Recommendations for speech delays?

[Leah]

I know some of you have kiddos receiving speech services or may have heard of some recommendations. Talon's playmate that is a couple of months older than him (turning 3 in January) is not really talking. He says one word things here and there. My girlfriend just got him evaluated yesterday and he qualifies for services, but they don't start for about a month. She said they diagnosed him with speech and a mild cognitive delay because he didn't answer to his own name and doesn't pretend play. She wants to know what she can do at home. I am relieved that she is getting help for him.:))

I am thinking about some things, but thought I'd ask if you guys have anything else I can share with her?

[Mama Sandy]

I know for Averie they wanted us to be sure to encourage her to use her words more. Meaning we had to really focus on not anticipating her needs and "forcing" her to ASK for things she wanted/needed. That seemed to help some. Also, we did a little signing but Averie was only about 15 months when this all started so I am not sure if they would recommed the signing for a child his age or not. We've been reading lots of books which really really seems to be helping Averie, she loves board books with pictures and we go through and label the pictures one at a time. She will bring me the books and point to pictures and I will tell her what the picture is and she'll at least try to repeat the word. Hmm, I know there was more but my brain is only functioning at about 20% these days. If I think of something else or get a chance to read through the handouts they gave me I will be sure to come back and post!

[Jojo]

i remember with James the therapist would play a lot of games with him and puzzles. Trying to get him to just figure things out and such.

She also had the mom put together a mini photo album of different pics and they would go through the album and she'd say "oh there goes James going down the slide. where's James?" or if he was eating a lollipop same thing. She'd have him point to himself or to his brother, etc.

If I can remember more I'll post.