Speech Delays and Language Concerns

 Back to:  Therapist Questions & Answers - Speech & Language Concerns

I am an early intervention teacher & I have a child on my caseload, who is about to turn 3, limited language, less than 5 words. He will make some beginning sounds, but no real words. Thinking apraxia, but really do not know. He appears to have slightly longer tongue and his lips do not imitate mine. He will look at my mouth when I say single words, but is unable to imitate me. He is delayed in his attention & some cognitive skills...Any suggestions?

I am assuming this child is eligible in your area to continue with services at the 3-5 level for preschool? Is this child receiving speech services now in EI or just developmental/special instruction services? It does sound like he needs to be evaluated by a speech language pathologist at either the EI program or an outpatient clinic to determine if perhaps apraxia is causing his speech delay, so that he can receive specific therapy related to that disorder if needed.

Since he is also delayed in attention and cognitive skills, he should be eligible for special instruction and speech in his local preschool program. Sorry that I can't give you any specifics, but since you know him best and are thinking apraxia, I'd definitely look into ways to have him tested for this motor disorder of speech. You may want to share this link to the ASHA page on Apraxia with his parents to explain your concerns and the need for further testing. 

Back to:  Therapist Questions & Answers - Speech & Language Concerns

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