Question for any of you who were speech delayed

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I have a 6 year old son that is very much this way. He will not do anything unless he's sure that he can do it well. It's as if he gathers up all of the info in his head, and practices it mentally before he will show anyone that he can do it. He will then do it as if there had never been a delay in that area to begin with. Speech was very much this way for him. Up to about a year ago his speech was mostly echolalia. Then, BAM out of nowhere he began not only to use his own words, but usually in 3-4 word sentences.

I also have a 4 year son that is nonverbal, but every now, and then he just blurts out a word. It's usually not perfect, but definitely a word, and in context to the situation.

From what I've seen between the years 4-6 is when most ASD kids make the biggest leap in language, and other skills. Also, have you ever tried using Picture Communication Cards? If the signing doesn't seem to be working you can always try that. I've heard that they're usually more successful than the sign language, but I'm not sure if it's really true.

Oblekis,
It depends on each autistic as for some,it's adult age-for others it's child or teenage age,others never speak-with age,brings improvement,so it's impossible to know or judge what level he will be at,think of the present rather than future,as there is no force on self and son then.

What sort of signing is he learning?
If it's ASL/BSL type [which is very difficult as there are many steps involved],he might be better off trying makaton signing,it's easier to follow,and is more about actions rather than words,am find that people who haven't learnt makaton,also understand some signs as well,so it's easier for both signer,and carer/parent/staff/whoever.

Am coming up to twenty fourth birthday,and am either non verbal or echolalic,and use makaton,a PDA or notepad on laptop for backup,am live with another autie,who is full time NV apart from shouting,it differs in people,and there's different reasons for why the autistic is non verbal,some just don't want to speak,it's also important to use the skill,otherwise it gets weaker,and disappears.

Serenity,
Thanks for the info! I have never heard of anyone doing that before, I find it very interesting. Is your 6 year old afraid to 'do it wrong', or do you think he is a perfectionist? Your 4 year old sounds like my son, he will blurt out a word every now and then, clear as day...and it is appropriate for the conversaton.

He is trying to learn ASL. I agree it may not be working for him, and I am giong to check into the makaton. I am willing to try anything (as long as its not harmfful...and this I know isnt!!)

Thank you for telling me about yourself. You have no idea what it means to me to be able to 'talk' with you and everyone on WP. I know that everyone is different, which is a good thing. If everybody was the same, what a boring world we would be living in, dont you think??

I just would like to know what is my son thinking about, or how is he feeling, or what he actually wants to eat for dinner! I know that day will come, it may not be the typical speech...and that is okay. Just as long as he is able to communicate with me in any way is all Ive ever wanted

^____^ Thanks.

The only reason I was diagnosed as HFA instead of Aspergers was because I had delayed speech. What's your son's diagnosis?

^^;; My gallery's just thrown together because a lot of my friends have them. They're all far more talented than I am. And the posters were done for my ALevel in media - we had to pick a charity and do a poster series for them. I picked the NAS so I didn't have to do any research! XD

It's really nice to hear how enthused and happy you are about your son. You must be working really hard for him. He's very lucky!

My son is diagnosed as mild to moderate autism. I am very proud of how far my son has come over the past 2 1/2 years, he does have a long way to go...but no matter how hard the battle is.....I am there behind him.
Take care