In his quest to talk about everything, Michael has developed a bit of a stutter. It's not always present but it crops up often enough to be concerning.
Consulting with some reliable people, it seems that a true stutter will also include other things like stamping your foot or facial expressions (like a grimace). We have not observed any of this as yet.
Michael was 3 in June- is this a developmental phase? How long would you let it go on before you sought a professional speech evaluation?
It's only been about a month so I am not at a heightened level of concern. But it does occur often enough that it is on my radar--it is on Mike's too which means it is definitely noticeable.
Any thoughts friends?
4 comments:
hmmm...that's a good question. It's very possible that it's just a developmental phase. You are obviously familiar with all the services you can get through your county, but of course with him being 3 already, he probably wouldn't qualify for much of the free stuff. I would maybe wait a month or so and see what happens? It can't hurt to have an eval and see what an SLP says. They would be willing to share whether it could just be a passing phase.
I know it's a different situation, but once I heard a wise woman say, "I've never heard a parent say I wish I hadn't acted so soon". I would put your mind at rest and get him an eval. It will be one less thing you have to worry about, since I'm sure it's developmental.
Alicia
A- You use my words against me (LOL) Emily- I'm thinking if it is still ongoing at mid-to-late September, I will pursue an eval. Luckily, there is early intervention for ages 3-5 in my county too (free!). After also talking with his preschool teacher, I'm thinking if it is indeed a phase than another month is enough time for it to resolve. Preschool will resume their regular, non-summer-camp schedule in the next couple of weeks so we can see how he is doing once that transition happens.
My 3 yr old does a similar thing, and I think it's mostly because her brain is going too fast for the words to come out. Plus, having two older siblings, she has got to get wrods out FAST or she will have no chance at all. She doesn't seem to stutter over just one word, she does it when she's starting a sentence or a thought. (and sometimes in the middle of the sentence, but that is more rare)
I think you have the right approach to it -- if it doesn't go away, an eval. can't hurt, right?
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