Speech Delay

My son is 3.10 years old and is speech delayed.  We have had four languages in the household at different times(Serbian, French/Spanish, English).   When our French babysitter spoke almost French (with some Spanish) from age 21-26 months he had some French vocabulary and sounds.  After she left  we had a Serbian babysitter who spoke only Serbian to him.  After a few months of this he dropped his French (though he retained some sounds in babbling) and had some serbian words.  He has only been an English speaker since last May.  Since then he has  vocabulary of 600 words in English and about 50 spread out between Serbian and Spanish (our current baby-sitter speaks English but has taught him some Spanish words.  He knows his ABC and numbers.  Knows his colors.   Is affectionate, sensitive to other

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Given the unusual situation your son has experienced during his formative time re: development of speech and language, he is doing quite well. From what you have described there is no need for professional intervention. He is now progressing well. Try not to interrupt his progress by introducing any new language to him. We would expect there to be a little delay with a child who has had the history your son has had.