Speech/langauge development in children - questions/advice

Though many parents would want an answer for this question, its a tough one to answer for us.

It depends on (in general):
1. The reason for therapy (the problem)
2. Age and Level at which the child is currently functioning
3. Associated problems and their influences on the child
4. Learning readiness and co-operation from the child
5. Support from the child's family and follow ups at home and after.

So after the child's first assessment, the therapist will be able to give you a rough idea about the number of sessions needed. But remember its only for a start, for only when we get to work with the child one-on-one do we get to know the reality and constraints.

 

Dear madam,

By 3 years, should they have their Grammar also correct when they speak. By Grammar I mean Normal sentences,which is used in day to day life. Use of prepositions like "OF", IN","the"etc..,

Thanks
Puss

 

Hi SLV,

You are seriously giving wonderful advices.I just want you to go through my thread http://www.indusladies.com/forums/schoolgoers-and-teens/114202-please-read-this.html

Please read it and tell me if there's any problem with my kid.

Hi Partha,

We are in the same boat.My son is 3 years old.He is talking very little just a few days back he started 2 word sentences.I am really scared.Sorry for the deviation.I just wanted some help from SLV.

 

Hello Puss,

Children's Speech and Language Development happens in two modes:
1. Understanding what is spoken to him/her called- COMPREHENSION
2. Saying what he/she wants called - EXPRESSION

At any given age, a child is always understanding more than what he/she can say. Even better in a language that he/she is regularly exposed to (ex: one's Mother tongue)

By 2-3yrs a child is generally beginning to use longer sentences/phrases which may or may not be grammatically complete. Common forms include
"Amma give bikki", "I go Appa", - and their expressions are driven by variations in their tone. They do understand prepositions when demonstrated, or new words when associated with actions. Some children may begin to use common prepositions (generally- in, under,on) but with confusions.

By 3-4yrs their structures are maturing and many children can use common prepositions in their mother tongue and also may continue to have confusions with them.

Hope I have answered your concern.

 

You have cleared my doubts. Thanks So much SLV.

 

My pleasure.

 

Partha, Sorry for my question in your thread
SLV, are there any specific number of words, minimum cut-off, say a child should be able to speak XX words at YY age? Am not sure if this question should be addressed to you or Aadhusmom(pedi) here. TIA

 

Hi SLV,
My kid is 21 months old. But not yet started talking. Now he is speaking only 3 words, amma, appa, shikkka. Dont know the meaning of shikka. What to do... I need a solution... I am very much scared about this problem...

 

Am really sorry friends, i totally missed out on this thread. I sincerely apologize.

Yes, i did read your concerns in your posts.
Sorry but i may not say "All is well". You may not want to hear say this but yes, its slightly delayed and deviant.

But you would love to hear this- Its not too much a worry, because i see a lot of age appropriate skills too, so may be he needs help and support in catching up and gaining confidence and skills to learn new skills. And this can be done!!

Ok, we start here (this is thoroughly based on what you have communicated in your post, now if there are other concerns and issues, please write about them too):

His Strengths: Improving communications and social skills, good eye contact, no obsessive behaviors

Concerns: delayed milestones, inadequate (compared to his age) communication and social skills and hyperactivity

As of now am not looking at Autism as i don't have the complete information and also that it might be difficult a job for me diagnosing on a public forum, so for that please check with your Pediatrician. I will do my best to get you started to help you DS.

Do answer a few queries of mine and we'll take ahead from there:
1. Its not the number of words, tell me how does he communicate his wants and needs, likes and dislikes- is it just crying, head nodding or does he use his vocabulary in such situations.
2. Is he following your speech or your associated actions?
3. Does he relate to and express emotions?
4. Can you describe his play- self and with siblings/peers/parents?

And yes...Not to worry about 'r and l'.....children usually master that by age 3.5 to 4. In his case he may need longer. But as of now it shouldn't be a concern.

I'll keep a check on this thread and promise to keep replying.

Don't worry. Good Luck!