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| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Speech Pathology FAQs) |
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| Question 1 |
My son is 36 months and has not started talking yet. He has just joined play school but is unable to adjust there. He behaves like quite a loner and interacts with nobody at school and not even his sibling at home. If we tell him anything which may be to correct him he acts aggressive and starts screaming and misbehaving. We have received similar complains from his school. When I try to teach him words and how to speak, he refuses to learn anything and just goes off. He speaks very little and I am worried as children of his age speak a lot more. Krisha (Jamshedpur, India) |
| Answer 1 |
It would be very difficult to opine with regard to your child unless I have the following information: 1. Were his motor milestones age-appropriate head support, sitting, standing? 2. Are you a working mother? 3. Is there any history of late communication in your family? 4. Does he really comprehend age-appropriate spoken language (without the use of gestures from your side)? 5. Is the child’s spoken vocabulary increasing every month? 6. Is there any medical history of illnesses during your pregnancy or during birth or in the child since birth? 7. Has he been exposed to one language or to multiple languages?
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| Question 2 |
Thank you for the reply and here are the answers to your questions. When it comes to the TV or the music system, he is very much aware of that and responds by moving towards it. He also responds very well to the beep sound of the washing machine. There were no complications during his birth. I also started speaking at the age of 3 years, could that have an impact on him. Are there any good speech pathologists in Jamshedpur? We have also done the medical test for hearing (BERA TEST) in which his hearing was found to be perfectly OK. Krisha (Jamshedpur, India)
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| Answer 2 |
The fact that he does not have a hearing impairment is a good sign. Next would be to rule out attention disorder, for which only a speech pathologist could help you. The fact that you also began communicating could very well be that he is following the same pattern. Besides medical aspects, there could an emotional aspect to your son’s problem. 1. Is the mother a working mother? 2. Is the relationship between the mother and the father harmonious? 3. Has he gone through any traumatic experiences? 4. Are there any other problems in the family? 5. Does he have any older or a younger sibling that could be the cause of anxiety? A child could be affected by any of the following situations, as result of which he is feeling insecure or troubled. If this is the problem diagnosed by the speech pathologist, then appropriate steps can be taken (perhaps in conjunction with a child psychologist) to improve his communications skills and bring them in line with his age. I will try to send you some addresses for speech pathologists within a day or so.
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| Question 3 |
My 2 year old daughter has not yet started speaking and neither does she communicate well. She does not respond to all our calls. Is this a sign of attention disorder, if yes what am I to do and will she be cured of the same. She has had no birth defect and my wife had a normal delivery. I find her playing with her shadow at times. Sohil Khan (Mumbai, India)
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| Answer 3 |
You must consult a speech pathologist at the earliest. The doctor will be able to observe her personally and first rule out a hearing impairment, and any other related problems. Next, he/she will try to rule out attention deficit disorder. Some of the questions that the speech pathologist will ask will be along the following lines: 1. Were her motor milestones age-appropriate head support, sitting, standing 2. Is there any history of late communication in your family 3. Does she really comprehend age-appropriate spoken language (without the use of gestures from your side) 4. Is there any medical history of illnesses during your pregnancy or during birth or in the child since birth 5. Does she consistently respond to his name? 6. When the TV is put on, does she come running from the other room? If a hearing problem is diagnosed, then please write back to us, we will be able to give you some additional information.
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| Question 4 |
Thank you for your reply. The answer to your questions is: 1. Yes, her motor milestones were definitely age appropriate. There was never anything of concern then. 2. No, my wife is not working. 3. No, there is no history of late communication in my family. 4. She doesn’t comprehend a lot. If I try to make her focus on something she just ups and runs off. 5. Yes, I would say that her vocabulary is increasing ever since school has started. 6. Yes. Throughout both the pregnancies my wife suffered from high BP. 7. She has been exposed only to English. Sohil Khan (Mumbai, India)
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| Answer 4 |
You should definitely seek professional advice for your daughter. She probably has poor concentration and very often these children are known as hyperactive children. She may have attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) or a moderate degree of hearing loss. Her tantrums could be a result of frustration that nobody understands her. An ADHD can be confirmed only through direct observation and assessment by a psychologist/psychiatrist and a hearing problem can only be confirmed by a speech pathologist.
