Speech (story in comments)

Words he can say (continued) Mum Dad or daddy Nanna LotLot = his Auntie LotLot (my sister) Doodles = Dog Blue = his Dad's dog ReeRee = his Uncle Ritchie (his dad's brother) Grandad Lelly = his Uncle Ellis (my sisters boyfriend) Tractor What's that Where is he Tea BotBot = bottle Juice DiDi = his blanket Baby Hello Yeah No Wee Wee (says this when he wants to use the potty) Bum (says when he needs a poo on the potty or when he's done a poo in his nappy) Ding (says this when he wants to watch crazy frog on the TV) Teeth Shower Car Cat

I am no expert but I have worked with children with speech delays and other issues, and I am pretty sure it is recommended (by speech therapists) that you don’t ask them to repeat after you and that you don’t ask them to “use their words” when they’re struggling. Also correcting them is not recommended, only modelling. Anyway, you might be able to get better professional advice if you contact a gp to be referred, although they may want to wait longer, not sure! I must say though, many children take a long time to speak and then don’t have any issues “catching up” ♥️

If you're concerned talk to your maternal child health nurse. They will be able to go through the milestone expectations and refer you to a speech therapist if required. My son 2 years 3 months had a speech delay. Turns out it was because he wasn't getting enough asleep (we had huge sleep issues that saw us got to sleep school for 4 weeks). My son is now on track. We also engaged with a speech therapist and were given great pointers. We also had numerous hearing checks. The most important thing to remember is every child is different and all learn at different paces. You're doing a great job.

This website is a fantastic resource, I work in a primary school and SALTs always recommend: https://progress-checker.speechandlanguage.org.uk Progress checker, resources to support, a helpline to speak with a professional.

At that age my son was about the same. Said a few words, and barely putting any sentences together. I was able to get a referral to a speech therapist around that time. What really turned things around for us was him starting preschool and being around kids his age. He started like 2 weeks before turning 3, and is now 3.5. The change over the past 6 months has been crazy! He talks fluently now and has conversations about all kinds of things all day long. If you’re not already, go to play groups, or activities where he can mingle with other toddlers; that may help. It was the best thing for us. If you can do speech therapy that’s also a good tool. It just takes some kids a little longer. Try not to stress too much. What always gave me hope was the fact that I knew he was improving. He was adding and learning new words with time even if it wasn’t as fast as other kids. I wish you the best

If you're concerned, start speech therapy. My son started at 19m. It's sooooo much fun!

Does your son go to nursery? I’ve worked with children of all ages and i’ve found that when I was in a nursery, children who joined with minimal speech often improved dramatically once being around other children talking. If he isn’t already in a nursery, if it is a possibility for you, i’d recommend getting him in one even for a day a week. If he is already, you can definitely talk to the staff there about your concerns and their SENCO should be able to look into some sort of speech therapy if they think it is necessary. I have seen speech therapy being done whilst working in a SEN school and it is so much fun for the child and helps so much, definitely a good thing to look in to if you are concerned ❤️

I think he should at least be able to say people's names properly now & the proper word for dog as that is easier to say than what he actually says for dog 😄 If he is not talking properly by the time he is 3, then I would speak to someone. X

It’s fine. It can take some babies up to 5 years to be able to fully form a sentence. I used to worry about my daughter too, around this very same age, but she’s 3 and half now and is able to tell me to sit down so…just be patient lol I have said this on many posts similar to yours. No need to rush, you’ll wish they can’t talk back at you once they can talk! Jokes aside, don’t try to force him to talk, that’s actually very bad on their development. It will happen naturally, and when it does, you also need to act naturally and not be like “that’s amazing! Say that again!” Or clap, or anything to make bring attention, that’s what a speech therapist has said to me. All I would do is repeat what they have said, and/or correct them where needed, but I won’t make it like she’s done something extraordinary. The important thing is to be patient.

Both of my sons were delayed and did speech therapy. The techniques I learned were to build by adding a related word and interpret by saying what they are trying to say. If he says “juice” to build you say “cup of juice” or “drink juice.” Without making a fuss or expecting him to say it back. if he asks for “bot-bot” interpret by saying “here’s your bottle.” If he is pointing and grabbing at a toy, say “I want that ball” and then give it him. Avoid asking questions. Follow the O.W.L technique: observe, wait, listen. During play just watch and let him take the lead. If he is playing with blocks wait to see what he says. If he says “what’s that?” You say “blocks! We’re playing with blocks.” He builds a tower and you say “tower. I built a tower.” He knocks it down and you say “uh-oh. Tower fell.” You’re basically modelling what to say instead of actively teaching. Eventually it becomes second nature as you go about your day together and you’ll start seeing results. Good luck :)

My son is 3 in July he can say 5 words and speech and language have said there is nothing wrong

At 2, children should say 50 words minimum so I would say he is delayed. Look at your states “early intervention” program to have him evaluated for speech services. My state only allows it through early intervention until 3, so if you were in my state, at this point I’d advise looking for an SLP through your health insurance instead of “early intervention” because he’s already 2 1/2 and by the time he gets evaluated bu them, finances are reviewed, and he’s scheduled with somebody, it might be close to 3 years old- and no sense in building a relationship with a SLP through early intervention if you’ll have to switch very shortly after everything is settled. My daughter receives speech services because her language was like when she turned 2. She’s now 2 1/2 and say a lot. It can be a very fast progression if you really apply what their SLP teaches you into your everyday routine with them. It’s very fun and will bring out your inner kid and so rewarding to see the progression.

I am not an expert and I wouldn't say he is delayed as each child develop at different pace but what workes for us is to switch TV/screen off and read for them, just look at pictures naming objects, etc and sing nursery rhymes like all the time. If he already started saying these things, I wouldn't be so worried. Just make it all fun for all of you 😉

I’m a children’s speech and language therapist and I’d recommend getting a referral to SALT so they can better assess what’s going on and can give the right advice based on that. I always say to parents never to sit on it and wait.

@Taymar I think they have lied to you then. There are certain milestones with speech depending on their age & they should be able to say at least 50 words by the time they are 2.

Just continue talking to him and narrating what you are doing, singing etc

After roughly 100worda, they should be working on two word phrases. If he's not he's behind. If I'm not mistaken even 3 word phrases. But I'd have to fact check that. Ok I checked online and yeah by 2.5 those 3 word phrases should be underway. Reach out to early intervention