Speech Delayed?

Mommy said Paul’s speech is delayed, but upon assessment, I found out that Paul’s English vocabulary is even better than those of other kids his age. When presented with pictures, Paul can identify objects and animals, but he can’t talk with us. He can’t tell us what he wants nor can he tell us how he feels. He simply can’t communicate with other people.

Moreover, Paul’s pen grip is so light. He can’t hold a pencil by himself. He can’t rub a crayon against paper, so, he can’t color the pictures that I give him. One time, during one of our sessions, Paul suddenly had an attack of separation anxiety. He wanted mommy, but mommy went somewhere else. So, I explained to him that we have to wait for mommy to come back. Paul mumbled words that nobody could comprehend. Frustrated, he pointed outside and kept on mumbling. I assumed that he wanted us to follow his mommy but I said that wouldn’t be good because we didn’t know where mommy went. Paul wept in between mumbling. I felt that he was trying so hard to tell me what he wanted to happen. I felt that he was pleading and begging. I felt that he needed help but I didn’t know how to help him. I tried to comfort him and told him everything’s going to be ok, I was with him and we will both wait for mommy to come back. Paul kept shaking his head. He wanted to say something but I couldn’t figure out what it was. So, he just sat on his chair and wept silently. I nearly wept with him.

When mommy came back, I told her what happened. Mommy said that was her problem with Paul and told me that she didn’t know what to do about it. Honestly, I didn’t know either. So, I just told her to consult Paul’s pediatrician and ask her to recommend a speech therapist for the boy.

I may have an idea what happened to Paul, but I didn’t know what is supposed to be done except consult  the specialists about it.  We stopped Paul’s program and we wouldn’t resume until something has been done about his speech. I sincerely hope that mommy didn’t wait until now to do something about it :(

*not real name