Care to share speech therapy experiences?
By TheCatzMeow1
@TheCatzMeow1 (579)
United States
June 28, 2007 12:18pm CST
I've been battling speech issues with my 4 1/2 year old son. Speech problems with the little ones runs in his dad's family. To top it off his dad's dad stutters, which I don't think will be an issue because it's not thought to be hereditary. Finally the pediatrician has taken interest in my concerns, so we'll be setting up an appt. to get speech therapy started. I know this is going to take some time as the Children's Hosp. is a very busy place and appts. don't come quickly there.
I'm hoping to get some advice from other parents who have already dealt with this, or are in therapy now. I'd love to get a jump start and help him while we wait. It's frustrating for all of us when we can't understand him. What can we do to help with sounds? If you just want to share your experiences, that's fine too. Thanks.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
28 Jun 07
My youngest daughter has had three years of speech therapy so far and will need at least one more. I'm told that her particular issue is one of the more difficult ones an that while therapy will help, maturity will make the biggest difference.
She's gotten hers through her school but I also know there are private speach therapists. Sometimes the cost is even covered by insurance.
A lot of times working with a child at home is much easier than you might think. Try having your son speak slowly and have him practice the words with sounds he has the most trouble with. It's hard to get more specific than that without knowing what exactly he struggles with. Hope that helps a little anyway!
1 person likes this
@TheCatzMeow1 (579)
• United States
29 Jun 07
I think I need to make a diary and write down the sounds he's having issues with. I know he's having trouble with b, w, th, and r in some words. I have been pronouncing trouble words and sounds slowly. When I don't understand a word he tries to mock me from when I help him. It's cute. LOL Believe me, everything helps a little. I thank you for your input.
@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
29 Jun 07
Keeping a diary of it is a good idea. It will also make it easier to recognize little improvements. He has different trouble sounds than my daughter has. She struggles with -s,-sh,-ch,-g,-z, -j...probably others depending on the word. She's very nasally when she says them, it's hard to describe. I was hoping they might have a similar problem since I know how to deal with these sounds but you son's trouble sounds are completely different.
@wachit14 (3595)
• United States
28 Jun 07
I don't think you need to go to a hospital for speech therapy. Your school district should offer these services to your son, even if he is not ready yet for public school. I would call administration in your school district and ask if they can evaluate your son for speech therapy. You may be eligible to receive the services from the school district at no charge to you.
1 person likes this
@TheCatzMeow1 (579)
• United States
29 Jun 07
Ahhh, I didn't even think about that. I'll have to call them and check into it. Thanks for your input!
