Speech Issues

[lorettacritchet]

Hi,

At the moment I have three kids (not all at the same time) who have speech issues. None of them babble (not even one bit) but seem to understand well and the do use pointing as a form of communication. One of them does a little sign language but never with me, just his parents. I have asked the parents for a burnt DVD disc of simple language signs etc but nothing yet so I am investigating learning sign language however this doesn't solve any of the other children's issues without a long delay. Already I have the sign language parents saying I don't go to enough play groups and it's probably causing more issues with non interaction/speech.

Can anyone give me some advise please? I know there is the I CAN organisation out but what else can I do?

[sarah707]

I would be doing home visits they will tell you a lot about how many opportunities the child has for communication.

At the same time, daily reading and song sessions, lots of opportunities to chat, choices and encouragement to respond etc

[hectors house]

What are their ages?

Why are the parents who do signing blaming you for their child's lack of speech development? - I know that signing can be a form of communication for children who are too young / or have a delay with speech but maybe the child would just rather do signing - they taught child that, not you! Just because you don't go to groups do they assume you don't talk and sing at your house!

On a SEN course the tutor told us to ask a parent a specific question about communication - for example if parents say "he tells me when he wants a drink" don't just assume they mean child verbally asks it could be that the child takes them by the hand and drags them to the fridge or points to the cupboard where the squash is.

[Stapleton83]

Would agree lots of singing, reading and just general chatting. If their understanding is good it could be they are just shy I would also say it depends if they are a younger sibling. One of mine didn't say much to begin with because his siblings did it all for him.

If you are concerned about the parents comment re socialising and think they are right then do more of it but don't let them dictate to you. There is a great publication called Every Child a Talker which I will try and attach that is worth a read.

Sam x