Waiting for your child to talk

One of the main symptoms of my concern for my son J was when he stopped talking. He had a few words before and would attempt to talk, but then he stopped completely. I remember him at speech at age three and four, he would make attempts but he had to have something very exciting to encourage him.

It was very discouraging. After a while we started to use pecs and created a book to help him communicate. I was a little worried that it might cause him to stop trying to talk but found that it really helped him to be less frustrated and to communicate what he wanted. I really recommend you create a book for your child to help them communicate if they are non-verbal. I could tell it provided him with a feeling of security. I made a small one for him to bring to church so he could ask to use the bathroom or get a drink. We also found that sign language was a great way for him to talk and taught him many signs that he often used. J's favorite pec was McDonalds chicken nuggets and french fries.

In his picture book I had categories. His favorite food and beverages. Activities he enjoyed to do. Feelings he was experiencing and commands (i.e. don't hit, don't throw). The school district had an office where I could go and choose the pecs I wanted and print them out. You might want to ask your school district or teachers if they know where you could create one of your own.
I just found a great site where you can read about pecs and other ways to help your child communicate.

I was told that if my child didn't talk by age four he probably wouldn't talk. Please don't beleive statistics like this because each child is different. He started trying to talk at about age 7. It's been a slow process, but now he's almost 10 and I love hearing him talk to me. He has learned to read and I'm always surprised at how well he can write when he's trying to find something on youtube. Right now I know he has a great vocabulary, but he still needs to be encouraged to talk. He doesn't have the habit of talking and he's comfortable to not talk until he wants something then he won't stop talking - which is fine with me.

Here's a great link I just found where you can get free pecs and other ideas to improve communication in your child.


There were also more sites to check out when I entered pecs pictures on google. Check them out.

Any way you can find to connect with your child is good. My son used to lay in bed with me and play with my hair. After a busy day where his brother and sister got so much attention I felt that that time together was very bonding and something we both needed. I allowed it for as long as I felt he needed it. Now he loves to go to bed by himself and just occasionally comes in to snuggle for a little bit and then goes to bed.

I think love is very powerful for any child. You may not see what an impact it has. Your child may not seem to be responding to your attempts to show love, but I beleive there is great power in love - a soothing and healing power. Never underestimate it.

Just an afternote. I tried many different things to help my child. Each claim of healing a child of autism makes you want to try it. I did the same. One thing I heard was that vitamin B-12 was helpful for stroke victims who lost their speak to regain it. I tried it for a while. My mother bought some pink flavorless tablets that I crushed up and put in his orange juice. He did start to talk more not long after that. Then he discovered the pink powder and refused to drink it. So I stuck it in the middle of cookie dough. I'm not sure if his speech improvement was due to the vitamins but I knew it couldn't hurt.

So excited to find more success that others found on
I'm going to try it again.