|
|
Post by dannysmom on Aug 20, 2005 18:30:19 GMT -5
Hi, I have a question for all of you more experienced moms out there. Why is it that children with ds typically talk later than most? I am still educating myself on ds (my son is only 2 months). I can understand the physical stuff like crawling and walking being delayed to low muscle tone, but what is it about speech that makes it delayed?
Maybe there is not an answer but I was just wondering about your experience, what you think delays it.
I live in RI and our early intervention program sounds wonderful. Due to his heart surgery we haven't yet begun any actual therapies yet so I am hoping alot of my questions will be answered through the EI process. But I am one that needs to know everything she can...so I figured all the moms out there have lots of experience. Thanks!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Aug 20, 2005 18:49:25 GMT -5
I think many kids with Ds have speech delays due to their cognitive impairment. Low muscle tone and motor planning problems also contribute to their delay. The muscles around the mouth and especially the tongue are so important for speech. I think speech is one area that many of us are frustrated. My daughter understands almost everything you say to her but her speech is very limited. She is able to sign more words than she can speak. Sign language is a great way to help your child to communicate and it also helps to get the words out when he starts speaking. It is a wonderful tool!
Chris
|
|
|
|
Post by dannysmom on Aug 20, 2005 18:55:42 GMT -5
Chris,
I have read alot of posting and they referenced signing. Is signing used in the interim until they speak or instead of speaking? I noticed from your signature that your kids are born pretty close together. In your experience, is Sarah far behind where Alyssa was at her age?
|
|
|
|
Post by Valerie on Aug 20, 2005 21:25:33 GMT -5
Lisa, signing is now used with typical children as well as children with special needs. It gives them a way to communicate before they are able to actually do the speaking. It's also been said in studies that it helps children speak quicker. Since Nicholas started watching the signing times videos a couple monthes ago, he's started signing a LOT, and does say the word that he's signing. So it's really been good for him. As for how delayed he is, he probably has about 50 words he says, all one word except for a few, like "what's that", "Good job", things like that. And he also signs several. He is nowhere near where my older son was at that age, but Derek was, is, and always will be a talker. I heard that at every parent teacher conference..."Derek sure likes to talk." ;D  |
|
|
|
Post by momofrussell on Aug 21, 2005 6:40:12 GMT -5
Well, I think Chris explained the why's of speech delays nicely! Can't ad much more then that!
A.
|
|
