Addressing Stressors, Supporting Families w/ Late talking Children

Parents and caregivers of late-talking children often experience significant stressors and find themselves questioning their abilities and being hard on themselves. It's vital for parents and families to acknowledge their capabilities and the multitude of wonderful things they are accomplishing. In this episode, we address these common struggles and highlight the unproductive nature of self-blame.
Instead, we encourage parents to give themselves a break and know they are highly capable. Instead of dwelling on unproductive thoughts, we invite parents to appreciate their child's unique journey and focus on the joy of supporting their growth. Join us as we explore empowering strategies for embracing parenthood and nurturing our children's development.
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LATE TALKING: A SYMPTOM OR A STAGE Late-Talking: A Symptom or a Stage is a best-selling book by Stephen Camarata, Ph.D., about late-talking in all its variations. The 2nd edition of the book is about to be released. In this video series, Collette Wieland and Stephen Camarata explore each chapter of this book and discuss the questions on the minds of many parents of late-talking children.
ABOUT DR. CAMARATA: Stephen Camarata, Ph.D. CCC-SLP is a late talker himself and is an internationally recognized expert on child development broadly with a focus on how children learn to talk. His clinical and scientific expertise includes speech and language intervention in children with autism, down syndrome, hearing loss, and developmental language disorder (DLD). Dr. Camarata is a professor of Hearing & Speech, Psychiatry, and Otolaryngology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and a Professor of Psychology and Human Development and Special Education at Peabody College, Vanderbilt University. He has written two books related to development, “Late Talking Children: A Symptom or a Stage” MIT Press 2014 and “The Intuitive Parent” Penguin 2017, and has a regular blog on Psychology Today
CHECK OUT THE LATE TALKERS FOUNDATION WEBSITE latetalkers.org/

[@nelsoncamilleri3893]

Thanks Stephen & Collette. This channel, the LTF website, Stephen’s books, etc have all been wonderful resources for me and my fiancé and our late-talking two-year-old. Whilst the distinction between 'classic' autism and late talking as a stage is quite clear, I’m curious if/how Dr Camarata differentiates between ‘stage’ late talkers and late talkers with ASD level 1. Is ASD level 1 something Stephen/Mary would even diagnose?

[@Late-TalkerJourney]

Hello, we're delighted you've joined us on the channel and appreciate your comment :-)! Indeed, diagnosing ASD Level I is a role Stephen and I undertake. Critical elements in distinguishing ASD from language or other communicative disorders include a) reduced or absent social interaction motivation, b) adherence to repetitive routines, and c) communication challenges (across all aspects). We would also assess the overall impact on adaptive functioning (i.e., meeting the basic developmentally appropriate demands of everyday life). Once ASD is diagnosed, it is a matter of determining severity and the corresponding support level indicated to optimize outcomes. While all levels pose challenges, the intensity of indicated support varies. When considering Language Disorder or a potential behavioral diagnosis for which to refer, symptoms focus more centrally on communication (expressive, receptive, pragmatic, phonological) and their impact on daily operations. While Language Disorder affects interactions and adaptive skills, symptoms are less pervasive. Adherence isn't as prominent or consistent. Social motivation and pragmatics (like bids and social referencing) can vary per the particular context but are consistently present in specific environments. Both benefit from support. The important thing is to supply appropriate support, which focuses on talking, interacting, and progressing developmentally and matches the child's particular profile. Support will be different for each child. An overarching goal is a child who will converse with us, enjoy learning, and reach their potential for a full and meaningful life. A "Late Talker Journey" episode comparing and contrasting examples of support for Language Disorder and ASD could be insightful and helpful. Individuality is vital; crafting support tailored to each child's unique profile matters most. While diagnostic classifications offer guidance, customizing support to fit the child is critical! Mary.

[@Rohaneh24]

My 5 year old late talker will be starting kindergarten soon, we’ve had many discussions already about how she hates circle time… wants to elope all topics I know you’ve discussed.. I’m ok with my child learning on her own timeline… however I’m finding that I don’t know if the “compliance” they push at school such as sitting for prolonged periods of time…. Tantruming during transitions from preferred activities to less preferred activity. I’m constantly teetering on whether homeschooling would be more beneficial to her own timeline vs going to school to be with peers?

[@sini2710]

For autistic kids, when there is no internal motivation to talk, how to create external motivations? Is it even a good idea to do that?

[@Late-TalkerJourney]

Hello, And, thank you for your question. I believe the answer is, "yes". We all do some things for external reasons/motivations, and it results in predictability, anticipated positive outcomes for us, and keeps us engaged and able move forward in ways we choose. We need to be careful. We want to provide the external motivation as a means of support and encouragement to the individual in achieving things and end goals that would be view as desirable in the first place. External motivators can help in terms of feedback and guidance. It can provide a predictable and positive social connection that involves interaction, and aside from other things, keeps us going even in those times when the going may be a little tough. I can identify with the experience of approach-avoidance in facing things I'd rather not do . . . but that are necessary in order to achieve something that will eventually place me in a more preferred situation. Late Talkers supports families. Families are often charged with raising children. All parent, I believe, can identify with sometime needing their child to participate in things they may not prefer, but in the end are for their eventual benefit. To the extent that motivation helps us attain wellbeing, personal development, self-sufficiency, and the ability to ultimately pursue what is meaningful and creates happiness and personal fulfillment, then I think it is a good thing to support, extrinsically or other wise. We -must be thoughtful- and positive. Thank you for a good considerations! Mary.