Ruby Update

[bondo]

Ruby turned 29 months on the 16th and she is just starting to talk! We've been to speech therapy and her pediatrician. She will be tested for autism within the next 6 months too. I don't think she is autistic, but we want to rule everything out. She doesn't like speech therapy and I find that she learns much better at home in a play type of setting

Comments

[f1ymetothemoon]

They say it's detrimental to teach a late talker sign language, because it gives them the ability for alternative communication and slows speech development. I read this in a baby sign language book I bought, intending to teach my late talker to sign. Needless to say, I've changed my mind. I'll teach him later :)

I actually had his hearing tested about a month ago to make sure his right ear (he lacks a left ear) wasn't contributing to his late speech, but his hearing is fine, and speech development only requires one working ear. I'm told time and again that some kids just talk later. It actually sounds like maybe he's trying to, but he's not sure of himself. He seems to be speaking with closed lips or closed teeth, like a ventriloquist, like he's testing words out for later. Sounds weird, doesn't it? It's sort of cute though.

[bondo]

That's what Ruby does! She repeats things I say with her mouth closed. It's like she is talking inside of her mouth. Must be more common than I thought. Ruby has a few quirks that worry me though, so we're having some further testing done.

As for sign, I thought the same thing, but our speech therapist told us that sign actually uses the same areas of the brain as speech and will actually encourage them to talk. Since she's been watching these sign videos I have she's been saying a few more words. There is so much information out there and I never know what to believe these days.

[neuraltube]

Nice to hear an update!

Blue hasn't been slow to talk but I have a couple friends whose kids kept quiet until they were 2+. I don't think it's uncommon. I personally didn't talk until I was about 2 1/2, and my mom was really worried, but I am a blabbermouth now. :-) I think it's worth getting checked out if you're concerned but that Ruby is still within the wide range of "normal." Keep us posted if you can!

[slinksgirl]

Congrats on the pregnancy! I'm glad to hear Ruby is doing well--hope the tests go well :)

[bondo]

Thanks!

[bondo]

That's so great that he is signing! Ruby knows all of the signs from her videos now and is using most of them daily. She is slowly starting to talk, but no where near where she should be. I'm giving all the time she needs.

We are enrolling her into preschool for the socialization.

I grew up with a cousin who has DS and she is great. She is very independent and very smart. When I was little I saw no difference in playing with Nancy than I did with other kids. She's 39 now and doing really well. She does so much on her own. DS kids are capable of so much and live very full and rewarding lives.

Elias is adorable! You're doing a good job!