It’s often said that boys develop language skills later than girls, and initially, I accepted this explanation for my son’s struggles with speech. However, as I observed younger children effortlessly forming sentences and naming colors and numbers, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. Friends would casually share their toddlers’ latest verbal accomplishments, while I felt a mix of pride and frustration with my own child’s silence.
Despite my son’s apparent disinterest, I persisted in reading to him and narrating our daily activities. I mimicked his sounds and introduced baby sign language, hoping he would absorb language in his own time. Yet, progress remained elusive.
During a checkup, our pediatrician suggested we explore Early Intervention services, pairing us with a dedicated team of therapists at 606 Speech in Chicago. They identified our son as having an isolated speech delay. As he grew older, his frustration mounted. He would scream and throw tantrums, and I often found myself in tears.
When he felt particularly overwhelmed, he would go completely stiff, refusing to leave the park, which became his way of resisting authority. Everyone longs to express themselves, and our little one was grappling with this basic need.
Despite attending therapy sessions twice a week, it felt like progress was glacial. I dreaded the speech exercises as much as he did; I didn’t want to push him to perform tasks he wasn’t ready for. I often questioned whether his delay stemmed from my long work hours or even my DNA. Was sleep training to blame?
Then, around two-and-a-half years old, something shifted. My son began to mimic words and phrases. Before long, his vocabulary blossomed. Friends and family were right; he started using sentences regularly, and his speech flourished.
Now, it’s hard to believe there was ever a speech delay. It brings me immense joy to see him engage in animated conversations with friends. I can hardly keep up with his boundless energy, especially when he playfully spills chocolate milk everywhere. This journey taught me valuable lessons about resilience. Life will undoubtedly present challenges, but I hope he always retains the confidence to try again and find his voice.
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Summary:
This article chronicles a mother’s experience with her son’s speech delay, emphasizing the emotional journey of seeking help and the joy of witnessing his eventual verbal growth. It highlights the importance of persistence and understanding in parenting, while also providing resources for readers interested in related topics.