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| Question 5 |
My 2.5 years old daughter hears and understands everything but she hardly speaks. What should I do so she starts speaking at least a few words? She doesn't even let us know when she wants to go to the toilet. Otherwise she is playful and naughty. Also she does not in a correct position and refuses to listen to us when we correct her. Duru Sharma (Mumbai, India) |
| Answer 5 |
Your child is too young. Please do not put her in so much of stress. She will gradually learn. Keep talking to her. She will slowly start picking up sentences and words. Even if she doesn't repeat them after you, you should still keep talking. The next time she sits in the wrong position, call her to you so she gets up, and distract her.
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| Question 6 |
My 2 year old son speaks just a few words, though he can understand everything. He expresses himself through sign language. What should I do? Palkar Kumar (Dhanbad, India) |
| Answer 6 |
It would be best if you would furnish us with the following information: 1. Were his motor milestones age-appropriate - head support, sitting, standing 2. Is there any history of late communication in your family 3. Does he really comprehend age-appropriate spoken language (without the use of gestures from your side) 4. Is there any medical history of illnesses during your pregnancy or during birth or in the child since birth 5. Does he consistently respond to his name? 6. When the TV is put on, does he come running from the other room? |
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| Question 7 |
My son's motor-milestones were age appropriate. There is a history of late communication in our family. He understands what we talk to him and what is spoken about him. The child’s birth was normal though my wife had some stress and pregnancy related issues. He responds to his name as well as to the T.V. and music system. Palkar Kumar (Dhanbad, India) |
| Answer 7 |
It seems from your answers that the child is pretty intelligent. Delayed speech in the family could also to some extent affect his speech patterns. I am suggesting a few tips to help your child enhance his speech and language development. But I also suggest that you visit a local speech pathologist. 1. Try to speak only in one language, with the child as well as between yourselves - so the child is only exposed to one language. 2. Is your child being taken care of by a maid or a nanny? If so, ensure that the child is not exposed to yet another language. Although the child may understand different languages, he may get confused when he has to decide which language he should answer in. 3. DO NOT nag your child to talk. Instead, focus on increasing his comprehension, speech will automatically follow. 4. Speak in simple sentences. 5. Speak slowly so he understands everything you say. 6. Try to play games where he has to point the objects that you mention. Such as where is the fan, etc. 7. Then you can also play simple games such as the mother hiding behind a door, and where the child has to call out to her. The mother should come out as soon as he says her name. This is enjoyable, and it provides positive reinforcement. |
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| Question 8 |
My 3 year old daughter isn't talking yet. She just says a few words. She is otherwise very active. She does not seem to have any problem with her hearing either. What should we do? Kamla (Mangalore, India) |
| Answer 8 |
It would be very difficult to opine with regard to your child unless I have the following information: 1. Are you/is your wife a working mother? 2. Is there any history of late communication in your family? 3. Is the child's spoken vocabulary increasing every month? 4. Is there any medical history of illnesses during your pregnancy or during birth or in the child since birth? 5. Has she been exposed to one language or to multiple languages? |
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| Question 9 |
My daughter is 2 years old, but is not yet speaking properly. At what age should a child start speaking properly? Hetal Mehra (U.S.A) |
| Answer 9 |
By the age of 2 years, most children typically speak in 2-3 word phrases to express themselves. If (a) your child comprehends everything (spoken language) without the help of any gestures; (b) is gradually picking up words every month (vocabulary is expanding); and (c) all other motor milestones have been normal, then there is little cause for concern. You can undertake the following activities that will help facilitate further development: 1. Speak only in one language to your child, so she doesn't get confused. 2. Show her a lot of picture books and help her identify the pictures. 3. Speak in short sentences with small words to allow her to understand what you are saying. 4. Be a role model by first asking a question and answering it in one word. While you are in the kitchen you can ask "What is mummy doing?" Then you can answer it saying "Cooking". Then later ask her the question and have HER give the answer. You should see a gradual but definite progress if you follow these guidelines. You may also want to check the article on speech development. |
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| Question 10 |
My son is 2 years old. He understands everything we say and he also follows orders, but he does not talk and communicates more by actions. He loves to listen to music and recognizes movie songs. A child of his age should know to speak at least a few words. Is this something to worry about? How should I encourage him to talk? Malini Khanna (India) |
| Answer 10 |
