When you have a child with language delays, the emotional journey can be complex and filled with ups and downs. When my son, Ethan, was born with a genetic condition, I anticipated he might face challenges in speech, as many children with similar conditions often do. However, as the months passed and he remained silent, I began to feel a mix of hope and concern.
At 10 years old, Ethan has a vocabulary of about 20 clear words. He primarily communicates through sign language and a speech-generating device. Recently, he’s been making more attempts at vocalizing sounds, focusing on vowels while omitting consonants.
As a speech-language pathologist who works with toddlers, I frequently interact with other moms who share similar concerns. Here are some common reflections mothers experience while waiting for their child to speak:
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“It’s still early; my child will talk soon.”
Initially, when I noticed Ethan wasn’t speaking, I held onto hope. Many parents in this stage either seek evaluations or choose to wait, believing that their child simply needs more time. I found solace when Ethan learned to sign “more,” confirming that he was grasping language in his own way. -
“Why isn’t my child talking yet?”
As time goes on, anxiety can set in. The reality of Ethan’s limited speech became evident as I compared him to his peers. I worried about his future and felt compelled to help him at home with exercises and sign language, convinced I could make a difference. -
“A new sound! It’s happening!”
There’s a moment when parents might hear their child produce a new sound or word. This is a moment of joy and hope. For me, when Ethan finally said, “Mama,” it felt like a breakthrough. However, I soon realized that these moments could be fleeting, as progress often came slowly. -
“Something must be wrong.”
As my child reached developmental milestones without the expected speech, I began to consider deeper issues. Seeking a second opinion led to a diagnosis of childhood apraxia of speech, confirming my worries. It was a pivotal moment that opened the door to new communication methods, including a speech-generating device. -
“Will my child ever speak?”
After years of navigating this journey, I faced the painful reality that Ethan might never speak fluently. I had to confront what that meant for his future, both educationally and socially. Accepting this didn’t mean I was giving up; it was about understanding our new normal. -
“Any communication is a win.”
At a certain point, gratitude took over my worries. I cherished the ways Ethan could express himself, be it through sign language or his communication device. I realized that communication transcended spoken words. -
“Long conversations may not be in the cards, and that’s okay.”
Ultimately, I accepted that Ethan might never hold a traditional conversation. This realization became a source of peace rather than sadness. We found our unique ways of connecting, and our bond flourished beyond spoken language.
If you’re a mom grappling with similar concerns about your child’s speech, know that you’re not alone. The journey is complex, but you may find your perspective shifting in unexpected ways.
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In summary, being a mother of a child with speech delays is a journey filled with hope, concern, and ultimately acceptance. As you navigate this path, remember that communication can take many forms, and every small milestone is worth celebrating.