Speech delays!

I know this has been a concern with a few of you here so I wanted to share our experience so far. Hopefully it helps someone!

At 12 months I was worried Ellie only repeated mamamama, dadadada, and “dough/do” for dog. It was considered right at the bottom of the average range for babies so we just waited.

By the 15 month appointment, Ellie had not picked up any new words or repeated any new sounds. She had just learned to point. She also does not communicate needs appropriately, mimic sounds, mirror play, pretend play, etc. I mentioned this to her doctor who said it’s a little early for an evaluation, but he was supportive of processing the referral anyways. I was thrilled because being an educator, I know early intervention is KEY when there is any type of developmental delay. I would always rather be safe than sorry.

We took her to a pediatric audiologist to check her hearing first. No hearing concerns! ✅

Today, she had her evaluation. They evaluated all areas of development and she is doing just fine with gross motor (take that late walking!), is slightly below average with her social/emotional skills (we will monitor), and showed a “significant delay” with her overall communication skills. They are now creating a team to help her and we will begin services immediately to help!

I don’t say this for sympathy or anything like that. She is getting far less social interaction because of Covid and I know that may be a factor playing into this. I knew in my gut that there was a delay and I’m so happy to have a doctor who didn’t even hesitate when I mentioned an evaluation may be a good idea!

Mommas, if you have any concern, do not hesitate to advocate for your baby! You’re with them all day and your doctor is only getting a tiny little snapshot at these checkups. Your gut is almost always right and that momma intuition will never go away. It hurts absolutely no one to have the evaluation done!

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk 😂💛