Son with Severe Speech Delay

My son has many similarities. He is the same age and is in the same pre-school program. Very little use of language. The problem is what they have is a language delay not speech. Most of the kids in the program have speech delays which is more about articulation rather that use of language like our kids. He is in the process of being evaluated for Sensory Processing Disorder...which we are all pretty sure he has. The frustrating thing is that he has been in early steps since 18 months old and this is the first we are hearing about it (thank god for his teacher). While we are still waiting for diagnosis and treatment I stared to the GFCF diet and biomedical treatments with tremendous results. If you want to know anything more SPD please feel free to contact me. Unfortunately there isn't as much info out there as there is on Autism and Dr's don't know much about it either

My middle child has verbal apraxia... his was relatively mild and the higher the child's intelligence the quicker/more easily they can over come it. Luckily his IQ is in the gifted range and he is in AGP now, but he was non-verbal when he started with CHILD FIND at 22 months and then at 3 entered EELP program his vocabulary was maybe 20 words. Now there are few signs he ever dealt with it... usually only stuttering a little when stressed.
Here is a site I just googled that looks to have a good explanation

http://www.tayloredmktg.com/dyspraxia/das.shtml

A friend of mine's son had selective mutism and what I know if his situation I doubt that would be a problem for a young child (of course I could be wrong!!). Michelle said it was an anxiety disorder and they treated him with drugs for anxiety. David had a full range of speech and at home you can't shut him up but in public situations NOTHING would come because of his anxiety. His hit when he entered school. Doesn't sound like your son has developed speech yet and what does a 3 yr old have to be anxious about?!?!?

Getting services now will help whatever they find. My friend's daughter was somewhat similar. She has a mild case of Autism like behaviors (since it is a spectrum disorder- it covers so many different behaviors). She was painfully shy & rarely spoke. She has been in school now & speaks & plays some (she still chooses to speak to adults more) but the improvement has been awesome, It DID take about 9 months- so stick with school & any services they offer. Best of luck!
PS I believe she will be 4 in May- so they are similar ages- she just received services a little earlier- so I hope it helps! :)

my niece has same problem with her son who around same age as your son. will call her today and find out who they took him to and how they handled it and what they sre to correct the problem. they told her his problem will let you what they said his problem is.

I am not sure where you are located, however, try TheraKids Plus in Tampa (located on Sligh Ave. just west of N. Blvd) or near Lowry Park. Kim Booth is the owner and she is great with children plus a great source of information. TheraKids Plus provides all types of therepy for children (physical, speech, OT, etc.). If she can't help you she can sure point you in the right direction.

My son was in the EELP program (at 3 yrs he only said mom and dad) The program helped alot. He still gets some speech now that hes in kindergarten but he is now at a 4 1/2 to 5 year old level. Much improvment. My daughter is now in the program. Not sure if this will help but here goes.
One of my sons old class mate who was found to be autistic had the same problem with speech. She had some test done which found out he has been having miny seizures in his sleep. Has probably had them since birth. The seizures that went undectected is what caused all his problems including speech. He has been in a special class and on medication which has helped him. He does now talk a little. He will probably always have problems but he is now improveing slowly which is great. Maby your son has developed these seizures. If you are interested email me. Her son had some very rare disease which is where the seizures came from. If you need to talk let me know.