Is my 35 month old developmentaly delayed?

Question

My son is almost 3 years old. He will say most of his colors, and the ones he doesn't say he will point to. He does not show any interest in learning to count, or sing his ABC's. I have gotten him workbooks that have colors, numbers, practicing writing, but he wants nothing to do with them. When I ask him to put something on the kitchen counter or other commands, he does what I ask. However, I can not understand half of the things he is saying, and he gets so frustrated about it that he either stomps his foot or screams. I try to make up games that require him to say what things are, but they only keep his interest for about 2 minutes, and he only says a couple of the words. I try to help him sound the words out, so they will come out right, but he does not want any part of that. I don't know if I should have him evaluated or if i am just expecting too much, and i should let him develop at his own pace, and let him learn when he is ready?

Answer 1

Most states have early childhood programs that help kids like yours. By now your child should be reaching certain milestones in his social and academic development. It sounds like he is a little delayed and may have some other issues going on. Start with your pediatrician. Tell the doctor what you're observing. There may be physical reasons for your child's delay. Also call your local Public School board of ed and ask to speak with someone in the Special Ed department. They can tell you what the local programs are and what you need to do to get enrolled. Your doctor's evaluation as well as testing will indicate what your child's needs are at the moment. Do not delay.

Answer 2

I agree.  You need to talk to your pediatrician.  If he/she suspects delays (outside of regular development), then most states do offer Early Childhood intervention programs.  I live in Texas, and we offer these through most school districts starting as young as birth, and even publicly-funded preschool programs for children that are developmentally delayed.

Answer 3

Tiffany, indeed he should be able to speak reasonably fluently at age 3. but it is not a problem. Children are expected to be able to walk by age 9 months, but not all do, some take much longer. Every child is an individual. The thing that entered my mind when I read your question, is this child is maybe a little autistic, I thought this because of your discription of his problem and his behaviour. ie Difficulty in learning, frustration as a result, and anger. Generally all children are eager to learn, and are inquisitive. You approach to your son's behaviour is to be admired, patience and understanding, and so to put your mind at rest, I would agree that you have him evaluated, you are obviously very worried by this, and his frustration will continue. So for both your sakes get some help. I have, now grown up, 4 children, and as a result a lot of experience. I wish you both well

Answer 4

First of all, he doesn't want the workbooks because they are not age appropriate for him. Find the same things in the real world (seems you are already doing this, great job!) and he will still get the same benefit. As far as letters or numbers, just point them out when they are relevant. For example, if you have a play date with a neighbor on the 7th, show him on the calender where the 7th is. Practice math by counting how many days until the play-date. Letters are the same way. When you're looking for something in the cabinet, ask him to help you find the box with a certain letter. Show him what that letter looks like so he can "match" the letter. This is a form of environmental print, reading the world around him. It makes it more meaningful for him, thus he will be more likely to take part in it.

If you are concerned for him speech, contact your local school. Their speech pathologists will be able to evaluate him and see if he is delayed or if he is alright for his age. If he is delayed, your school district may offer speech based preschool where your son would receive speech therapy several times a week to help him with his vocab. Our speech paths also send home activities (mostly games) for parents to practice with their child at home.  

Best of luck to you and your little guy!

Answer 5

go to this site to compare and ask your dr. he can tell you.

he sounds just like a stubborn kid.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/ActEarl...

Answer 6

In general 3 years olds do not enjoy  learning their ABC`s or counting, so don't worry. You may want to use something he is really i interested in, cars, superheros, anything that int rests him. Just read story books to him, role model language by talking to him, using a running commentary when you are washing up or at tea without expecting a response. Use what he is interested in, if he was interested in cars you could use three cars counting the numbers with him ( start small at first) and colors talk to him about anyhting in his environment, green grass, the color of the carpet anything.

Your son has an understanding of language as he understands simple requests some children I work with in my nursery are language difficulties, stammering limited use of vocabulary or weak pronunciation of sounds, letter and words at 3 and over, some who are ready for school.If you are worried I would highly recommend getting in touch with a speech therapist may be of help and could support you with your concerns before thinking of having him evaluate for developmental delay.

All children develop at different rates and at just 3 he will not be writing just marks and learning to control his than movements.And dint worry about his interest span, if a three year old spends seven minutes doing an activity it is considered a long time.

Wishing you mcuh luck E

Answer 7

I would definitely start with your peditrician. They typically should be assessing for any significant delays or concerns anyway. You could also check into some sort of head start program or speech therapy as well. Does your child go to day care? If so ask the day care workers how your child does there and if they seem concerned about where he is developmentally at this point.