I very nearly forgot that this topic was mentioned at Liana’s 15 month appointment and it would have escaped my mind completely had it not been for the phone call that I received the following afternoon. The call was completely unprecedented and Ashton and I were both infuriated with Liana’s pediatrician.
To understand our reaction, you’ll have to know what occurred at Liana’s appointment. The doctor asked her usual ‘check-up’ questions and showed me a graph of Liana’s growth and said everything looked outstanding. Then she asked if Liana was talking yet. I chuckled and said “not exactly… she’s been saying Dada and Mama since she was seven months old and recently she has been attempting ‘uh-oh’ when something falls on the floor and occasionally I catch her trying to repeat a word that I say.” The doctor frowned at this, but said ever so nonchalantly, “that’s okay, we can have an Early Intervention Specialist come to your home to work with her.” There was also a medical student in the room observing the appointment and when I glanced at her, she seemed to agree.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, back up. Early intervention? Has she heard the phrase, “one to walk, two to talk”? I’ve learned that babies develop at completely different paces and it’s normal for them to take until 18 months to start walking. I would only assume that that same mentality applies for talking. Liana is not two years old, she is only 15 months—of course she has a limited vocabulary. The doctor said that she should be using at least four words on a regular basis by now. Is she kidding? I know babies who don’t even ‘babble-talk’ half as much as Liana does! I politely pushed her Early Intervention suggestion aside and she voiced that the next time she sees Liana (in October for her 18 month appointment) she would like to hear her using at least ten words regularly.
I then mentioned the fact that Liana’s babysitter (who she sees Monday through Friday 7am-5:30pm) speaks only Bulgarian. Liana only hears English for the two hours we spend with her on weekdays and on weekends at home. I’m personally proud and impressed with how much she understands and how well she listens for only being exposed to the English language ‘part-time.’ (Read Liana’s 15 month development update to see what I mean). The doctor confirmed my suspicions that this is the reason why Liana doesn’t have a wider vocabulary. She explained that when babies learn multiple languages at once, they have a harder time putting sounds together correctly to form words. However, they exert much more energy into understanding actions and behaviors as well as observing their environment. She watched Liana pull open one of the drawers in the office and when I said, “Liana please close the drawer,” she closed it. Again, when Liana pulled a paper towel out of the trash I said, “Liana, can I have that?” and she brought it to me and placed it in my hand. The doctor was not impressed, however, and said she needs to be using her voice.
I honestly thought she was nuts. I can see how smart Liana is and I don’t think she’s behind with her speech development at all. She might not be advanced, but she’s not in need of an Early Intervention Specialist. This is why I was offended when I learned that, without my consent and against my wishes, Liana’s pediatrician had sent Liana’s medical records and my contact information to an Early Intervention Center. It was at no fault of the Early Intervention Center, but I was infuriated when I received the voicemail from them stating they would be sending information in the mail and following up with a phone call to schedule an intake assessment. I was really disappointed with the pediatrician because, up until this point, she has been supportive of all of my family’s other decisions (like being vegan and doing without the flu shot).
I’m still hurt and puzzled as to why she would contact the Early Intervention Center without my consent. Is that a common thing for doctors to do? Has anyone else had an experience like this with their pediatrician? Or can anyone shed some light as to why she would suggest speech therapy so early?
I'm honestly pretty surprised they would suggest early intervention. My twins were born extremely premature, so we always have developmental evaluations. We have had physical therapy, but no speech therapy. I would get a second opinion.
ReplyDeleteSomehow she completely changed her tune at my daughter's 18 month appointment. But she did say to write down Liana's words and that she should have 50 words that she uses regularly by the time she sees her next (her 2 year appointment).
DeleteI'm honestly pretty surprised they would suggest early intervention. My twins were born extremely premature, so we always have developmental evaluations. We have had physical therapy, but no speech therapy. I would get a second opinion.
ReplyDeleteGoodness what a strange pediatrician, each child is unique, Einstein didn't start talking until he was 5.
ReplyDeleteI think you need to go with your gut instinct, do not let the professionals talk you into anything you don't wish to do, you are the parent, you have every right to judge things by your own standards and understanding of what level your daughter is at.
Do not take it to heart too much, Dr's have to cross boxes now days and so sometimes they forget that children learn at different levels, my brother did not speak until he was about 3 and he has no problems now days grown up.
Stay strong and true to yourself.
I am glad I trusted my instincts, as she is picking up new words and sounds on a weekly basis now. Her pediatrician is still unsure, but isn't pushing speech therapy anymore. I know she will be talking in no time!
DeleteI have never heard of a doctor going against someone's wishes like this before. All children develop so differently. And I don't think it is right for the doctor to jump to the conclusion that there is a problem. I would have thought that she would have waited to see your daughter a few more times. Especially, as one week a child can only have a few words and the next week this can have jumped hugely. I am sure it will all be fine. Liana sounds intelligent and gorgeous. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think the fact that she went against our wishes is what bothered me most. I am sure she is just doing her job by making the suggestion, but I felt completely ignored and blindsided when I got the early intervention call. :(
DeleteAll children are so different and I certainly wouldn't be concerned if my daughter wasn't using many words at 15 months. She only started walking then! Your daughter's speech will come in time. Her development in other areas seems to be really good and she's adorable! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am confident that she will start speaking when she is ready and I don't feel she is behind at all. She has recently shown an interest in potty training and I am not even ready for that!
DeleteI've never experienced a doctor going against wishes and referring to speech therapy without parent's consent. Bug was sent to speech therapy following our health visitor's concerns about being delayed speech wise but he was soon discharged as he suddenly blossomed speech wise when he was ready. All children are different and I think children developmental advances vary - some are strong with language, others are more creative, others are more visual etc. I am sure she will speak more when she is ready too x
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words, and I agree. I think 15 months is too early to recommend speech therapy especially since we are constantly told that babies and toddlers develop differently from one another.
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