ImTheOvarianBarbarian
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A little background: My daughter has an expressive language delay and is developmentally around a year behind where her Doctor and Therapist say the "norm" is for her age (she says roughly 75 words, handful of 2-5 word sentences, and multiple signs.) She is incredibly smart (understands what is being said) and beautiful, and although it is hard to deal with the daily struggles of the reason "why,?" and general sideways glances of those who don't understand the struggle, I am very blessed.
She came running at me full force in the store (while being chased by Dad) and screamed "Mom" repeatedly. Yes, I almost cried. Seems like I've been waiting forever for this moment and thought Id share my excitement with strangers on Imgur!
FP edit: Thank you all for your kind words! You are all such amazing humans, and I am over the moon. I would also like to tell those of you who also have children with delays of any kind to never give up!
Edit#2: You all have me on the verge of tears with all of your kindness. I truly appreciate you all and this community. Gets me through all the tough times. I am most definitely very blessed to be my daughter's Mother. She is such an amazing little person with the attitude of a teenager already. I fear I will be in trouble once the speech develops.
Picture of my little girl with bunny tax!
dp487
My son's in the same boat as your daughter. My wife reacted the same way when he finally said "mama."
RegrettableDecisions
My oldest was nonverbal as well. I was a mess of emotion when he finally called me mom.
Kionahhh
My son is nearly the same. Called me "mom" for the first time when he was almost 4, and now he doesn't stop talking lmao
derbydoll
Don't put pic of your kids online!
Schrodingersfaggot
CathyJZee
This is why I became a speech therapist ???? keep up the good work mum! She wouldn't be there without you!
care4canines
Stay positive. My son only had a 3 word vocabulary @ age 3. Now he’s 19 and an exceptional student. Your daughter is beautiful!
tonksl
Shes adorable!!!
TsubakiTragic
Put a small heart token on your fridge door, inscribed with the date this happened. Start a collection... your secret.
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
This is a great idea!
down2stars
My son only said 6 things at age 3. Can't shut him up now (age 9). It is really exciting when they finally start talking to you. Congrats!
stormegedendarklordofall
I kind of relate there. Parents and therapist had me learn sign language and stuff. Worked well. I started talking a lot more
spookyactionatadistance
There are many ways to value humans. Wealth and intelligence are ok but kindness of character beats those hands down
Calistrasza
Ah, you made me cry a little! I felt the same joy when mine finally said his first words. There's no other feeling like it.
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
There really isnt!
Serenitydancing8888
#3 is ASD, didn't speak at all till age 5. I cried the first time he said 'I love you'. Congratulations to you and your daughter!
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
Parents of ASD and delay kiddos are amazing! Such a special moment for you. No doubt Id be bawling. Thanks. :)
DClaub88
My son has a similar delay, he was four when I first heard him call me dad. I cried because my autistic 6 year old daughter still cant talk.
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
My heart goes out to you. I can't imagine.
Jceshorty1
Future speech therapist here, plenty of time for her to catch up. I hope she's getting early intervention treatment! Good luck!
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
She is! Has been in speech therapy for a little over a year now. :)
meowarina
My son has the same thing, and when he finally called me mom I was so happy
moosehortons
Oh I'm so happy for you!!! I truly hope my friend gets this someday, she has a daughter with the same kind of delays. Can only imagine
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
It can weigh heavily on your mind and heart at times, the key is to look at what makes them wonderful! I hope she gets her moment too.
moosehortons
She is very good that way. You would never even know she has a child who is any different then her other two. She's a great mom
SyiLocan
I know a kid like this. He's a little shit.
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
She has her moments..
jgordon71jg12
You are blessed.
Flygonite
@OP my parents thought I was mute till I was 4 and took me to a doctor. I just had older brothers and didn’t need to talk
worldwithintheuniverse
Sounds like you have a lovely family and looks like you have an adorable bunny :) keep today in your heart always
Clumbsythumbs
I am very happy for you Mom
stephanie65648888
I remember when my 3yr son who has autism said Mom for the first time! My heart melted I almost couldn’t believe my ears! Congrats!
RosieGarden
I'm still waiting for that moment, but when it happens, I will treasure it. (My daughter is turning 3 in 2-3 months, hasn't talked yet)
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
Definitely an incredibly special moment! So happy you got to experience it as well. :)
nduck1
My son is autistic, just turned three, and also has a severe language delay. He just called me “mom” a week ago. ????
Calistrasza
It's the best feeling, isn't it? I get warm fuzzies just thinking about it.
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
She has said it muliple times since the initial, and I feel like I'm living in a dream!
imovefornoman
Oh man that's great! My 3yo son is barely making any sentences, I can see he knows more, but man do I hate the ignorant opinions of others.
stormegedendarklordofall
I didn't talk till i was 2-3 and my parents started therapy for me. Made huge differences and took off immediately
PomsRLife
Early intervention is key!
ClimbThemCrimps
Yes!!
