advice on speech and language therapist

[blacktabbycat]

Hi - im new here - hellooo! Basically im looking for somewhere to rant and rave and ask advice lol! My ds is nearly 11 - when he was 7 I knew something wasnt right - his handwriting was terrible and his reading wasnt brilliant - thought he may be dyslexic?? Anyway his behaviour detioriated and he was having major meltdowns to the point where i couldnt cope - went to see school nurse and she suggested paedritician (sp?) so we started with the paed, been all the way through cahms and counselling and have finally got an appointment with a speech and language therapist next week - now im a bit nervous as to what is going to happen - and to be honest im not exactly sure why hes seeing a speech therapist - there are other issues - hes obsessed with lego and superheroes to the point where he will not change the subject despite us trying to, doesnt like loud noises and covers his ears when im hoovering - loads of other little things - his counsellor did say she thought he was on the spectrum but where she wasnt sure, she didnt even finish seeing him - she got pregnant with twins and went off on maternity leave early - she suggested he see the therapist and i never really got the chance to ask why! Sorry its a bit long winded and random but if anyone could help id be most grateful! Thanks for reading!

[AugustaFinkNottle]

It sounds as if they suspect a social communication disorder, so speech and language is very relevant. They will not just be concerned with speech, but things like how he uses and understands language, e.g. does he understand inference, how his comprehension is, can he process instructions, does he empathise with people, does he tend to reciprocate when talking to people, does he play with other children or alongside them, etc.

[blacktabbycat]

thanks for the replies - i was wondering whether it could be spd - he is very fussy , especially with his food - doesnt like the sauce touching his food etc and doesnt like getting things dirty - if he spills anything it has to be washed - not wiped washed - he doesnt like people sitting on his chair at the table when we eat, doesnt like his nails being cut as it says it hurts! Hes not very good at following instructions and plays with his brothers/friends so long as it is on his terms and they do what he wants. There are so many "little" quirks he has that its hard to remember them all.

[tartanterror]

If you can, investigate a multidisciplinary assessment for social and communication issues. That should include SALT, Paediatrician, possibly OT and psychology if you are lucky. That way you have less chance of falling between the different disciplines than if you see them all separately.

In the meantime seeing the SALT might confirm whether he has communication issues which would warrant a full team assessment so it sounds like you are going in the right direction. Good luck