Speech delay/oral motor problems

[superfrizbee]

My son was 1 yesterday and since a stroke at 7 weeks has a left sided weakness, which is relatively speaking mild but still a form a cerebral palsy. It affects his shoulder/arm/hand most and his lower limb little. I think it also affects him from an oral motor point of view. He does BF but his suck is not as strong as it should be, so I think the weakness must also affect his cheek/lip muscles. His speech is delayed for his age. We hear babbling sounds of muh-muh, agoo, oooh, aye and other "soft" sounds but no dadada / bababa / nanana / gagaga - front of mouth sounds that require strength in the areas that he lacks.He gestures and his understanding of language is very good. I'm doing everything I can to try and help him but I'm finding it emotionally tough. My daughter was an early talker and I feel such a failure. Does anyone have any experience with speech delay due to oral motor problems?

 

[adrie]

Just wanted to respond as I have a very mild form of cerebral palsy affecting the right side of my body. No assisted walking devices, and I appear normal to most who meet me, until I mention my disability. My symptoms sound similar to your son's, and I have a numbness is what I call it, along the right side, it even affects my right side of my face in that oftentimes if I have a piece of food I can't feel it.

I rolled as an infant rather than crawled; was walking between 12-14 months; and talking in short sentences and potty trained by 2. I've worked my whole adult life, sent and paid 100% for my college education, and lived on my own, fully supporting myself without help at all. I'm engaged and we have a 2 year old, healthy child Basically I lived as a completely normal, non-coddled child, teen and adult, and I couldn't be more thankful for that!

I just want to say that cerebral palsy is a very varied disability (thank god) and if your son has a mild version of the disability, I'm sure he may very well be thankful, like me, later on in life! As you probably know, it's also neither genetic nor degenerative. So all very great things

I wouldn't be too worried about speech at 1 year old honestly. His mouth may work a bit differently and it may just take him a bit more to figure out the mechanics of it. Just keep doing what you're doing, get the needed support in the community (I remember physiotherapy as a small child, nothing major), and all the best. He's beautiful I'm sure.

As an aside, have you researched fine and gross motor developmental strategies at all? I saw an awesome video of a toddler/young child (can't remember age) with CP affecting one hand, and the strong hand was secured behind while the weak hand was free to pick up items ranging in texture, size, etc. Like even cheerios. I thought that was brilliant and I wish my parents had done that consistently for me as a baby and child if needed.

 

[superfrizbee]

Thank you so much. I could cry reading that. yes my son is starting to walk and can actually crawl. I have a lot to be thankful for. I wish I could put aside the worries... I hope I teach him to be as positive and determined as you sound.

 

[adrie]

Thank you so much. I could cry reading that. yes my son is starting to walk and can actually crawl. I have a lot to be thankful for. I wish I could put aside the worries... I hope I teach him to be as positive and determined as you sound.

It was a long journey, trust me! I'm honestly not that positive a person, but I am grateful! Esp. because I feel lucky and blessed to have CP as mildly as I do. He sounds perfect to me, looks perfect! I wouldn't worry at all.