Child has delayed speech, do I say something?

Question

My boyfriend’s nephew will be 6 in April. He started kindergarten a few months ago. The boy is super sweet but he has some issues with his speech. I don’t have kids yet (we are planning to ttc in 2018) but I see the kid every weekend. 
Strangers cannot understand him at all. He has problems with s, f, th, and really most letters. (Spongebob is Bobo, three is bee, fifty-five is biggedy-by). He also doesn’t use proper grammar, he mostly uses two word sentences. Yesterday we were watching tv, a movie about Bigfoot. He pointed at the tv and yelled “he big bood!”
Now like I said I don’t have kids yet but I’m pretty sure this is not normal for an almost 6 year old. Only one little girl in his kindergarten class plays with him because the other kids cant understand him. I feel really bad for the little guy, but I’m afraid if I mention speech therapy to his parents it’ll start a huge drama. The parents seem to think he’s normal. He has an older brother who speaks perfectly normal. 
Should I remain quiet since I’m not in the position to talk about kids yet?

Answer

I’m sure that’s something the teachers at his school will bring up. I’d keep quiet.

Answer

I am a speech-language pathologist and work with children like this every day. It does sound like this child has significant delays. Based on what you are describing, his abilities are about that of a 2-2.5 year old. However, you should not be the one to say something. The child may already be receiving therapy. Teachers will definitely bring this up if not, as they are usually directed to refer a child who presents with these types of delays. Parents can be sensitive about their children and may not welcome input from anyone. You can talk to your BF about it but I wouldn't say anything.

Answer

Let the teachers bring it up.

Answer

It’s not that you aren’t in he position to talk about kids “yet”. 
You aren’t in he position to talk about someone else’s child. You may not k or the entire story. The parents may have tried speech therapy or don’t have the money for it or some other reason. 
And at that age kids don’t tend to judge based on speech. How do you know he has only one friend? That none of the others want to play with him bc he can’t speak well? Did they tell you? Did the other 6 yo say “he’s weird he has no idea how to talk?” Doubt it. 
This isn’t an attack on you but he’s not your child, not even remotely close to you meaning stepchild or nephew etc. If anyone is going to say something it can be your significant other or the boy’s teachers. Even then it’s a delicate situation.

Answer

When I started pre-k I talked like Elmer Fudd. All of my Rs sounds like Ws. My parents thought it was cute and teachers thought I would grow out of it. Well when you’re in the 4th and 5th grade it’s not so cute.  when you start taking speech classes in 4th grade and get made fun of for the next five years by the kids in school for taking speech classes, it’s also not so cute. So yes now my speech has been corrected and I’m very thankful, however I feel that it could’ve been corrected earlier so I didnt have to endure the ridicule. I don’t think parents realize it sometimes because they have blinders on and teachers are taught to teach not to analyze disabilities. My sister has a very advanced learning disability and the school didn’t even notice or notify my parents until she got held back because she was failing in everything. Every parent teacher conference was “your child is a superstar”. I think if it’s coming from a loving place to atleast notify your boyfriend or if you think the relationship with his parents is comfortable enough bring it up to them. No one like to hear that their kid isn’t “perfect”, but if they aren’t noticing it now I’m sure they will when their kid is in middle school and he is still having issues.

Answer

The school should actually bring it up to be honest. He may have an actual learning disability, not just delayed speech. Have you spoken to your boyfriend with your concerns? He'll be in a better position to bring it up.

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I’d just try to correct him as much as you can. It’s hard to bring stuff like that up to the parents but yes by that age they should be able to speak better than that.

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My son is almost 3 and is a bit behind on his speech and it was mostly because he couldnt be bothered because I am really good at knowing what he needs. So now I make a point of not helping him unless he gives me a solid attempt to use his words. I also make a point of having him repeat after me ALL the time. for example Ill ask him if he has a poopy bum and if he says yeah I will have have him repeat " I have a poopy bum" one word at a time. I make up sentences about everything. Perhaps when he is around you, you guys can do stuff like this. my son has improved drastically in about a month so hopefully you can help a little bit.

Answer

That’s kind of touchy. Y’know ‘cause some parents will go off the wall if you try to even hint something is wrong with their child. 
Me on the other hand, I’m open to it because I want the best for my child. 
But then you don’t have any kids...they may disregard your advice.
I say speak what’s on your mind if this is really important and you don’t care which way this goes.

Answer

They most likely already know. Preschool teacher notice this stuff and tell parents and you can be pretty sure his current teacher has already said something by now.
It really isn't your place to tell them, even if you mean well.

Child has delayed speech, do I say something?

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