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It was just after Iyla’s third birthday. She seemed to be on track, at least according to the pediatrician’s checklist. She could follow instructions, name most familiar things, knew her first name, spoke in sentences and could carry a conversation, though she was hard to understand most of the time. We enrolled her in preschool that year and she was a little social butterfly.
Then one day, I walked into the preschool and I was stopped by the Director and pulled into her office. She sat me down and told me that Iyla’s teacher noticed that she’d been having issues with her communication skills. They wanted me to consider signing her up for a speech therapy program. I don’t know why, but I immediately felt defensive. Sure, there were moments when we couldn’t understand what she was saying, but every child is like that when they are small. She would outgrow it, we just had to give her time.
When I picked her up from school a few weeks later, her teacher stopped me on the way out. She asked if I had considered contacting the speech program. She shared moments where Iyla had trouble saying what she needed to say and was often straining to get the words out, which would cause her to stutter. She said that she told her to slow down and stopped her when she started stuttering.
I went home and spoke to a friend, who is a speech pathologist. She immediately sent me links to local speech therapy programs and suggested that I ask the teacher not to point it out. By making a big deal of it and calling Iyla’s attention to it, that could make it worse. The following day, my husband spoke to her teacher about it and we dropped the subject. I started to notice her stuttering at home, but I didn’t want to admit to anyone that something might be wrong. So I thought if I just ignored it, it would go away as quickly as it started. Not my proudest moment as a Mom, but a moment that is important to acknowledge.
It was toward the end of the school year when the preschool Director again pulled me into her office, but this time, she included Iyla’s teacher and one of the VPK teachers in the conversation. Iyla’s stuttering was happening more often and they encouraged me not to wait any longer. It had already been nearly 6 months. I went home that day and filled out the online form to see if Iyla would qualify for the county’s speech program.
It was a couple of months before we finally got a phone call. I realized that my waiting so long could have made it harder for them to correct this. That’s when my guilt set in. They wouldn’t be able to schedule an interview until the beginning of the school year (more waiting), but she said that this was common in kids with older siblings because they are often trying to talk over their brother or sister and may feel rushed to get their words out. When they are this young, it’s not as easy to do and that can cause the stutter. She told me to talk to Lucia (who was 7 at the time) and explain that when Iyla speaks, that she should allow her to finish her sentence without trying to talk over her. Lucia was great about it. As great as a 7 year old could be, but it didn’t seem to stop the stuttering, which at this point became more and more hard to ignore.
They scheduled a meeting at one of our local elementary schools where they interviewed us and observed Iyla and her speech issues. Even with no other children in the room, she struggled to get a sentence out without stuttering. Her forehead would scrunch up, as though she was straining to speak. I had to look away. I didn’t want her to see the tears in my eyes. I felt like this was my fault. I should have applied for the program right away. I should have gotten her the help she needed. I had one job and at that point, I felt like I had failed miserably.
When we got the letter stating that she had been accepted into the program, I felt a sigh of relief, but couldn’t get over my lingering guilt. I went into the school that day and sat down with the Director to let her know the good news. I told her that I was worried that I waited too long, but she assured me that it was fixable and that I had nothing to worry about.
For that entire year, Iyla was bused from her VPK class to an elementary school, once a week, for her speech therapy classes. They worked with her for an hour each day and sent her home with homework so she could practice speaking slowly and annunciating. By the end of the year, the stutter was gone. She was speaking clearly and with no issues. It was emotional for her and the therapy teachers on her last day. They had become so close and since she was planning on going to a different elementary school, they wouldn’t see each other again.
She continued speech therapy classes through Kindergarten, since she was still having issues with a few sounds. This time she was able to take them at her own school. I started to see an improvement almost immediately. Her speech went from barely understandable to beautiful and fluid. The change was night and day. Today, at 10 years old, if you met her, you wouldn’t even know that she ever had any speech issues.
Honestly, I wasn’t planning to share this, but I realized that if I struggled with this situation, there must be other parents out there that are going through the same. We all let our pride get in the way sometimes, but when it comes to our children, we have to learn to push it aside.
If you notice your child is struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Early intervention is key in these situations. According to ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association), you can find your community’s early intervention office by:
- asking your child’s pediatrician, child care provider, or teacher for a referral;
- calling your state department of health or education;
- reaching out to the Parent Training and Information Center in your state;
- contacting the pediatrics department of a local hospital; or
- visiting the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center’s state-by-state contacts page.

keikilani
September 18, 2019We are going through something similar to this right now. Asking for help is not always easy, but it’s worth it. This is such valuable information for parents.
Laura
September 17, 2019I’m glad she was able to get the help she needed! Speech therapy can be really beneficial.
David Elliott
September 17, 2019I totally get it the worry when you feel that something isn’t right with your child. I’m sure I have felt that way about my daughter more than once. That’s great you did finally listen and put your daughter in a good situation now with a great chance to succeed.
David Elliott recently posted Single Dad’s Guide To Jury Duty Part 4: The Deliberation Room
Jessie
September 16, 2019Thank you for sharing your story. I was in speech therapy for 10 years, and it was a life saver. Now people always tell me I have a good speaking voice and they have no idea how much I struggled. (My parents waited too, and I turned out perfectly fine and now speak as part of my job, so drop that mama Guilt you’re doing great!!)
Mommy Peach
September 15, 2019I enrolled my daughter in speech therapy earlier this year and there was great improvement in her speech as well.
