He's stopped talking....

Question

My 14mth old has been speaking a few first words for a month or so, we've come home 3 days ago from a few nights stay in hospital where he was quite unwell, he hasn't said one word since coming home and hasn't made much noise at all since being back. He was very frightened of all the staff at the hospital and would physically shake when any of them came near and would scream if any of them touched him.

Since being back my hubby and me have been keeping to his normal routine and pretty much just let him go at his own pace with playing and going out and about. Is the lack of speech just a side affect of the trauma he's experienced? and should I just allow him to get on with it in his own way? or is some gentle encouragement needed?

I don't let it show, but it's worrying me a bit. It feels like I've lost my happy little boy.

Answer 1

If the hospital had to put a tube down his throat he may well be sore inside, give him a few more days to get over the sore throat.

If thats not it, then just  continue encouriging him, like you would have done to get him talking in the first place. Maybe put some of his favorite sweets where he can see them but not reach, & pretend you don't know what he wants untill he makes an effort to speak.

Answer 2

encourage him to start talking tell him people will be friendlier if he does

Answer 3

my youngest boy was admitted to hospital a few times as he had a few febrile convulsions seems his dad had them too,,he was petrified of all the staff at hospital wouldnt let anyone near him hed sream too me and his dad were trying our best but hed just work himself up into a fit.he seemed to be withdrawn and i found it was from the trauma and stress, im sure your son will return to his normal self in a few days like my little boy did,a little gentle encouragement  is what he might need     good luck bless him

Answer 4

encourage him to speak.

but give him a couple of weeks to feel better.

then worry

he's fien for now

Answer 5

Encourage him to speak to you - put more than one item in front of him that you know he can speak the name of, then ask him "Which one do you want?"  If he points, tell him "Say the name of it."

It may take a few days before he gets back to talking, but I expect he will and that he'll be fine.  

Answer 6

Oh bless - dont worry. My son went into hospital at a very young age for an op and it was really scary, for both me and my son. He'll be fine, just give him a little space and he will be ok. He went back in when he was 3 and handled it a lot better the second time, I think because he was older and understood more. At the age of 14 months its all big scary strangers wanting to do strange things to you and if you put yourself in his place you can understand his reaction. You'll have your little one back again soon, so be cool xx

Answer 7

Make it a game ! You make a noise at him and then try to see if he will back at you if so you copy him and make it fun he will speech when he gets ready ,but it won't hurt to encourage him every now and then.