It is a common belief that boys develop speech later than girls. Initially, I accepted this notion as the reason for my son’s difficulties with verbal communication. However, as I observed children younger than my 18-month-old son forming coherent sentences and naming colors and numbers, I began to feel a sense of inadequacy. Friends frequently shared delightful anecdotes about their children’s verbal accomplishments, which only intensified my feelings of envy.
Despite my son’s apparent disinterest, I continued to read to him, hoping to encourage his language skills. I imitated his sounds and introduced baby sign language, allowing him to turn the pages of books, believing this might help him absorb the information. Unfortunately, my efforts did not yield the results I had hoped for.
During a routine check-up, our pediatrician suggested we explore Early Intervention (EI) services. This connected us with a skilled team of therapists at 606 Speech in Chicago, who diagnosed my son with an isolated speech delay. As he grew older, his frustration escalated; he would scream and throw tantrums. I often found myself in tears.
When he truly struggled to express himself, he would stiffen his body, resisting leaving places like the park—a behavior that became his primary means of communication. It was heartbreaking to witness his struggle for a voice and the desire to be understood.
Despite attending therapy sessions twice a week, progress felt painfully slow. I despised the speech exercises we practiced, wishing instead for joyful moments together. I often questioned if my long work hours contributed to his delay or if it was simply a genetic predisposition.
Yet, gradually, my son began to imitate nearly everything he heard. Around two-and-a-half years old, he started forming sentences and pretending to read, just as friends and family had predicted. His vocabulary grew rapidly, and today, he articulates his desires clearly. There are times when I catch him chatting animatedly with his friends, and I can hardly believe he once faced speech challenges.
Now, it brings me immense joy to witness his blossoming confidence, even as he playfully splashes chocolate milk during his speech exercises. This journey has taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance. Life may present obstacles, but I hope my son will always find the courage to keep trying and discover his voice.
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Summary:
This article discusses the challenges faced by a mother as her son struggles with speech development. Initially attributing his delay to gender norms, she soon becomes aware of other children’s verbal progress, leading to feelings of inadequacy. After seeking help through Early Intervention, her son begins to show improvement, eventually flourishing in his communication skills. This experience highlights the importance of perseverance and the joy of witnessing a child’s growth.