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
We have dealt with ignorance as well, and it breaks my heart. Parents telling their kids they dont have to play with mine, etc.
imovefornoman
I don't know how I'd handle that. Good on you for not snapping. Our grief comes from in-laws. Your little lass is such a cutie!
Golgafrincham
She is beautiful. You are probably hearing this a lot, but my niece was the same and now she would talk for Ireland! Xx
feraljesus
I am a speech-language pathologist working with awesome kids like your little girl, and stories like these make me so incredibly happy!
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
I have the most respect for those in your profession. I know, I couldn't do what you all do on a daily basis. Know you're appreciated!
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
Our daughter's SLP almost teared up when we told her!
Elizabeth197565
Beautiful!! Congratulations, Mom!! Our two year old says only 5 words... Same; no idea why. He’s been seeing a speech pathologist.
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
She has been seeing a speech patholigist for just over a year now, and we are finally seeing some significant improvemet.
Elizabeth197565
Yay!! So great to hear! My in-laws just keep reminding me that Einstein didn't talk until he was four! :) Our littles will be just fine!
iheartpippilongstocking
That is awesome! My son had the same thing. I know the exact feeling. Made me tear up. So happy for you both!!
stormegedendarklordofall
I didn't talk till I was 2-3. I kind of want to know how my parents reacted.
iheartpippilongstocking
It was hard. Not because i thought something was wrong but everyone else did. He began talking at 3.5 . He understood everything.
iheartpippilongstocking
Communicated by sign language. Hes a bright kid. Now at 5 he competes in chess tournaments and already reading. We all develop differently.
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
Aww, so happy to have a fellow speech delay parent in the Imgur universe! Thanks! :)
iheartpippilongstocking
Pm me anytime!
iheartpippilongstocking
Anonymous1873
Probably completely different but I am dyslexic and was severely behind in speaking, reading etc. Now midway in med school. Good luck!!
ben3060
Hannah?
Electrimatics
Didn't speak until I was 4. Could barely read chapter books in 4th-5th grade... now graduating in the top 5-10% of my hs class. Good luck!
Itcanbedone
I'd the doctors won't fix you, you will!.... Seriously though good work.
myteenyverse
Amazing... love hearing stories like yours, post it!
Atria
Same here, I was told I’d never read past a 5th grade level. I still have encoding and decoding problems but I’ve been writing my 1/2
Atria
Own books and I’ve read anything from college reading requirements to tough classic literature. I never let the doctor become right!
RJ444
You’ll probably end up being my doctor.
stormegedendarklordofall
I had something wrong with tongue to brain connection. Didn't talk till I was 2 or 3. Speak a hell of a lot more now.
LindsyLovesLemons
Fuck dude. I can only imagine how determined and intelligent you are, congrats!
Rowee
Well you've probably got the illegible handwriting of a doctor already then :P
TheWickerBoy
Didn't speak until I was 3.5 y/o. Now full fledged doctor
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
This gives me hope! Thank you!
iWasLurkingAllTheTimeUntilYouCaughtMyEyes
Richard Branson is dyslexic too
DidNotInhale
I went to two dyslexic schools, was very behind on reading and writing, fucked up school but no I’ve got a degree in politics and
DidNotInhale
I’m doing my masters in international human rights law!
beachbetty
Eval tomorrow for my 3.5 yo speech delay/autism check. Thanks for sharing your big win!
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
Good Luck!!
1potsie
Some of the smartest people didn't talk much in early years!
BameGoycolor
Some are just dead but the parents think their just quiet
rapetron4000
The smartest ones still don't
legofham
...
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
I have heard this a few times. Hopefully she is secretly a genius! ;)
thenoisegeorgemichaelmakeswhenannbreaksupwithhim
i read that immanuel kant didn't say a word til he was about 4, so your daughter might become a very resentful little philosopher soon :D
ME2G
I’ve heard this too! They’re very observant and analytical thinkers.
dublet
Einstein never spoke a word until he was 9, his first words were "the soup is cold". His mum asked why he never uttered a word before, 1/2
dublet
"until now, everything was fine" 2/2
BeatsBearsBattlestarGallactica
She looks super smart @op! I hope you guys have a lot of fun and love
BeatsBearsBattlestarGallactica
Also buy k’nex!
TheCrazySucculentLady
Takes time to develop genius. Keep being awesome and she'll surprise us all. Maybe the next ElanMusk!!
ThisIsN0tMyName
Eleanor *
itsdarkandicantseewhatimtyping
Elaine*
Stoneagedudeman
As long as she doesn't make "friends" with a "Harry" and get adopted, we're cool.
Kangadilla
Elon*
TheCrazySucculentLady
It was a typo
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
I honestly just want her to stay her extremely caring and goofy self. As long as she is happy, I'm happy!
Carpediemsaul
If this world had more moms like you it would be a much better place!
Gdeadman
Hmm...extremely caring and goofy...so the person who finds the cure for cancer will be caring and goofy, got it
ImTheOvarianBarbarian
100% yes!
Gdeadman
Haha, well anyway good luck with the future genius