22 month old and speech

[Joan D]

Our 22 month old son is involved in our state's Early Intervention program.  He does not use words, but is very successful at communicating his needs through gestures, using pictures, sounds and pulling at our arms.  His range of vocalization is wide and multi-pitched and he is imitative in sound and action. He makes good eye contact with us, smiles and is generally happy.  He enjoys playing with his brother and cousins, particularly "chase" games.  His developmental skills are close to, or just below age-appropriate and he is making wonderful gains with therapy.  His OT has diagnosed him with a sensory integration disorder which seems to have manifested itself through his lack of expressive speech and through a difficulty accepting some solid foods.  Again, with therapy on the occupational side, we are making strides here with him now accepting about one new food a week.  My question is that my husband and I are extremely worried that he hasn't developed expressive speech yet, despite being in speech therapy since late January.  Everyone, including his speech therapist tells us to "give it a chance,"  but we are concerned that a) we could be doing more to help him, or b) that he WON't gain expressive speech.  We don't know whether these problems ARE usually helped by therapy. We have made an appt for him to see a local pediatrician recommended by EI as a development expert, but until our appointment later this month we are literally staying awake nights worrying about his progress. Can you help us out?  He seems to have normal health and development in every other way.  Thx.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

There is every reason to believe, based on your overall description of his status, that he will progress re: speech and language. The therapist's reassurance is well founded. One way you can help is by supporting your son's use of language instead of responding to his gestures and his pulling at you. If you respond to those means of communication you will hinder the development of language because he won't experience the need to communicate through language. The basic purpose of language for the child is to have needs met - it's what drives their development. The appointment with the developmental specialist is a good idea because he can help you delineate your son's status in the various spheres/domains of development.