Hello everyone,

I'm using a new moniker to post this in order to preserve my privacy. I've been a member on Nairaland for several years and need opinions on my son's speech delay.

He will clock 5 years next month, but has expressive language disorder. This was diagnosed by a psychologist. He has only limited vocabulary and no more than 25 words in total. I think, in general, he has problems uttering complete sentences or full words. We took him to the hospital where he was checked for autism. This test turned out negative, but that was when he was diagnosed with expressive language disorder.

He understands perfectly when he is spoken to, but can't respond. He has met all other milestones for his age, but clearly suffering a lot in the area of expression. For a kid his age, he should be speaking in complete sentences by now, but apparently can't. Presently. we are trying to employ a speech therapist full-time to see to his welfare.

My questions or concerns now are:
- will he ever talk?
- what can I do to improve his situation?
- has anyone encountered this with their own child?
- Do you also know any books, toys or resources with which he can supported at home?

Of cos, he will talk later maybe stutter though. But since you say he can utter words that shows he's not dumb.
It's a natural issue. He has speech impediments. I'm sure it's his tougue.
Just keep drilling him on words, short and simple sentences. Start with two, three-letter words. He'll come thru.
I've been teaching for 14 years and I've come across many like him.
Most are grown now and they're talking fluently.
May God help you

Minjim:
Of cos, he will talk later maybe stutter though. But since you say he can utter words that shows he's not dumb.
It's a natural issue. He has speech impediments. I'm sure it's his tougue.
Just keep drilling me on words, short and simple sentence. Start with two, three-letter words. He'll come thru.
I've been teaching for 14 years and I've come across many like him.
Most are grown now and they're talking fluently.
May God help you

Thank you for your response. We'll keep pushing it. Those people you encountered, did they get medical attention or not?

Do you also know any books, toys or resources with which he can supported at home?

klausserklaus:

Thank you for your response. We'll keep pushing it. Those people you encountered, did they get medical attention or not?

Once the condition was diagnosed the next step is vocal therapy. I'm not sure they went thru any medical surgery..
Actually, there is a kid in my school presently with same condition and of same age .
He was given vocal therapy by a specialist at a time but the parents stopped now. I think they've been advised to allow him outgrow it by talking with pairs and engaging him in conversations .
The process might seem slow, but be assured it sure. Before he is ten he'll start pronouncing words and sentences with 70% accuracy.
Just don't relent

klausserklaus:
Do you also know any books, toys or resources with which he can supported at home?

Picture books with simple sentences summary on each pages will help a great deal.

Stop what you're doing. Stop everything. Dont bother about him again. He will lose self esteem if you so. Just let him be. He will adjust. Don't rush him I beg you. My first son doesn't speak well. In fact the second speaks more than him. But no child can match his intelligence. Just be calm. E go set

While you continue looking for help, please make sure you are reading to him daily - you read together.

Get some pictorial read along book set such as - curious George book set and read with him daily for at least 30minutes. After that, look for other kids bookset.

After reading, ask him to read but don't push it - you just keep reading and ask him questions whether he answers or not.

For example - Curious George and the man with the yellow hat. What color is the man's hat - yellow!
Don't stop looking for help for him.

Just my 2c thiught.

It is well with him. I knew of a child with worse case. He even repeated nursery 1 as he couldn't count out loud or read. He was always pointing to express himself or relied on his sister to do his talking.

Whatever you do, pls allow him express himself however he likes and dont let him adopt a "talk personal assistant" unconsciously. Also, talking to other kids his age is extremely important. He will complete his sentences as he grows older. Well done papi.

Take him to a Speech Language Pathologist.

In addition to what you have been advised to do, add prayer.
Miracle can change everything

Take him to a Speech Language Pathologist.

Allow that child to play outside with street kids everyday and you'll be amazed at the miracle that will occur.

klausserklaus:
Hello everyone,

I'm using a new moniker to post this in order to preserve my privacy. I've been a member on Nairaland for several years and need opinions on my son's speech delay.

He will clock 5 years next month, but has expressive language disorder. This was diagnosed by a psychologist. He has only limited vocabulary and no more than 25 words in total. I think, in general, he has problems uttering complete sentences or full words. We took him to the hospital where he was checked for autism. This test turned out negative, but that was when he was diagnosed with expressive language disorder.

He understands perfectly when he is spoken to, but can't respond. He has met all other milestones for his age, but clearly suffering a lot in the area of expression. For a kid his age, he should be speaking in complete sentences by now, but apparently can't. Presently. we are trying to employ a speech therapist full-time to see to his welfare.

My questions or concerns now are:
- will he ever talk?
- what can I do to improve his situation?
- has anyone encountered this with their own child?
- Do you also know any books, toys or resources with which he can supported at home?

Him playing and interacting more with other kids will help a lot.
Children do wonders for one another.

My son didn't speak to m 5 plus and then started gradually. He has autism on the spectrum but now he speaks.

klausserklaus:
Hello everyone,

I'm using a new moniker to post this in order to preserve my privacy. I've been a member on Nairaland for several years and need opinions on my son's speech delay.

He will clock 5 years next month, but has expressive language disorder. This was diagnosed by a psychologist. He has only limited vocabulary and no more than 25 words in total. I think, in general, he has problems uttering complete sentences or full words. We took him to the hospital where he was checked for autism. This test turned out negative, but that was when he was diagnosed with expressive language disorder.

