Nora Said:

My almost three yr old daughter has an articulation development delay.Can someone suggest measures to improve?

We Answered:

I feel for you. I am a speech-language pathologist with over 25 years of experience and mother of 3.

I suspect that articulation delay is not the only issue, but that she may need help with behavior, an possibly socio-emotional issues as well.

It is hard for me to imagine that a speech pathologist would just "give up" without referring you to appropriate intervention.

Some ideas:

1. a re-evaluation at your school district (from 3 to 21 every chidl is eligible for free appropriate services)

2. consultation with a child psychologist, social worker or a developmental pediatrician

3. sit down for a detailed conversation with her teachers if she is in a preschool, and if not - get her in a preschool

Best wishes.

P.S. Music therapy is a good idea, as are occupational therapy for possible sensory integration issues..,

however, all has to start with a thorough developmental evaluation.

You are welcome to contact me directly.

Deanna Said:

RAF lakenheath.....pcsing with special needs child?

We Answered:

Hi,
I know the local area and found some links/info below which might be useful for you.
Sorry I can't be of more help etc.


Suffolk County Council link:
(responsible for local/UK schools special needs provision)
http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/EducationAndLe…

Parent Partnership:
(local helpline and parental support for special needs education)
http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/parentpartners…


Lakenheath (USAF) Elementary School link:
http://www.lake-es.eu.dodea.edu/Curricul…


UK Govt Schools Inspectors/Regulators with individual school reports.
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/

Ben Said:

How long does it take to remediate Speech articulation problems?

We Answered:

The 'R' sound doesn't tend to come until around 6 yrs of age if there are difficulties, even with speech therapy...although some can learn earlier.

As for how long it will take...depends on the kiddo. Mine started at 4 yrs old, went once a week for 1/2 hr each time, picked it up very, very quickly. Other kids take longer. He was missing a lot of consonants - L, th, ch, sh, g (soft and hard), k, etc.

He still doesn't have his 'R' sound...but he's only turning 5 in May, so the therapist suggested we try back in a few months to see if he's ready for that one.

Ken Said:

Questions for those whose children are enrolled in Connections Academy?

We Answered:

Since you're having a baby this January you might want to do something a little more simple than Connections, my understanding is that there is a lot of busywork.

Personally I prefer something like http://amblesideonline.com It's just simpler.

Your girl who is clearly very bright can and should be spending A LOT of time at the library and reading everything she can that is age appropriate...There is so much good fiction and non fiction if you just look for it.

I think you might wish for something simpler come January.

Lauren Said:

Could something else be going on with my daughter?

We Answered:

I am not going to tell you stories. All I will say is that, If your gut is telling you something follow it your probably right. Your daughter may need more speech, ask for it, make them show you she is progressing appropriately. You should probably ask for a Psycho Educational Evaluation so you have testing to support one way or the other. I would not wait and see if your child is a "late bloomer" because if she is not then you waited to long to start serious interventions.

Margaret Said:

articulation anxiety?

We Answered:

We always perceive ourselves different than others do. I'm always told how articulate and intelligent I am, but inside often feel as if I can't find the right words or say precisely what I'm thinking.

Back in college I minored in public speaking and they often videotaped us. I was shocked to see how I came across! I always got an "A," but felt like my knees were shaking and as if I would pass out.

It took a long time for me to overcome my insecurity and shyness (which was perceived as being snobby) and realize that it was my own need to be "perfect" that was the problem.

People are telling you that you don't have a problem, and now so am I. Believe it, and I hope you won't take as long to get over this as I did! Don't be so hard on yourself and soon you'll find yourself relaxing more and more.

If you can't do this on your own than, yes...therapy might help you overcome whatever it is that makes you feel this way.