I Interviewed With A Family Yesterday...

[youretooloud]

The youngest child is two years four months old.

He does not speak a single solitary word. They are going to look into speech therapy when he's three.

I asked if they'd had him evaluated by a doctor or the school district. They said they can't afford to have him tested. "But, it's free through the school district". They said "Only if he's three". That's not true... they never even called the school... the school has a "first things first" program. It's advertised all over the city in English and Spanish. Plus, make a few calls to see. Ya know?

He also doesn't respond to any spoken language.

So, what if the boy can't hear? They've never had his hearing tested other than the one in the hospital at birth. They don't remember if he passed that test or not.

They are starting with me in May... I'm excited to get them, especially since the Oldest girl is the same age as the other girl I'll have in the summer. The middle boy is the same age as one other boy I have now, and they liked each other right away. But, the youngest boy will not have anybody his age until fall. In the fall, I'll only have the youngest one, as the older two will be in school. Age wise, and numbers wise, this works out so perfect for me. I couldn't believe it fell together to well.... so, this summer should be great!

[MissAnn]

The youngest child is two years four months old.

He does not speak a single solitary word. They are going to look into speech therapy when he's three.

I asked if they'd had him evaluated by a doctor or the school district. They said they can't afford to have him tested. "But, it's free through the school district". They said "Only if he's three". That's not true... they never even called the school... the school has a "first things first" program. It's advertised all over the city in English and Spanish. Plus, make a few calls to see. Ya know?

He also doesn't respond to any spoken language.

So, what if the boy can't hear? They've never had his hearing tested other than the one in the hospital at birth. They don't remember if he passed that test or not.

They are starting with me in May... I'm excited to get them, especially since the Oldest girl is the same age as the other girl I'll have in the summer. The middle boy is the same age as one other boy I have now, and they liked each other right away. But, the youngest boy will not have anybody his age until fall. In the fall, I'll only have the youngest one, as the older two will be in school. Age wise, and numbers wise, this works out so perfect for me. I couldn't believe it fell together to well.... so, this summer should be great!

I had a boy with the same situation. We don't watch a lot of TV here....but one day I put on a Barney. He quoted every word......said it right along with the TV....he didn't talk, only grunted when he wanted something. I would not give him what he wanted unless he spoke (or you could tell he really tried) the word. After just a few weeks, he talked like the other kids. Sometimes kids just aren't required to talk....if they get what they want without having to bother to use their voices. I'm not saying this is what is going on with yours.....but is it possible?

[youretooloud]

but is it possible?

It's possible, they are from a different culture where the boys are not required to learn anything until kindergarten. They don't even pull up their own pants. THESE kids are self sufficient though, and dress themselves. The family has been in the country for over 15 years. So, it could be partially cultural, and partially something else. (he's also the youngest of three)