Mommy Peach recently posted Make Weekends More Delicious with DIY S’mores Board
Nicole Bertrand
September 15, 2019I think it’s so awesome that you shared this. I’m a stutterer and have been stuttering since was about your daughter’s age (I’m 40 now!). Be proud of yourself for getting her help. My parents got me help…but not until I was in middle school! I don’t fault them…things were different back then…but I’m sure if I had gotten help earlier I would have had an easier time all around!
WanderlustBeautyDreams
September 15, 2019Before I switched majors I took many speech classes and it opened my eyes to the signs to look for for speech therapy in kids. It’s really important to keep up with how many words a child is able to speak in different age brackets. This was an awesome post and awareness!
WanderlustBeautyDreams recently posted Magnolia Streamside Resort | Poconos, Pennsylvania
Kara
September 15, 2019Speech therapy can be so beneficial for kids that are struggling and its amazing how fast progress they make with a bit of extra support. Glad your little one got the help she needed
Viktoria Altman
September 14, 2019Intervention as early as possible is super important. But you are human, and you are a mom. It’s sometimes really really hard to making objective decisions when it comes to the kids. We all make mistakes, the important thing is that you corrected it quickly!
Viktoria Altman recently posted Renting A Car In Ireland – A Complete Guide
Yeah Lifestyle
September 14, 2019My daughter did speech theraphy when she was 4 years old for a year and that really helped improve her language skills, so glad your daughter is doing well now
Chad
September 14, 2019Oh Heather, this is amazing and what I personally find great is that you re sharing your story for others to learn. Kudos to you! Sharing it on my network.
Lyosha
September 14, 2019My close friend is a speech therapist and I know from her how hard it is. You did great! The achievement is fantastic and it is very important to talk about it too
Lyosha recently posted CPM, part 2
Shani
September 14, 2019I’m glad you were able to work with speech pathologists to help your daughter.
Sarah
September 14, 2019Thanks for sharing your story. I’m sure there’s someone out there it will help. My daughter had to go through similar therapy but when she was very young due to her heart condition. Glad everything’s good with your daughter now.
Wren
September 14, 2019This is a great read. Important to point out the things we falter on to make us better and those around us.
Wren recently posted Some of You May Die…
Ruth I
September 14, 2019Happy to know she is all better now. It is important for us to be aware and know our options. Thank you for sharing!
Ntensibe Edgar Michael
September 14, 2019Nnniiiccceeeee…I am so glad Iyla pulled through on that one! It’s quite the mountain to climb.
Ntensibe Edgar Michael recently posted S.W.A.T
Rhea
September 14, 2019I can relate and understand your situation. My niece has the same issue but with different case, that is the difficulty in expressing herself. The speech therapy has been continous for over a year now, wherein it should have been earlier.
Glad your daughter is doing well,
All the best
Kelly Martin
September 14, 2019This is good to know. Early intervention seems to be the key for speech therapy.
Catalina
September 14, 2019Thanks for sharing with us about your experience. It’s so important to be there for our kids, sooner or later!
Sherry
September 14, 2019Thank you for sharing your story. My brother had to go to speech therapy when we were in elementary school due to a stutter as well.
Cinny
September 14, 2019I think it’s important to seek help early. Rather be vigilant and catch things instead of to miss them is the philosophy I go by so thank you for sharing.
Celebrate Woman Today
September 13, 2019Such a powerful post! So good to know it before it happens to you. I was really worried about my child when he could not speak in full sentences for a long time.
Romy Schorr
September 13, 2019I think every parent with young children should read this. Many parents feel like if they hear that their child has a speech problem that there’s something wrong with them, and that’s not always the case.
Ronnie
September 13, 2019My aunt went through a similar story to yours, and in the end, speech therapy was the absolute best path for my little cousin. He grew out of a very strong stutter and although his speech is not quite like the rest of ours, he is able to express himself to be understood.
joy
September 13, 2019your daughter is very cute. i did speech therapy as a young kid in elementary school both at school and a company in town. it was very helpful for me too. thanks for sharing.
Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome
September 13, 2019I’m happy you decided to act out on her issue and that she’s better now.
Brianne Tursi Manz
September 13, 2019I have my thoughts and opinions on the matter, which I’ll keep private. I do feel that if a teacher informs a child’s parent(s) that their child has a possible speech issue, they need to take action.
Heather
September 13, 2019Yes, but we don’t always act immediately in all situations, because we all have moments where we falter. That’s why I’m sharing my experience.
Linda
September 13, 2019I don’t have any kids but recently relied on speech therapists for my dad (who passed recently too) after his stroke. They’re amazing people.
Linda recently posted 7 Reasons to Take a Cooking Class with Cheeni
Krista
September 13, 2019Every mom needs to read this! It is so true! Don’t be ashamed, don’t be defensive! If you have any doubts, why not seek out services so that your kid doesn’t have any issues when they are older and more aware. I had 2 of my 3 in early intervention simply because it was free and they qualified. Why the heck not!
Good for you mama!
Tara Pittman
September 13, 2019I had two children with speech problems. One because of her hearing issues and another because. of week mouth muscles. These kids are now adults and are doing fine
Tara Pittman recently posted What To Expect When Switching To Sulfate Free Shampoo
Audrey
September 13, 2019I think that’s a normal defense mechanism, like our kids can’t possibly have a speech issue. If we step back and realize that the teachers only want to help your child, that’s the first step. Your post was very informative.
Audrey recently posted Fall Outfits for Moms – Get Ready in Less Than a Minute
Emman Damian
September 13, 2019They say that early intervention really helps. I know that when you talk to your kids, it’s much better. They can relate more.
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