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Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana

Post Number: 310
Registered: 10-2005


Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 5:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Okay, I know this is probably silly, but my 2-year-8-month-old boy seems quite behind his peers. He can barely form a hand full of 3-word sentences. He is not interested in drawing or painting for more than 20 seconds. He can barely sit through a book like Goodnight Moon. I remember fretting in similar ways with my daughter, but when I compare their developments, she was considerably more able to communicate and concentrate at his age. The "parent teacher" conference at day care was certainly no solace...

He LOVES movies and tv. He is a great mimic of sounds and movements. He's affectionate (both verbally and physically) and is a gifted dacer.

Still I worry. Lead poisioning? Too much TV? (Suffering pangs of guilt!)

Can anyone share experience advice? I've read those "What To Expect" books over and again...
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Joan
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Username: Joancrystal

Post Number: 7285
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 5:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Boys often develop verbal skills more slowly than girls; however, if you are concerned, you might want to consult with your pediatrician. Each child is different and it is extremely difficult (and unfair) to speculate on a child's possible developmental problems based solely on a post on MOL.
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Shanabana
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Username: Shanabana

Post Number: 314
Registered: 10-2005


Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 5:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well, the pediatrician has always seemed concerned about his speech, but has never made a recommendation. I'm not trying to get a diagnosis online--that would be silly--just a conversation.
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doulamomma
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Username: Doulamomma

Post Number: 1367
Registered: 3-2002
Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 5:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Shanabana,
Everything is probably fine...it usually is - sounds like your son shines in many areas. That said, if you feel worried, follow up - get the lead test. Ask the doc for a referral to a speech person. If there is a problem, find it but hopefully rule out things so you won't worry. As Joan said, boys & girls & one kid to the next (gender aside) can be different.
A friend who a a speech therapist in our area (Rachel Fish-Kaplan - wonderful reputataion) was very reassuring to me when I had a question about one of my kids...
Good luck! I won't even say try not to worry! ;-)

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Soda
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Username: Soda

Post Number: 3782
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 5:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Assuming that you trust him/her, the conversation you need to have is with your pediatrician. Be an assertive health care consumer. Insist upon the doctor dealing seriously with your concerns, and ask for referrals if needed. Your questions (designed to get and focus the serious attention of a doctor) should include the phrase, "If it were your son, what would you do?"

Good luck.

-s.
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SoOrLady
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Username: Soorlady

Post Number: 3254
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 5:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Don't compare your kids - you'll make yourself crazy and he's probably fine. My brother-in-law apparently had everyone concerned when at 2 he hadn't managed to say many words - then one night at the dinner table he looked over and said "I don't have a spoon"... guess everything had been ok up until that point.

If you're really concerned asked for an early intervention evaluation. It'll set your mind at ease.
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ina
Citizen
Username: Ina

Post Number: 343
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 5:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I think it's hard to have a girl first and then a boy because boys develop differently and in different areas and SEEM slow or delayed compared to their sisters.
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Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents

Post Number: 210
Registered: 5-2005
Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 6:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

SoOrLady is right - all kids develop at different times.....
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jennie
Citizen
Username: Jennie

Post Number: 55
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 6:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

http://www.firstsigns.org/

has information about identification of developmental delays. Hope it helps.
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peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider

Post Number: 1903
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 6:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Immediately have your son evaluated under the "Early Intervention" program. Your pediatrician can make the recommendation.

Not to "put down" daycare teachers, but in my own experience they really don't have the training to be consulted about these kinds of issues.

If there is a concern, the earlier you have it addressed, the better off your child will be. On the other hand, there really may be nothing at all!

Pete

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Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg

Post Number: 878
Registered: 5-2004


Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 8:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'd also recommend you try to have your child evaluated fairly quickly. Sometimes a State requires diagnosis of developmental problems before the age of three for them to assist in what can be extremely expensive, yet very, very helpful therapy.

(I know this was the case w/my nephew who was diagnosed very late with autism - I am absolutely NOT suggesting this is the same case w/your child, but mention it b/c of your child's age. My brother's family were very close to the age cutoff deadline of 3 in NYS and thankfully were just in time b/c their child now gets plenty of help and it is mostly covered by the state. They have seen amazing results with the therapy he has received - he is now 6. FYI, their pediatrician poo-pooed their concerns about their son's development for the longest time, so be sure to get second opinions - trust your own instincts.)

Also, Rachel Fisch-Kaplan helped my son with a speech problem and he absolutely fell in love with her!

Best wishes!
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Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana

Post Number: 315
Registered: 10-2005


Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 9:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thank you all!!

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