my second is going to be a late talker as well.

My almost 2 year old has less than a handful of words. He understands everything though and can point to objects or bring you what to tell him to. I will have him evaluated soon but I'm not concerned and neither is my pediatrician, who says he will be just like his brother.

It's good that you're on top of it, but try not to worry too much.

Re: Almost 2 year old speech delay: advice needed

Thanks ladies- anyone else have btdt or advice?

Almost 2 year old speech delay: advice needed

Everyone always says boys are on the later side with speech, but I know it can be very worrisome. My DS is younger than yours, but I worry about his expressive skills as well. He can understand so much and he surprises me with things i didn't even think he knew. I know people who have two year olds who don't say anything and aren't worried at all, I guess it depends on the person. I thought 50 words at 2 is considered normal.

What does your ped say?

Re: Almost 2 year old speech delay: advice needed

I had my DS evaluated three times (at 18m, 2yr and 2.5 yrs) b/c of a speech delay. He definitely did not have 50 words at 2 1/2 and he didn't qualify each time. That was his only delay and they could tell by how he played with the toys and interacted with the evaluators (smiling and being friendly), they said "it's all up there and will eventually come out". It was right around his last evaluation that he really started to string a few words together. now he is almost 3 and does not shut up. If speech is his ONLY delay then I don't think you need to worry. It's so common with boys but I know it is very easy to say that. Moms never stop worrying.