FINDING HER VOICE

17 July 2023

Last week I saw a few little ones in the setting of language and speech issues…Here’s a story I’m sharing to let you know that you are not alone! 

Let’s paint a picture; daycare organised a meeting with me about Miss M early last year. I went in and did not expect to hear they were worried about a language delay. I was holding onto a very sleepy Miss A as I heard from a lead educational officer that they were wondering if we should organise a series of health reviews with professionals to investigate any underlying spectrum disorders. 

My initial reaction was to be protective and defend my daughter, I instinctively blamed her hip brace which had led to delay in milestones. I drove home teary and guilt ridden as I’d always had a gut feeling about a language delay. Within a few weeks we had lots of specialist reviews; paediatrician, audiologist, ENT, speech pathologist. She had her first GA and scored grommets. What a stressful process! 

So the first thing I say to all parents is worry is normal, you’re in my rooms because you’re being cautious and that’s a good thing! 

Secondly as with a lot of milestones we have to accept that there is a spectrum of normal. 

Children develop language at different rates.

I really respect daycare for having raised the issue when I was caught up with life with 2 under 2. My feelings of guilt have been replaced with the firsthand knowledge that language related issues are not based on a spot diagnosis. That’s why it’s best to seek professional advice and let them guide you.

The video below as taken at almost 2yo. Yesterday morning, 3yo she very astutely pointed out to me that ‘daddy made a mess’! 😂 Language is definitely getting better but more importantly she’s also going to be a clean freak like her mom!!