SPEECH AND DEVLOPMENT OF A THREE YEAR OLD

[CRYSTAL MANTILLA]

My child will turn three next month and I have many concerns. The most major concern I have is his speech. I went to get him tested to see if he had a speech disorder and they said he was fine. Everyday that I am with him and many other childeren his age he tries so hard to speak but you could barley understand. I just dont know what to do he gets very agressive especially when he is hungry and cant really say he wants food. He is also a very picky eater who is  late bloomer with all hes teeth. Any suggestions?

[Cleveland Mom]

You can contact your local public school district to request a developmental evaluation, this will be at no charge to you.  Many school districts of a preschool program for children with various special needs such as speech and language problems if they quailify for services.  You can also check with your health insurance provider to see if they will cover a speech/language evaluation, you will need an order from your son's doctor if your health insurance provider will cover that.

It is very common for children with language problems to become very frustrated and to have behavior problems when they can not communicate effectively to those around them.  Best wishes...

[April2]

Hi! I have the exact same thing with my little one! He'll be three next month and is no where near where he should be with his speech. I'm not that concerned yet. My oldest was a late talker and is extremely bright and well ahead of his peers now. Sometimes they just get so busy playing they don't want to talk. Or if everyone around him knows what he wants (which is part of our problem, I think!) then he doesn't feel like he has to talk.
I agree that if you put him with other children his age, like a preschool setting, he will probably pick things up quicker. We're looking into that with our own little one.
And it's true they will get frustrated more when they can't get their point across. Have you tried teaching him some sign language along with teaching him words? Sometimes that works. It doesn't delay their talking. I heard it can actually help. I taught my son some simple signs for everyday words when he was younger, just teach or say the word along with it if you do try it. Just a thought.

[Cleveland Mom]

Also, are you referring to a speech problem, meaning difficulty understanding the words that he is producing or a language problem meaning not putting out much language i.e talking in one as oppossed to 3-4 word phrases?  As his mom, you need to trust your gut.  Have him re-evaluated.  Certainly there are children who are late talkers and eventually they catch up to peers and there are children who have communication problems that will not resolve without intervention i.e. speech/language therapy.  It is hard to know at your son's age what is going on thats why you should consider having another evaluation done.  As stated, one route is to contact your public school district and request an eval.   The type of preschool that I am referring to thru your school district can provide your son with the help he needs to get him ready for school.

[CRYSTAL MANTILLA]

He can say certain words that contain three to four phases. Those words are not very clear but understandable. I can ask him anything and he will answer but not in words mostly he will point or use questures, its very confusing . When you ask him his name he say me instead of his name, very lazy when it comes to speaking.

[Cleveland Mom]

With language there is receptive language ability and expressive language ability.  Receptive language refers to what a person understands and expressive language refers to the output of language, words spoken.  It is possible to have normal receptive language yet have difficulty or a delay in spoken language.   Some kids have difficulties in both areas.  

A three year old should be able to put together at least 3 word pharses.  His speech should be clear enough to be understood most of the time by your son's age.  Your son is quite young in the scheme of things.  However, based on your report of him he needs help with his language in terms speech/language therapy.  If his language and speech skills are significantly behind  when he enters school he will be at a disadvantage.  Its better to get him help now and not to take a wait and see approach.  Best wishes...

[newfie parents worried]

My daughter just turned 3 years old on june 5 and doesn't say very much.  I have had her tested and she is at the speech of a 11 month old.  I would not worry to much because, it just takes time.  I was worried alot and now that I know it has eased some stress.  She can't tell me what she wants or what is wrong.  She can do everything else normally but, she is still in diapers and trainging pull ups.  i just keep on talking and doing the alphabet with her and say words.  She can only say, mom, dad, nan, poppy, hi,uppie.  I am trying to teach her a few sign language words and letters and have not given up.  Your son will get the catch of things when he is ready, don't worry it will get better with time.