Once we got into a screening room to start checking his motor and language skills, they basically stopped the screening. We were discussing his language or virtual lack there of and based on what I was saying, she knew we were going to have to come back for a more complete evaluation. I know his language skills are nowhere near where they need to be. He has no trouble communicating his needs and wants, but very rarely uses expressive language to tell us. We have become very good at directing questions so the answers will be yes or no.
We will find out more Friday when we go in for a more complete evaluation; but based on what she saw yesterday, the speech pathologist estimated that his language skills are about the same as a normal 15 month old. That is a delay of 9 months and I feel horrible! You never want to think that your child has a developmental delay of any kind, but I should have known better. I just kept thinking, "he's focusing on his motor skills first." I should also mention that I have two college degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.
Tate's regular vocabulary is only consists of about 30-40 words. That includes his sign language and expressions like "ruff ruff," which is what he calls the dogs. Sometimes he will randomly say a word and then won't repeat it, no matter how many times you ask. Occasionally he will parrot or mimic what we say, but it is rare. He doesn't combine two words to make phrases/ simple sentences. You can't really count "wacko," which seems to be a thank you/ you're welcome combination because it's really just one word.
Today he has been walking around saying a new word, "happy!" It makes me smile because sometimes after he says it, he mocks blowing out candles. On the other hand, it makes me sad because he should be saying so much more. I should have taken him in a long time ago so he could have started receiving services as soon as possible. I did call in late May or early June, but they don't do any screenings during the summer. I know after Friday we will have a plan in place and we can start to move forward. Still, there is nothing worse than a mommy's guilt that she has somehow let her children down.
Sarah, For what it's worth I just want to share a few thoughts with you. From where I sit , which certainly is an outsider, you appear to have a happy and loving home. You appear to have a very happy little boy. He does not seem to act out of a lot of frustration which often stems from the lack of ability to communicate. So, while he might not be using the words expected of him at this stage, he is communcating in a way that is successful for him. You will know that all of these tests are based on averages and you know you don't have an average son. You weren't prompted to take him for testing because he has been happily communicatioin in his own ways. It will be nice to get a better understanding and maybe some help with him in the coming months, but don't rush past the fact that you and your son might find be finding ways for him to communicate in his own way for while and that is just perfect for your family.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteJust thought that I would let you know that Joe didn't say much before turning 2 either. (I never had him tested....maybe should have...) After he turned 2 with each passing month he started saying more and more. By the time Charlie was born (Oct. 30th) Joe was chatting up a storm. He is now quite the chatter box and says things that makes us laugh all the time. I know as a Mom it's hard not to worry but trust yourself. I have no doubt that by the time Tate is ready for school he will be exactly where he needs to be. He is happy and healthy with parents that love him! Besides with the testing you will come up with a plan and put it into action. Hang in there Mom! Hugs!
I have to agree with the other ladies! Don't blame yourself! Really it sounds like you were doing what you could and what you know is best. Ethan is right along with the same development if not maybe worse! After talking to a friend about her son going through speech therapy it was the same basic common sense stuff that I work with him anyway. I think, however, that he tends to talk more around other kids and when he is away from us (this is what I gather from my SIL when she has kept him). Even his cousins will prompt him to say words and he will! I'm sure he and Tate will take off in no time :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Sarah. I saw this on FB and although we don't know each other all that well I hope you don't mind my commenting. Both of my boys were very similar to this. They could both run, jump, skip, gallop at 2 yrs, but their language was very limited. By the time they turned 3, however, they had completely caught up. The more I've talked to other moms, I've found this is common for boys. It's like their brains need to choose physical or language development first and then it switches after 6/9 months.
ReplyDeleteMy little girl is a very different story though! At 3 she has an amazing vocabulary, but is much slower when it comes to physical coordination.
Basically, I wouldn't worry about a thing. Watch him, but don't worry about him. Give him time to even out, it will come!
There's my 2 cents :)
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteNothing takes away mommy guilt like seeing your child bloom. Nadia wasn't talking but maybe 10 words when she hit two and that included neigh and mooo. She started speech therapy in March or so and by the time she hit 3 she was ahead for her age in some of her evals. I think it would have eventually come to her like it does most kids but putting her in speech and seeing how quickly she picked it all up was amazing! (she didn't talk but we could guess her needs really well).We LOVED our therapist and that was a big key in her success. Good luck and I'm looking forward to hearing more about his success!!! Miss you, granola mama! ~~~S.