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41/2 Kids - Speech Delay

Posted by: " Murugamurali Swaminathan " murugamurali@... murugamurali

Sun Aug 6, 2006 10:45 pm (PST)

I have a 41/2 year old kid. I am worried that he has not developed

his language skills yet. The problem is I couldn't judge where he

stands. He counts to hundred. He can read many words. He can write

his name and often others. But he does not talk well. He rarely make

eye contacts (only if he is interested). He does not listen to what

others say. He only listen to me (and some time not even his mom). I

put him in a swimming class as he loves water but he doesn't listen

to the instructor. As I can't swim I couldn't get in the water with

him. Now I don't know whether I should put him in any sports or wait

for sometime?

English is not our native language, we immigrated and I started to

talk to him in English instead of my native language and I don't know

whether that made a difference.

His school recommended him to go to speech thearpy. I am worried that

it might have a long term effect.

Sometimes I am so worried and I take my frustration on him. I have

never yelled at him for anything, lately I have started showing my

emotions on him, and after feel so horrible.

I am planning to take him to the doctor this week, and to a speech

therapist. How much should I be worried. Does anyone recommend

anything which I must be doing?

I would appriciate any help on this regard.