He understands perfectly when he is spoken to, but can't respond. He has met all other milestones for his age, but clearly suffering a lot in the area of expression. For a kid his age, he should be speaking in complete sentences by now, but apparently can't. Presently. we are trying to employ a speech therapist full-time to see to his welfare.

My questions or concerns now are:
- will he ever talk?
- what can I do to improve his situation?
- has anyone encountered this with their own child?
- Do you also know any books, toys or resources with which he can supported at home?

How old were you when you had him? I will ask my friend if she can help.

@klausserklaus, alongside the need to involve a speech-language pathologist as it has been suggested earlier, also get the professional help of a child psychologist who is skilled in Play therapy (sadly, we have few certified play therapists in Nigeria).

Your son needs play therapy sessions where he is free to explore in a non-directive way as it is evidence based that play is a child's natural means of communication and there is so much in your son that he wants to express. That is why Lego toys is being used by specifically trained play therapists to help autistic kids with social communication deficits and the results are amazing!

pls let him interact more often with kids his age.

aroundtheearth:
Take him to a Speech Language Pathologist.

Thank you for the suggestion. We've done that already.

Roseey0:
In addition to what you have been advised to do, add prayer.
Miracle can change everything

Thank you. Working on that.

mutter:
My son didn't speak to m 5 plus and then started gradually. He has autism on the spectrum but now he speaks.

Thanks for your opinion.

Please, no vex, I have a few questions:
Was he saying any words before he was 5?
if yes, how many vocabulary did he have before he started talking in full sentences?
How old is he presently?
Can he talk in full sentences now?
Did he start talking in full sentences once he started?
What home support did you provide to assist him? What do you think worked?
Was there any special nutrition you provide to him?

Proton99:


How old were you when you had him? I will ask my friend if she can help.

Thank you! I was 28 when I had him. Do you think that matters?

Mindlog:
@klausserklaus, alongside the need to involve a speech-language pathologist as it has been suggested earlier, also get the professional help of a child psychologist who is skilled in Play therapy (sadly, we have few certified play therapists in Nigeria).

Your son needs play therapy sessions where he is free to explore in a non-directive way as it is evidence based that play is a child's natural means of communication and there is so much in your son that he wants to express. That is why Lego toys is being used by specifically trained play therapists to help autistic kids with social communication deficits and the results are amazing!

Can you expatiate more on what play therapy is? And how can one procure the services of such a person? Are they specialists or can any child psychologist do this?I might have to look around here to see who is a play therapist.

Minjim:


Picture books with simple sentences summary on each pages will help a great deal.

We have this already and have been using it. Thanks!

klausserklaus:

Thank you! I was 28 when I had him. Do you think that matters?

When kids with neurodevelopmental challenges are brought in for intervention, the attending specialist during the history taking session is very likely to ask the age of the father when the child was conceived because studies have given insights on how "old sperms" are more likely to lead to adverse outcomes for a child, neurodevelopmentally.

klausserklaus:

Thank you! I was 28 when I had him. Do you think that matters?

The age of a woman when she has a baby does matter. Your age is okay.
I will get back to you after I reach out to my friend. I hope I will get a positive response from her.

klausserklaus:

Can you expatiate more on what play therapy is? And how can one procure the services of such a person? Are they specialists or can any child psychologist do this?I might have to look around here to see who is a play therapist.

The video will give you an insight of what play therapy is about.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4ovwAdxCs0

Your son is facing the autism challenge. I have made great and remarkable results in the development of the cognitive ability, eating habits, sleep quality, speech, reading skills, writing skills, social behaviors in children in the autism spectrum.

Your son needs help. Contact me.

Tel: 07087199339

[quote author=klausserklaus post=99839142]Hello everyone,

I'm using a new moniker to post this in order to preserve my privacy. I've been a member on Nairaland for several years and need opinions on my son's speech delay.

He will clock 5 years next month, but has expressive language disorder. This was diagnosed by a psychologist. He has only limited vocabulary and no more than 25 words in total. I think, in general, he has problems uttering complete sentences or full words. We took him to the hospital where he was checked for autism. This test turned out negative, but that was when he was diagnosed with expressive language disorder.

He understands perfectly when he is spoken to, but can't respond. He has met all other milestones for his age, but clearly suffering a lot in the area of expression. For a kid his age, he should be speaking in complete sentences by now, but apparently can't. Presently. we are trying to employ a speech therapist full-time to see to his welfare.

My questions or concerns now are:
- will he ever talk?
- what can I do to improve his situation?
- has anyone encountered this with their own child?
- Do you also know any books, toys or resources with which he can supported at home?[/quote
His tongues are loosened in Jesus name, Amen]

Mowriyah:
Your son is facing the autism challenge. I have made great and remarkable results in the development of the cognitive ability, eating habits, sleep quality, speech, reading skills, writing skills, social behaviors in children in the autism spectrum.
My first successful experience was with my son. At the age 4, he could not talk. His IQ was very poor. He could not understand simple instructions. His memory and attention span were very short. He could barely sleep through the night. His eating habits was not the best. He had difficulties managing his emotions. He was also restless. At the age 7, he had transformed. He was talking and verbally making requests for things. He was writing, reading, and copying notes from the board in school. He slept through the night. He started interacting with his peers and even adults. His brain became a calculator (mathematics genius). Not yet perfect at age 7 but he had made remarkable progress.

Your son needs help. Contact me. My fee is not high.

Email: liliane.haniel@gmail.com
Tel: 07087199339

OP said he has been assessed for autism and he didn't fall within the spectrum but diagnosed with expressive language disorder.