Speech Delays in Multiples

I had all the boys tested by Early Intervention for any potential delays they may have. As I suspected they all indeed show a speech delay. They are just over the cut off but enough to qualify for some speech therapy. The ladies that evaluated the boys said I could have them tested again under a more controlled environment (meaning not at home and without their brothers there to distract them). I don't think I want them to score higher since then they may not qualify for speech therapy which I feel like they need (lets call it mom-tuition). Besides that's their learning environment, their brothers will always be there to distract them.

I've been more willing to accept that being bilingual was the cause to the delay but they didn't feel that is the case. They think it might be due to being multiples, which I've been less willing to accept because I don't want to believe that my boys are in anyway at a disadvantage just because they are triplets (this is one of the reasons I persevered so hard to breastfeed them). But statistics show 50% of all multiples (twins and more) have speech delays. It was explained that it could be due to life structure as a multiple (not enough variation and needs anticipated too quickly). For example putting your kid in a high chair for a family meal and forgetting to feed them, which could easily happen when you have one child but you'd never do that with three since most MOMs adhere to strict schedules/routines from the day our children are born. Perhaps the boys are too comfortable and don't feel they need to speak...hmmm...I guess overlooking a child's needs might be good for their development since it forces them to communicate?

Another possible reason:
• Multiples often engage in twin talk, a spoken language or a language of gestures and body language. Multiples are often so effective at communicating with each other that their speech and language development can be delayed. Taken from here
I have noticed that when one starts making a new noise/sound that the others pick it up quickly.

And of course the elephant in the room, there is only one of me and three of them! They are obviously not getting as much one on one attention as a singleton would. So it's finally caught up to us, at this stage in their development they simply need more than I can give? Other than Phil and I the boys see no other person on a regular basis that interacts with them, not even a big brother or sister (which they obviously don't have). They need more than just being in the midst of people like our typical hang outs that include meetings, indoor park, play house, park, etc. As the old adage goes, it takes a village to raise a child. So along with speech therapy I enrolled the boys in nursery school, where they will go once or twice (but hopefully twice) a week for 3.5hrs. It's a learning program and not just a place for them to play I'm hoping this provides some extra stimulation. They start this week and I'll give you more details later on. I'm still waiting on speech therapy to call me back so that we can meet and talk about a plan to get them caught up.

As their mother I must add that any deficiencies the boys have they make up for in shear cuteness (and climbing abilities)! I also think this is a window into their personalities, they will probably be shy (like me) and quiet (like dad) kids. I hope that means they won't be annoying, hehehe!

Maybe it was a good thing that I initiated baby sign language but not so good that I've done a terrible job at it. I get so caught up with life that I simply forget to practice it with the boys. All of the boys know and use the sign for 'more' and 'gentle' appropriately. Eli is on the verge of learning 'all done' since he does the sign sometimes. I'm sure they all recognize the sign for 'book' and 'eat' but no one has done it on their own yet. I should probably queque up a couple more signs at this point I think.

 Who needs a 3 pod choochoo wagon? Actually Caleb fell off of it so we won't be using it for baby transport after all...

Took the boys to a bluff near our house were they could run around, if we stay in the area long term I can imagine the boys riding their bikes here with Slurpee's in hand and having great times together exploring and doing who knows what boys do!

 The boys were in serious stick heaven!

 With all the nice weather we're having the boys skin is getting a little darker and their hair a little lighter, might have to start using sunblock and hats soon!

Eli easily ran a mile here, he followed the trails and just kept going!

I can officially say the boys have their first obsession(s). Most little boys are obsessed with balls or airplanes but with mine its sticks and utensils (forks and spoons)!

Here is an uninteresting video of the boys running around at the bluff: