Email Communication with a Speech-Language Therapist

Being a super-concerned kiasu mum, I immediately spent hours at home googling and doing research about Speech-Language Delay for a 18 months toddler after the previous visit to the paed.
Do not fear of lack of information through the internet. More to like information overload actually.
There was too much to digest and I need to filter out which are the 'appropriate' advice and which are the 'rubbish' advice.

I then emailed to the centre referred to by Dr. Chiah - Pacific Speech Therapy. I figured that I need to have professional advice. I emailed them my situation and concerns. And to my surprise and delight, my email was being replied the next morning. And within that day, four emails were being send to and fro. Talk about efficient!

And from our conversation, she advised me that currently there is no need to bring my son to the centre for assessment. She assured me that my son should be just a late talker. Phew....
However, close monitoring is a must. She advised a few pointers on what to look out for.
I find her email advice to me so professional and useful.

For those of you searching for a speech-language therapist in Penang, please look for Miss Evelyn Oh Bee Lim.

Pacific Speech Therapy & Learning Centre
New Add:15, Jalan Besi,
Island Park,
11600 Penang.
H/P: 017-4827098
Tel: 04-6587098
Email: pacificspeechtx@hotmail.com

After that, I felt so relieved. Just like a burden has been lifted from my shoulders.
So right now, I just need to closely monitor my baby. :)

Visit to the Paed - 18 Months

11 December 2010

Took Shern to see Dr. Chiah for his 18-month-old booster jab.
We waited for more than an hour this time and Shern was getting restless. But the moment we went inside the paed room, he was excited to see all the toys on the doctor's table.

I knew from experience that I have to ask Dr. Chiah all questions and concerns before his jab, because once Shern started howling, we would have to leave immediately.

And that was when I told Dr. Chiah about my concerns with Shern's speech. Up until now, Shern could only say 'mumm-mumm' and 'aii.....' clearly and consistently. But I also told the doc that he could understand us by showing various actions and pointing at things.
Doc says this shows that Shern's hearing is fine and he can process things with his mind. But then he may be having some speech-language delay.

He said that this is still not the worry stage yet as Shern is only 18 months old. But early intervention is good to see what we as parents can help the child. I could see his point and he then referred us to a Speech Therapist outside of GMC.

Then it was time for the booster jab. Distracting Shern with toys, Shern did not even cry! He did whimper a little but it was over so soon that he forgot all about it. He was really a good boy!
After hearing from a friend that this jab could lead to fever and uneasiness to the child, I asked Dr. Chiah about it. He said that the percentage of getting a fever with this jab is not high - only 1 in 20. (This is a low percentage because his earlier jab percentage was 1 in 5).

Shern then fell asleep in the car on the way back home. And during the car ride, I was thinking and toiling the idea of early intervention. Then I knew I was determined to do all I can in helping Shern. But first, I want to learn all about speech-language delay. And the best way to learn is 'thru google.

Oh, thank goodness for the invention of search engines!