It’s a well-known belief that boys tend to develop speech later than girls, so initially, I accepted this as the reason behind my son Oliver’s struggle to communicate. However, as I began to notice younger children than my 18-month-old speaking in full sentences and identifying colors and numbers with ease, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. Friends effortlessly shared their children’s latest phrases while I grappled with my own feelings of inadequacy.
Despite Oliver’s apparent disinterest, I persisted in reading aloud to him, making sure to narrate our daily activities in hopes he would soak up some words. I mimicked his sounds and tried introducing baby sign language, allowing him to turn the pages of books, hoping it would engage him more. Yet, nothing seemed to stick.
During a routine check-up, our pediatrician suggested we reach out to Early Intervention services, which connected us with a fantastic team of therapists at 606 Speech in Chicago. After assessing Oliver, they diagnosed him with a specific speech delay.
As he grew older, Oliver’s frustration escalated. He would scream, shout, and at times, resist authority by stiffening his body, especially when it was time to leave the park. This became his primary way of expressing his feelings, and it broke my heart to see him struggle for a voice.
Progress felt painfully slow, despite attending therapy sessions twice a week. I despised the speech exercises more than he did; I didn’t want to force my little boy into activities he wasn’t ready for. Was I to blame for his delay because I spent over 40 hours a week working? Was it in my genes? Or perhaps a consequence of sleep training?
Gradually, however, I began to notice a shift. At around two-and-a-half, Oliver started imitating nearly everything he heard. His use of sentences became more frequent, and he began to express himself more clearly. True to my friends’ predictions, his vocabulary expanded rapidly.
Eventually, his ability to communicate flourished. Today, he articulates exactly what he wants, and I often find myself laughing at his animated conversations with his friends. It’s hard to believe there was ever a speech delay. Watching his confidence blossom fills me with joy, even when he playfully covers the floor in chocolate milk during his exercises. This whole experience has taught me valuable lessons about overcoming challenges. Life may knock him down, but I hope he carries the confidence to rise again and always find his voice.
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Summary:
This heartfelt narrative reflects a parent’s journey through their child’s speech delay, highlighting the struggles and triumphs involved. As Oliver began to communicate more effectively, his confidence grew, showcasing the importance of perseverance and support in overcoming challenges.