When Baby Doesn’t Speak?

When Baby Doesn’t Speak?

By Beth Appleby, M.Ed.

It is always amazing and exciting to hear baby’s first babbles and coos. The phone comes out and recordings get posted all over social media. How exciting to think that those sounds and expressions are aimed at the parent or caregiver with a purpose! When the babbles turn into audible words and then phrases, the family is filled with pride. But all too frequently, new parents are confused and frustrated when they scroll through social media posts of their friend’s baby cooing and babbling while their own child seems suddenly deafening silent or earsplitting loud crying without consoling. Why? What is wrong? Where are our moments of adorableness? Should I worry? Is he or she normal? What is normal? When do I worry? How do I stop the worry?

These are all questions that run through the minds of many parents and caregivers more frequently than not. The Speech Department at The Rehabilitation Center of Sherman has a few tips that might help with these questions.

  1. When in doubt, skip the Internet and call the pediatrician. In the early years of development, your pediatrician is a good source of guidance and knowledge. Though it is tempting to use Web MD, or scroll Facebook for the latest tales, expert opinion should come from the expert––not the well-meaning friend or relative.
  2. Keep a log, either written or video or a combination of both. This will help the pediatrician see or hear what you are seeing and hearing. Usually, the doctor has a limited amount of time to see you and your baby and, chances are, baby is not cooperating. She/he is fast asleep or screaming uncontrollably and all you want to do is get out the door. But if you can take a moment and pull up a video or hand the doctor a log of “incidents,” it may make the difference in getting the intervention needed in time to make the greatest impact.
  3. Don’t take no for an answer. You are the best advocate for your child. Those first months and years are so overwhelming. You are inundated with opinions as to what you should or should not do. However, you are the voice for your child. Keep asking for answers. Do not be afraid to change pediatricians or practices. Dr. Baby Whisperer may work miracles for your friend but may not be working for you. Just because all the moms in the playgroup use that practice, it may not be the right place for your child. You have the right to choose and the right to change your practice.
  4. Ask if therapy is right for your child. If you have insurance, the doctor may be able to refer you for an assessment or a few sessions with TRC, as they are approved to take all insurances. If insurance isn’t working with you, again, don’t take no for an answer. Keep trying until someone listens. If you do not have insurance, try to find a center like TRC that is willing to work with you to get the help you need.

There are so many reasons and causes that could be interfering with your child’s speech, but it could be as simple as your child is taking their own time to start to talk. Before you fall down a path of despair, seek help from the professionals. As with all things child related, comparing your child’s development to your friend or neighbor’s child isn’t always the best guide. Treasure the accomplishments of your own child and don’t be afraid to fight for help when you think there is a delay.

If you would like to learn more about The Rehabilitation Center or inquire about how you can help support their efforts, please visit their website at www.TheRehabCenter.net.