My son will be three in March. He started saying a few words at 15 months and then stopped. He had several ear infections during the time he stopped talking and had tubes put in his ears at 21 months old. He does hear and seems to understand everything that is said to him, but he doesn't say but 2-3 words. He makes lots of different noises and points to things he wants. I am ready to take him to a speech therapist, but we live in a very rural town, over 170 miles from a therapist. Any ideas or similar situations that you could help me with? I am very concerned. Thank you

Teaching

I am an early childhood educator and based on what you have shared I would recommend you to talk to the Health Department - they offer speech, hearing, vision, etc. It could be that the speech is delayed due to hearing. I would strongly recommend reading to your child. Literacy really helps speech. I am not sure which country you live in, however if you call the health department they are very resourceful. Maybe if there is a hospital in your town as well, they may have some resourceful people.

Jesushelper76

Speech therapist is very important right now.

I have experianced exactly what your son is experiancing. I had tubes put in several times on each ear when I was a baby. Ear infections, fluid in the ear can effect the speech and hearing. Even though he may seem like he understands. You need to get his hearing tested as well. Very important.

When older I was put into a special class because I had problems with speech developement and it did have to do with the ear infections and endless ear tubes being put in.

It does get better believe me. It might depend on how much his hearing has been effected and what kind of treatment and learning tools are available.

Be patient, but also do not hesitate to get help ASAP.

Joe

J_9

I agree with every answer you have so far, I just want to add one more idea:

It could also be that he doesn't have to talk. You say he makes noises and points at things he wants. Do you give them to him? If so, then he doesn't have to talk.

My son did this too, I called it "monkeying" because he sounded like a little monkey boy when he would point and make his noises. When I stopped giving him what he wanted and made him say the word, the speech began to flow like a charm.

If your child points at the fridge for some juice and makes a noise, you can ask him if he wants juice. "Do you want juice? Say juice." etc. Now my little one won't be quiet and he is almost 5.

Try this while you are waiting for confirmation about a speech therapist.

mduncan

hello my son turned 2 in september, he says mama and dada, and thats it, he points, makes noises, and all that, im concerned when he was an infant they did a genetics test on him, they said he had a hole cromozone missing it was called number 22q cromozone syndrome. I hope to God, I will hear him say mom I love you. I hope he is just slow to his speach. He was slow to everything else, I do not know what I would do but just love him. It worries me so much, I hope he can hear. They are going to do some testing on him with his speech thru parents as teachers, and possibly set it all up.
I just hope that he turns out to be as normal as possible, BUT GOD give me strength to handle and accept everything, I love him. I Just do not know what to do.. I am searching as you are. VERY CONCERNED AND LOVING PARENT.