Thanks so much- our old SLp’s name was Heidi too:) We have recently moved and have just started with EI here in WI…..It took a little time to get started, but actually not that bad.

Well, the chocolate didn’t work out so well, but we’ll try it every once in a while. Sammy has a complicated past and foods aren’t that easy with him…. Great ideas with the bubbles….we currently work with bubbles, but those are helpful ideas…..no blowing yet- although I think he tried to eat them:) Irronic since he doesn’t seem to like food- AHHHHHHH! but they are a fun thing to do, so we’ll keep at it…..

We haven’t done too much with pointing in speech yet… we are pretty new here, and she is still trying to fit in an extra time for us….hopefully soon, as I think we need it….I might mention the pointing again and see what she says…..

I guess I worry mostly because I don’t think he is doing some of those pre- language skills and because of his past medical stuff( multiple birth defects including laryngeo/tracheo/bronchomalacia that led to feeding difficulties and severe OSA, tethered spinal cord, underdeveloped R cerebellum and others- see our blog)I worry that there might be more than just a speech delay….He seems smart, just not verbal….I guess though it wouldn’t really change what we are doing….We see a neurologist again in december so speech will be something we talk about…..

Anyways, thanks for your sight- I may reference it……:)

By the age of 21 months children should be able to blow bubbles and lick their lips. You mentioned your son isn’t doing these things yet. Next time you try putting chocolate on his lips, hold his hands down from his face and see if he makes an effort to lick his lips. If he doesn’t, put some chocolate on your lips and model licking them, then while holding his hands down indicate to your son that it is his turn to lick his lips. These are just a few thoughts I had when I read your comment, let me know if they help.

As for the bubble blowing… blowing bubbles through the wand can be difficult for some children. Instead you might try blowing a bubble and catching it on the wand, then model blowing the bubble off the wand. If your son still has difficulty show him that when you simply breathe on the bubble it wiggles. If you still have no reaction try catching the bubble on the wand then popping it on his lips. He will have fun with this. Then work in reverse order, breathing on the bubble, then blowing off the wand, and very last through the wand.

One more thought Sherri… Is your therapist working with you to teach your son how to point? Has she suggested anything about introducing a picture exchange communication system to get him jump started into language? Those are a couple of things I might try.

Hope all goes well,
Heidi

Ran across this blog and I think I am going to book mark it…..my son is almost 19 months and we are currently in speech through EI for feeding and speech….I am becoming increasingly concerned over his speech….I know we are doing the right things, but the fact remains that he has no words ( none- not even mama….) and babbles only a few consonants….he doesn’t point, and sometimes its hard to know what he really knows, he does maintain eye contact and is sweet as can be….anyways, I am beginning to wonder if he has more than just a speech delay- it may be too early to tell, but still….at what age do you think toddlers should be able to blow bubbles and lick things off their lips….I tried putting chocolate on his lips and he just rubbed it with his hand……and bubbles, well we do them, but he just tries to pop them doesn’t really try and blow…..anyways this is getting long…..I’ll be reading up on your blog- thanks:)