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[lauralou]

Ah wow thanks ladies xxx certainly makes me more comfortable to know there is light at the end!

Titch he has actually picked up a few signs from watching mr tumble, he does some colours and trampoline (random!) the speech therapist said to just drop in the sounds casually wherever I can, so in the bath popping bubbles "pah pah pah" and playing with the ball "bah bah bah". He is great when he's caught off guard but if I just say to him "say dah" he just shakes his head n says no, clearly!! Haha that's one word he can say!

Ah I'm sure we will get there, im excited for him, its just not one of those things I ever really thought about, just assumed he was a bit of a slow talker but now I see how much hard work goes into it I'm finding it a bit daunting too. Xx

 

[lauralou]

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[titch]

that must be really frustrating that you feel like noone is able to help or work out what is going on.

I think that if he is reluctant to talk it is definitely the right thing to take the pressure off. Try to avoid getting him to repeat himself and never say "say..." Its what almost every parent I work with does at first, but honestly it doesnt actually help, as the act of repeating a word doesnt use the same brain pathway as speak a word from your own thoughts (IYSWIM) and almost every child absolutely hates it and refuses anyway, like you described your son does.

Have they offered you any support to help his communication in general? If he is getting frustrated its likely to be because he cant tell you what hes thinking about or cant ask you whats going on. Makaton signing can be really useful or using pictures. Its called a communciation book, or theres PECS which is aimed more at autistic children but I use it with some non-autistic kids too. Providing a child with an alternative way of communicating can help improve the behaviour and theres been lots of research that shows it doesnt hold back their speech, in some cases, it improves it, probably because it takes the pressure off the child to use thir speech, so it flow easier.

I hope that helped

 

[lauralou]

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[titch]

waiting must be the most frustrating part. Its really good to hear that he is using all these communication techniques. So many children cant even do that. Although Im sure you just want to hear his voice

Have they given you a date for your paediatrician appointment or is he sat on a waiting list? Sometimes if you ring up a lot and nag ("where is he on the waiting list now?") you do get seen quicker. It shouldnt be like that, but it does seem to be a case of the most vocal parents get seen first.

 

[lauralou]

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[titch]

the thing is a therapist isnt a doctor, so shes not allowed to say what she thinks it might be. But obviously she will have seen so many children she will be quite good at spotting signs and referring on. Try not to worry, its far better to know whats wrong, like you said before, then you can do something about it. Its such a horrible thing for a parent to go through but I think youre doing a fantastic job with him. Have you looked at the iCan website? I think there are parent forums and stuff, it might be good to not feel like youre the only one in this situation.

 

[lauralou]

Perfect!! I've been looking for a good website with a forum, thank you so much!! I'm on there now!!

And thanks for just replying, it's so hard to find someone who understands, it's hard to find someone who knows about it and can offer help. Xxxx