1) Overheard at play-group
Mother A: "I'm worried about X and her speech. She is over 2 now and only says a couple of words. Do you think I should ask the doctor or someone about it?"
Mother B: "No, don't worry about it. My friend's little boy didn't speak at all until he was 5. When he did talk, he just used full sentences straight away. No problems"
Mother C (me): "GRRRR!"
2) Read on Facebook
Mother A (a friend of mine, who is doing a great job getting everything looked into for her son): "Worried about Y and his results on Speech assessment. They have recommended that I see Speech, OT and a paediatrician".
Mother B (someone I don't know): "I don't know any 3 year-olds who speak properly. Don't get sucked in. Don't pay money for something that will fix itself."
Mother C (me): (I actually did comment, but my comment was BEFORE Mother B). My basic advice was to remember that the results are an indication of her son's performance on THAT day, with THAT test, with THAT Speech Pathologist. The test also ONLY looks at language skills. It is not saying anything about her son's lovely personality, or his strengths in other areas. We know that mothers know HEAPS MORE about their children than what the test results can show. At the same time though, Speech Pathology tests do give a reliable indicator of language skills and how those skills might impact future learning at school etc.
In my experience, when it comes to their children, mothers are usually right! If a mother (or father) has a concern about their child, it is worth looking into it. (Sure, there are some mothers who are overly anxious about stuff, and some mothers who don't worry AT ALL, but generally, mothers know when something is not right).
And, if you see a health professional, please give them the benefit of the doubt! You don't have to agree with or do everything they say. They are not always right. They do make mistakes. Tell them your concerns if you think they are on the wrong track. They probably won't see everything your child can do in a single assessment session - that's why you need to give them the extra information!
Do remember though, a health professional has at least 4 years of university education and they have seen and assessed many, many toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children. They know what "average" is and they know what might indicate a difficulty. They know more than another mother at play-group knows and more than a Facebook friend knows. They usually know how to help, or where to refer you to get the help you need. And usually, they are trying to help.
Okay, I'm done now!
