Is my child special needs?

[Flowertots]

My dd is 3 yrs old this December. She is able to put a few words together in a sentence (usually only about 3 maximum)but majority of the time, cannot communicate any of her needs or wants. She cannot indicate that she needs a nappy change and only ocassionally says that she wants some food. She is totally dependent on us knowing what to do, when. The nursery she attends also commented on her lack of concentration and that she often acts very frustrated because she can't communicate.
Overall, dd is a very happy child but she prefers to be solitary and doesn't like to play with the other children. She's also very hyperactive-running around all day with only 1/2 an hour nap each day. She walks with in-turned feet aswell for which we have got insoles.
I've lost all faith in the nursery she attends because they never told me they were concerned about anything and then when they did all in go, I felt like they were personally attacking us. My GP said that many nursery staff scare-monger and that he thinks she is ok, but I'm not so sure now. Has anyone else experienced this. Admittedly, dd has an incredibly short attention span and cannot communicate as well as she should. Sometimes she seems as if she genuinely doesn't understand what's going on around her.

[PatsyCline]

When my DD1 was three concerns were raised about her by her nursery and we asked for a referral via our GP (who was very supportive)to a paediatric consultant. Seeing the consultant has really helped us.

Your concerns about your DD need to be taken seriously as no-one knows her as well as you do. If your DD does need support then getting help sooner rather than later will be of huge benefit to her. In your position I would go back to the GP and tell him that I would like a referral.

Good luck with everything.

Patsy x

[sarah573]

Your DDs communication may just be a little delayed, however you are, justifiably, concerned.

Go back to your GP, take a list with you of all your concerns. Ask him to refer you to a peadiatrician and don't take no for an answer.

[deeeja]

I think you shuld approach your gp and tell him you want a referral to a paediatrician who specialised in communication disorders.
A couple of things strike me about your post. You say she can talk in three word sentences yet she cannot communicate her needs, and that she doesn't let you know when her nappy is dirty. This in itself should be enough for you to get a referral to a paediatrician who specialises in communication disorders, and a speech and language therapist.
Be sure to specify that you want to be refered to a specialist paediatrician. My gp referred me to a community paediatrician who specialised in epileptic fits, I didn't realise at the time. It wasted so much time.
Keep a diary of everything yur daughter does, and watch her reaction to different situations. Maybe ask the nursery if you can observe your daughter to see how she plays. Does she engage in imaginative play?
How does her playing differ from the other children?
Also, gps often don't recognise communication problems in children, unfortunately.
Take care.

[TotalChaos]

Agree with other posters - speak to your HV or GP, and ask for at least a speech therapy referral and hearing test, and possibly also for a paediatrician referral. If she comes on in leaps and bounds then you can always cancel any of the above. IN SOME AREAS YOU DON'T NEED GP/HV PERMISSION TO REFER TO SPEECH THERAPY, PHONE UP YOUR SALT DEPARTMENT DIRECTLY TO FIND OUT.

If the waiting list for speech therapy is hideously long, I would consider a private assessment - likely to cost £100 to £150, including a written program to help bring on her speech/understanding.

In the meantime - ask nursery for THEIR advice on improving language/socialisation.

[TotalChaos]

in the meantime, the Hanen website (www.hanen.org) has useful advice about helping kids with delayed speech, giving incentives for kids to communicate etc. Also you may find (if you are free during daytime), that your nearest SureStart centre does a Hanen type course (usually 9 X 2 hour sessions) to help you help your child to communicate.

[coppertop]

I agree with everyone else. Actual communication is far more important than words. If your dd can't communicate with you then this needs to be investigated. If the GP isn't being helpful then could you try via the HV?

has the nursery said what they are actually planning to do to help? Will they be contacting the Early Years team for help?

[TotalChaos]

Coppertop - the OP has another post on beh/development called "Losing faith in system" that gives more detail.

[coppertop]

Thanks, TC. I'll go and have a read.

[neolara]

Just a thought, but it might also be worth getting her hearing checked.