NOAH AOC

Hey everyone .. I have a question that I've been wondering about for quite some time.

I know our kids generally don't struggle with any developmental problems due to having Ocular Albinism, but at my last visit to the eye dept with Dylan, the doc asked whether he's talking yet .. And he wasn't - that was at 13mths.

She said, not to worry, having Ocular Albinism can often delay their speech ???? (I'm not sure if she meant Ocular Albinism specifically, or the condition as a whole).

I hadn't considered that, and even didn't believe it at first, but now he's almost 17mths and still doesn't speak ?  He only says mumumum really, but does make all the sounds - just no proper words really.

Any thoughts on this ?  I'd appreciate any input xx 

 

I believe the delay in speech/language development can occur in kids with all types of albinism.  Keep in mind, it might not be related to the albinism at all and at 17 months, I think it's really too early to worry. When my daughter was 22 months, she could only say 2 or 3 words other than mama and dada.  Then between 22-24 months, her language development just took off!  She is still receiving weekly visits from a speech therapist, but she is pretty close to being completely caught up.  There was a discussion about speech/language development in this forum not to long ago.  Just do a search for language and I'm sure you'll see it.  You'll find some more good information reading through those.   Here is a video of my daughter Lyra talking at 25 months: Language Development

Also...Dominick, my 6 year old didn't say Mama until he was nearly 18 months old and he DOESN'T have albinism or anything else.

 

Mashawna Thompson

I agree with Mashawna.  Ryker is 22mos and just now really started talking on his own.  I bet in time, your son will surprise you.  Search old posts, and you'll find lots of ideas and suggestions! 

Kelli

 At 2 years old, I took Zachary to the university (where I teach) for a complete hearing and speech evaluation.  It was done by students, but closely supervised and interpreted by a good friend of mine--a professor in Speech Pathology.

Anyway, he was age-appropriate in interaction attachment, pragmatics, gesture, play and language comprehension, but behind in language expression.  So, he knew how to play, converse (go back and forth--wait his turn), gesture and understood everything you were saying--he just didn't talk!

After 4 months at the clinic, he went from only one-word utterances (maybe 20 words) to 4 word sentences and over 300 words.  She would write down every single word he would say in every session (plus tape-record it).  It was wonderful!

To this day, I believe that Zach's delay was not vision related (and they all agreed).  I think it was because his brother (only 17 months older) was just beginning to really talk all the time and Zach couldn't get a word in.  Once seperated from his brother, he talked!!!!

17 months old does seem really young to be concerned, but it never hurts to ask the doctor their opinion.  Just be aware that doctors use the very basic screening for hearing.  They usually use that instrument they stick in the ear.  A complete hearing evaluation includes having the kid get into a sound proof booth and put the earphones on (remember:  raise your hand when you hear the noise).  A complete speech evaluation should be done by a speech pathologist. 

Jo

Andy is 19 months. His VI told me that he should know at least 3-5 words.  Andy is JUST starting to talk He says dada, baba (that he is no longer on) car, pongebob of all things, rarely will he say mama. He points to everything. I just got him to sign and hit his chest "give me" whenever he wants something. It is so cute, he hits his chest twice and say "dive me" I was told anywhere from 19-24 ,months there words will explode as his teacher put it. Please do not worry yet!  As for speech delay and albinism, not related. I highly doubt one thing causes the other.....

Spongebob??

How funny!  My younger grandson, the one that is a month older than Andrew says that!  And something that is supposed to be Scooby dooby doo!  His language isn't nearly what his brother's was at 20 months.  Mostly single words, not pronounced well.  But he is trying, and knows what you are saying to him!  Mostly just has to get the ending consonants on his words!

Spongebob rocks!

Joni

I am a SLP. Albinism doesn't have a direct effect on speech development. However, boys tend to talk later. 17m is still young. Does he use the same sounds for items? Not necessarily the proper word, but a consistent sound? does he gesture, etc to get his point across or is he showing a lot of frustration? If you are truly worried, then please do get a full speech/language evaluation. This can be done through the local early intervention services or a private therapist. If they get to 24m and are still not talking, then please do get a full evaluation. Vision issues can delay some speech since babies use visual cues to form sounds as well as what they hear. Is he getting vision services? They may be able to recommend a SLP to help you.

Yes Joni he says....

"pongebob" "pongebob'

Last Thursday I told Katie she can not watch spongebob anymore, and as I was turning it Andy screamed  it twice. So, needless to say, they watch it everyday at 10 against my better judgement, lol!

He will not say mama anymore, but he will say pongebob, no s, so cute! 

Oh and today I wore marc's shirt, Andy grabbed it and said "dada dada", Ugh I can't win,lol!

Thank you so much for your responses ladies !

I must say that I really hadn't thought he was delayed in his speech at all, being as he was so young at that time, but that statement has stuck in my mind, and now every day that he doesn't speak, feels like an eternity to me !  Thank you for assuring me that 17mths is too young to start worrying.   I have a friend whose daughter is 22mths now (she doesn't have albinism or any other condition), and she only says about 4 words, so I was trying not to worry !

MrsChrisk, thank you for your professional opinion.  I appreciate it.

Yes, Dylan does gesture for whatever he wants, or is talking about ..  He'll point at the tv, biscuit tin (haha), back door - if he wants to go in the garden, and all that kind of thing.  He also 'talks' to me while he's gesturing - telling me a whole big long story, but not making 'real' words.   It's really like he's having a conversation, he'll 'talk' on and on and on, in his own little way - it's really very cute !  He looks so earnest, like he's trying so hard - or even like HE knows what he's saying, and why doesn't mommy get it ?  haha.

I hope those are signs that the words are coming, but I am assured now, that he is still young and has plenty of time before he's considered 'delayed', right ?

Thanks so much ladies - I really do feel much better now xx

 

When children learn to speak they not only listen but watch how we speak and form our words. It is common for a visually impaired child to be delayed in speech. Michael learned to talk a little slower (but not much ) than the " normal " but still needed speech when it came to things like pronuciation and such. He graduated speech however in the 4th grade. So no I don't think it is an OA problem per say as much as it is a vision related issue in general. I hope I worded everything right. Wow I am tired! LOL

Nikki

nikkib0414@yahoo.com

www.myspace.com/darlingnikki0414