Question- calling all mothers!!!!!

hoolahan, ASN, RN · Jan 13, 2003

I think you are right to be concerned, and no it is not normal. Please take hi for an eval w the doc right away, he may need a neurology consult to be sure there is no pressure on the area of the brain responsible for speech, but see or call your primary doc first. Don't want to scare you, but I wouldn't wait on this. Maybe all he would need is some speech therapy, but the fact that he's tiring out just trying to finish his thought is what I thought was unusual.

{{{Heather}}}}

hoolahan, ASN, RN · Jan 13, 2003

I should add why I am concerned, it sounds almost like an expressive aphasia, like the way stroke pt's get so frustrated in trying to get the right word.

ayemmeff · Jan 13, 2003

Hoolahan,sorry but are you trying to scare this poor mom to death?

I agree that he needs to see the family doctor,but I think this is more likely to be a problem of his brain trying to go a bit faster than his mouth,he's in such a hurry to get all his new ideas out and communicate them to you!

My son was EXACTLY like this 6 months ago(he turned 3 in October)It was more of a problem if he was tired or if he was really excited to tell us something.It gradually stopped of its own accord.

It is heartbreaking to watch and a worry for you,just try to be patient and let him tell you things in his own time.

Get him checked out and in the meantime TRY not to worry too much-not easy I know-it's what we moms do best.

Let us know what happens,ok?

Feel free to pm me,we can be worryworts together!

Furball · Jan 13, 2003

ditto on getting an eval.

My son stuttered terribly ( I do feel your pain) at the same age and it ended at around the age of 5. He elongated sounds and stammered (puleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze, b-b-b-b-b-b-b-bbiiiiike) Today he is 10 and sometimes stutters a bit when tired or excited, but not bad at all.

It's funny....my son had a huge vocabulary as a baby as well. He spoke complete, clear sentences at age 18 months. Maybe some circuits just need some time to mature to catch up with another part of his brain? I know....huge leap.

Good luck with your son. Let us know what happens, ok?

memphispanda, RN · Jan 13, 2003

I would contact the doctor and express your concerns. At his young age, it could be a phase. However, my own son went through a phase like that at a bit older age, and for him it was a problem. He would repeat entire phrases many times and finally just give up on trying to communicate his thought. I am sure my son is a different case from yours--mine has Asperger's Syndrome, and this was just one of the many ways it has manifested over the last 6 years.

Carol

Audreyfay · Jan 13, 2003

Have you ever heard a child who adds "A" at the end of words? My sister's two daughters do it...i.e. "STOP-A" or "SHOPPING-A". Sometimes I think they are just trying to enunciate better, but the "A" becomes very obvious! Weird,huh?

jacolaur · Jan 13, 2003

Get an eval just to put your mind at ease at least. I must say my first thought was he is just still incredibably young and trying to find the correct words, as well as, his mind racing faster than his ability to form the words. It'll probably all catch up and even out with age. But still just have him checked, they may have some good suggestions as to how to help him through this phase.

Lausana · Jan 13, 2003

Originally posted by Audreyfay
Have you ever heard a child who adds "A" at the end of words? My sister's two daughters do it...i.e. "STOP-A" or "SHOPPING-A". Sometimes I think they are just trying to enunciate better, but the "A" becomes very obvious! Weird,huh?

yep, my son does this sometimes, "I broka the crayon" etc we call it his Sopranos speak

KP RN · Jan 13, 2003

My oldest son was a stutterer. Our pediatrician wasn't concerned in the least either.

I used to worry a lot, but did some research and discovered this is very common, particularly in boys.

My son outgrew it eventually. But it did last from age 3 yo to about 5 yo.

Don't draw attention to his stuttering. Be silent and patient, don't finish his sentence or try to guess what he's saying.

I know how difficult this must be.

John Stossel from 20/20 had a horrible time with stuttering as a child. Look how articulate he is now!

Now, my oldest boy is 13. He has a 4.0 grade average, and

enjoys playing chess!!

Hang in there!!

hoolahan, ASN, RN · Jan 14, 2003

OK, I admit it, I have never known anyone at all who stuttereed. Sorry for causing the alarms!!! I have been around lots and lots of little ones too when my kids were growing up and nevrer had any exposure.

Sorry! :kiss

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 14, 2003

Hi

I hate to disagree w/anyone here but I would NOT freak out or begin to believe this is ABNORMAL. MANY BRILLIANT and GIFTED people started out in life stuttering. Oftentimes, it is just a matter of a child's brain processing information much faster than the mouth can work on the words. And it is something you can work with. If there is an organic reason (e.g. aphasia), your pediatrician can address it at that time. Meantime, Ask your ped about seeing a speech therapist or expert......this CAN be overcome. My son's cousin is a GIFTED genius in school who stuttered his way thru preschool, kindergarten and 1st grades. He is now a senior well on the way to valedictorian and NO--- he won't stutter his way thru his valedictory speech. What follows is a link to a site listing famous "stutterers" that may surprise and relieve you!

http://www.d.umn.edu/~cspiller/stutteringpage/famous.htm

you will be amazed how many people have dealt successfully with this problem and went on to succeed! I wish you well; calm down!