Two Year Old Developmental Delays
Dear Susan:
I have a 2 year old and he seems very slow. I can't understand his speech and he has a temper. Also he is little, people ask me if was a premie. He was not. My older sons are fine. I have asked his pediatrician and she says he is fine but I know he is not. What could this be? His speech is poor I get so sad because I don't understand him when he speaks, and his words are so few. I was on glucafogh(sp) and aspirin while I was pregnant. This was per my doctor. Could the meds have done this? Also when he was born he was not breathing for quite some time almost lost him. Apgar was like 1-2. I also wonder about brain damage due to not breathing. Please help me I need to have some tests done on him can you suggest a specialist? I'm in the Ohio area. I just want to know if he needs speech therapy, or if he has special needs. Thank you so much
Katelyn
Dear Katelyn:
Thanks for writing me. I am as concerned as you are! I urge you immediately to go see your pediatrician and insist he or she do an ages-and-stages developmental examination of your 2 year-old. He or she is remiss in not taking these signs of delayed development seriously; but unfortunately, many pediatricians do not have the needed experience or training in child development necessary to make referrals before two years of age...the very important age when an early intervention program makes a huge difference in your son's future growth and potential. Your son needs two pediatric referrals as soon as you can possibly arrange this. The first one is to a pediatric neurologist- hopefully, one with whom the pediatrician has a relationship, for a complete workup, and another to your local health department, head start program or job and family services office where they will contact the closest early intervention program. If you prefer, most major teaching hospitals in Ohio have early intervention services available if there is insurance money to cover it. The other sources are public service and are free of charge. Good for you for sticking with your instincts and good for you for doing what I recommend and for doing it very soon! You will be amazed at the successes your son will have once he gets into a program that meets his needs! He will blossom and have fun and so will you!
Parents are very important to the process of assessing the delays that you have noticed, so do not be afraid..... early intervention staffs are not only experienced but they are wonderful with very young children and will explain everything to you. If you run into any problems getting your son into an early intervention program immediately, let me know and I will make the trip to wherever you are in Ohio. I will help you get the services you need. I travel quite often so leave a complete message at both of my voice mail addresses and I will get back to you very promptly.
Dr. Susan
Dr. Susan THANK YOU for getting back with me so quickly!!!!! I did talk my sons pediatric doctor to have him evaluated. This will be done @ St Rita’s Hospital in Lima Ohio. 4 hrs of testing total. We’ll see what that brings. Also will check about having neurological testing for him. I was so touched when you offered to help me. To come to where I am to see to it my son was looked @ by the proper people and to help me. May God bless you for being so genuine and caring you are truly a lovely person. I will keep you posted to what is going on with Jonathan (my son.) And if I have any more questions. I think that I am on the right track and will keep moving forward till everything is figured out and a plan is in action. Also wanted to note again I had to be persistent with his pediatric doctor I wanted this DONE. Then she went with it. My son deserves that from me his mom thank you again, Katelyn
