Speech Development Question/Cognitive Understanding

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

Carmen is just beginning to make more sounds through her trach in

efforts to communicate, with and without a speaking valve. She

actually makes more sounds with her speaking valve off. She has

learned to put her finger in her trach to say " HAAAAA " (Hi)--it's so

cute. However, other than " HAAAA " and other vowel-type sounds, she

doesn't make any other efforts to speak. I'm wondering when other

kids out there began to use the " D " and " M " and " B " sounds, and any

tips on how I can help Carmen get there. She does eat by mouth, but

is limited to certain textures. If it is a matter of me letting this

develop for her, I'm fine with that, but I don't want to miss a vital

time period by not doing something that could help now.

Also, I notice that while she does seem to get a lot cognitively (and

does sign about 20 words), she is not able to point to things in a

picture book when asked (like, where is the pig?)--she just randomly

points to whatever. I'm wondering if this indicates her inability to

do these things or if these things will just come later for her. She

does have a mild hearing loss on the left and near normal hearing in

the right but does not have hearing aids. Any of your insights would

be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! , mom to Zachary 4.5 years and Carmen 20 months (CHARGE)