Speech Therapy

Since NingNing had been facing problems with the pronunciation with certain words, we decided to take her to the specialist to have a proper check-up. First, we went to the Emergency Department as we are not too sure who should we refer to, to the ENT Department or the Paediatrics. Then, NingNing was transferred to the Paediatrics to do some speech evaluation.

We are glad that there were nothing wrong with her hearing and tongue. After checking the ear and tongue, she was asked to read alphabet A to Z, sounds okay. And then, she was asked to sing! Then, the paediatrician asked me some history about her. I explained that she started to talk (single, double wording) when she was about 10 months old and complete sentence when she was about 1 and 1/2 year old so, there was no sign of her to be a slow learner or speech disorder.

Then, there was a little conversation between the paediatrician and her to test her understanding of certain question. A simple test on her speech in different language turned up to be fine. In the end, she was diagnosed of slurred speech with certain words.

I heard of the slurred speech years ago and understood the meaning of it. It was nothing serious but what we are afraid of is that she might get so used to the slurred speech that it become her habit one day. I requested the paediatrician to write us a letter so that we can went straight to the speech therapy, which was only available at the General Hospital Ipoh. The paediatrician refused as he thinks that all NingNing needs now is practising the certain pronunciation at home. After much discussion with the paediatrician, we came to a conclusion that we will teach NingNing to practise her speech at home everyday and if there is no improvement after 6 months then only we bring her to the speech therapy.

Back at home, I called my mum and hubby to discuss this matter with them and like what I'm thinking, they also think that 6 months is way too long. In the end, we decided to give ourselves 3 months of deadline. If there is no improvement, we will personally bring NingNing to the GH with or without the letter from the paediatrician.

As for now, I'm doing some research on the speech therapy, hopefully I can find some helpful information. And of course, hope for the best.