Speech and language for 2 year old with CP?

TeamJames

Hi 
My son James is 2 years 2months and has been through a lot in his short life. He was Prem, contracted sepsis at 2 days old, then a twisted bowel was found and he had to have emergency surgery leaving him with just 40cm. Then June last year he was diagnosed with spastic diplegia. 

My hero of a boy is doing really well and I am mostly positive, but have my down days. He can sit, roll, and is cruising the furniture, he is feeding himself, can use a fork and spoon with help.

He hasn’t really said his first word yet, other than what sounds like momma. I was wondering whether people have had positive experiences with private speech and language. We are under speech and language but we only see them about once every 4 months. Me and my husband are following the strategies to help bring on his language but I’m not sure if we could do more. James has started to join in with actions to nursery rhymes and seems to have his own little language at times.  I guess the reason why I am posting is that I’m scared he won’t talk at all. When will someone invent that time machine 

Pippa_Alumni

Hi @TeamJames, and a warm welcome to the community! Great to have you here.

Thanks for sharing this with us. I'm tagging in our CP specialist @Richard_Scope in case there's any input he can offer, and hopefully our SLT @NicolaLatheySLT will be able to offer some guidance too.

In the meantime, do get involved with our discussions, and please do keep us updated!

Kate_Scope

Hi @TeamJames
I was wondering if you had heard of the navigate programme, we are supporting parents who have had a recent diagnosis for thier child or who are going through the diagnosis period. 

we offer emotional and practical support for parents. 

have a look at the information and see if you think it could be of some use to you. 

Some of the parent advisers have children with disabilities and have navigated this process so can offer emotional support through this and also point you in the right direction of practical support. 

http://www.scope.org.uk/navigate

Kate 

Richard_Scope

Hi @TeamJames
Good to meet you! By the sounds of it, you and James are doing a fantastic job. Any kind of delay in hitting those 'milestones' can cause worry, that is completely understandable. From what I've been told my speech was slightly delayed too. Now you do well to shut me up! Just ask my long-suffering colleagues at Scope! 
I guess what I'm saying is that sometimes patience is the key but I fully understand how you are feeling. If you would like a chat just let me know.

forgoodnesssake

Kids do develop speech at different rates BUT if you have concerns and especially if your son starts to appear (via behaviour etc) increasingly frustrated at his inability to speak, or speak clearly then you should insist on more SLT input and also think about starting some more "formal" AAC (augmentative and alternative communication).  Giving him symbol or picture based communication sheets or books, or some signing will not in any way hinder his speech development but it could really help stop him becoming frustrated if he cannot communicate in the way that he wants/needs to.  It is never too early to start supporting communication but unfortunately it is still the case that many professionals are slow to take pro-active steps. (my son is now almost 21, has no speech at all, had his first communication aid at 2.5 years and is studying maths at Uni) Lots more info here www.communicationmatters.org.uk

TeamJames

Thanks a lot for your kind messages. I feel really motivated to try another form of communication. We already do some makaton but i think the picture/ symbol idea will be another fun thing to try. I will keep you updated. James is also starting nursery on Monday so I am hoping this will bring on a variety of new skills . Thanks again

Richard_Scope

Exciting times @TeamJames!
I hope he has a great first day at nursery
Let us know how he gets on.