Iman's Speech Disorder

For those yang close dengan saya pasti tahu apa masalah Muhammad Iman. Secara fizikalnya dia tak ada apa-apa masalah. He's approaching 4yo, to be exact he's 3-years-and-7-months old. A GP nearby commented Iman is of good size for his age. He currently weights 18kg. Tak gemuk. Big size maybe.

The problem is, he doesn't speak as he should be or like other children of his age. He makes sounds nevertheless but in his own language. He says single words like fish, makan, air and kikkor and occasionally a 2-word sentences like apa tu, nak makan, nak mandi. His longest was (and still is) a 3-word which I remember until now Kakak duduk atas (Kakak was upstairs). Nak bercerita jauh sekali. However he is not in his own world, meaning he shows interest in socialising. But I'm quite sure his speech problem may hinder his ability to create friendship to certain point.

His paed said he is hyperactive. I'm not sure if I'm living in denial because to me he's just plain active. Well, maybe extra-active. To get his attention for just a little while used to be such a challenge, let alone to teach him from flash card and the likes. With exception for anything related to cars, lorries, vans and the likes. I think he has toned down a bit tho it is still difficult to get him sit down and engage in conversation. Except mealtimes when he babbles his own language. Maybe nak cakap tak sedap ke, I want more ke. I don't know. Most of the time he leaves us guessing. Failing to guess correctly, he throws tantrum and whatnots.

Tales or stories about hyperactive or active kids and their mischieviousness may be cute. To tell you the truth, it can drain you physically and mentally. Usah haraplah for proper dinner or lunch. Let alone to go on shopping spree. Kalau nak bawak berjalan, always pray he/she will at least behave a bit but also be prepared for hard times. Outing maybe cut shorter than you had planned. But I'm used to that, kind of.

During our last visit to his paed, we were referred to an ENT specialist in APSH. That would be the first step in assessing his problem. Tho we do not think it's due to any hearing disorder, we just follow the flow.

Today we brought him to an ENT specialist in APSH. We were 'scolded', sort of. Boys tend to start later than girls, he said. But 4yo is far too late. We should've gone and seen him 2 years ago when Iman was just 2. I remember seeing his paed and told him our worries but he said it was still early (when Iman was 2). Obviously these 2 doctors have different school of thought. ENT specialist then referred us to another audiologist as he doesn't do hearing test. In Iman's case, he needs BSER test. So far we have 2 options, one in Jalan Ipoh, Innovative Hearing and another one is in Gleneagles Intan. Anyone who has gone through this, I really appreciate if you could share your experience.

If hearing-disorder is ruled out, then speech therapist follows. and maybe phsycologist. and next phsychiatrist. Scary huh? I am not sure if I'm mentally prepared for things to come but I'd better get myself geared up, kan. Plain hyperactive, ADD, ADHD or even autism.

Apa-apa hal pun as a mother, I really hope and pray that Iman will catch up with his age and grow like he should be. Isn't that what all mothers wish for their children anyway?