By the age of 2 years, most children typically speak in 2-3 word phrases to express themselves. If (a) your child comprehends everything (spoken language) without the help of any gestures; (b) is gradually picking up words every month (vocabulary is expanding); and (c) all other motor milestones have been normal, then there is little cause for concern. You can undertake the following activities that will help facilitate further development: 1. Speak only in one language to your child, so she doesn't get confused. 2. Show her a lot of picture books and help her identify the pictures. 3. Speak in short sentences with small words to allow her to understand what you are saying. 4. Be a role model by first asking a question and answering it in one word. While you are in the kitchen you can ask "What is mummy doing?" Then you can answer it saying "Cooking". Then later ask her the question and have HER give the answer. You should see a gradual but definite progress if you follow these guidelines. You may also want to check the article on speech development. |
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| Question 11 |
My 18 month old daughter has a tongue-tie. She says simple words like mama, mummy, papa clearly. She does not say alphabets like F, L, S, R. Does she need to be operated upon? What is the right age to operate? Sonia (India) |
| Answer 11 |
Your child is 18 months old and is still at the development stage. Children are known to have a number of sound defects at this age, which they eventually outgrow. It is important that your child has a good role model who she can imitate with regard to speech. You should make sure that your daughter can make the range of movements with her tongue such as protruding her tongue beyond the lower-lip and elevating her tongue to touch the upper lip with her mouth half open. You could make her either imitate you or put some sticky chocolate (or something that she likes) on both the upper lip and the lower lip. She may then try to lick it with her tongue as a natural reflex. If she can do this, the likelihood of the child experiencing speech difficulty is minimized. This will also help you know whether she needs any intervention. In case of difficulty, it would be advisable to consult a specialist in person. |
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| Question 12 |
Is it necessary to perform surgery on a tongue tie? My baby is just 6 months old.
Feroza (Mumbai, India) |
| Answer 12 |
You mentioned that your baby is only 6 months old. We would like to know how you have reached the diagnosis of tongue-tie. If tongue-tie is affecting the child’s eating and sucking ability then you must seek professional help immediately. If not, then from my point of view, the decision regarding surgery should be made only when the child develops a certain amount of speech and language. I would therefore advise you to wait until the child begins articulating words and phrases before deciding on surgery. Please refer to my article on the website on tongue tie to help you further determine whether the child has tongue-tie or not. |
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| Question 13 |
My son is in the 1st standard and stammers a lot while speaking. He wants to talk, but due to his stammering, he cannot. Please help me solve this problem. (Andie, Middle East) |
| Answer 13 |
If the stammering is severe, you will have to take intensive therapy for your son since he is already 5 years old. Until the time that you start therapy, here are a few guidelines: 1. Do not interrupt him when he is speaking, let him complete his word even if he stammers. Be very relaxed listeners. Give him full attention when he is speaking. 2. Do not use the label stammering at the moment. 3. Don’t ask him too many questions, which need too much description. 4. Speak to him at a slow rate and using simple sentences. 5. Read to him stories when you are relaxed so that you don’t get interrupted (assign a slot for telling him stories everyday). Let him also read out to your from a book. 6. Do not compare him with other children for any of his activities, no negative comparisons. 7. Do not force him to speak in front of guests and friends and relatives. 8. Do not have heated arguments in the presence of your child. |
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| Question 14 |
My friend’s 3 year old daughter had been affected by rubella virus when she was born. Consequently her hearing and sight is defective. She is unable to speak. Is this curable? Amar (Salem, India) |
| Answer 14 |
Did the mother have rubella during pregnancy? In that case the child is known to have a hearing impairment with a vision problem. Hearing impairment is due to a nerve problem (sensory-neural type). Unfortunately, since the nerves are damaged, there is no cure for it. However, with technological advances, fitting of a good and appropriate hearing aid, coupled with intensive specialized speech and language training, the child can certainly develop the ability to communicate. This entire training should start at an early age, and therefore you should ask your friend to see a speech and language pathologist at the earliest. There is also a correspondence course for parents of children with hearing impairment offered from California, USA and is free for parents. Thousands of parents are benefiting from this clinic set up by the actress Tracey Spencer, when she learned that her son John was deaf. This is the address that your friend can write to, with the reports of the child, stating that they would like to be on their mailing list. This correspondence course comes in the form of lessons every month for the parents. John Tracy Correspondence Course 806 West Adam Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90007 USA |
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| Question 15 |
Thank you for your reply. My friend would like to know if he should go in for a second child. Would this second child be free from any defect? Amar (Salem, India) |
| Answer 15 |
It would be difficult for me to make an assessment whether the problem with the first child was genetic. If it was genetic then it is advisable to get the reports checked and validated by a gynaecologist before planning another child. |
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