Private SLT - where do I start?

[HiawathaDidntBotherTooMuch]

DS2 is 2.3 and has no words. Lots of noises but no words.

I took him to a drop in SLT and explained what I had been doing at home to encourage speech. The SL therapist couldn't suggest any additional things I could try at home really, and so has referred him for SLT. We are still waiting for that referral letter to come through, five weeks on. She did say that it would take at least four weeks.

But in our area, it will take 8 months for the first appointment

We have decided to pay privately for SLT so that we can give DS2 chance to make more progress. But where do I go for this? We live in Bromley if that helps anyone make a suggestion.

[AnnaD2]

I am a SLT. I would look at the website for independent SLTs - helpwithtalking.org.uk It will have a list of those in your area. I would also call your local SLT team in case your referral has been lost and query why a first appointment will take 8 months (which seems an awfully long time IMO) Also look at the 'Afasic' website for ideas in the meantime. All the best!

[HiawathaDidntBotherTooMuch]

Thank you for your reply. It prompted me to chase up the referral with the local SLT team. Apparently he is in the system. And apparently the target time between referral and the referral actualy happening is 18 weeks, but they are trying to reduce this, so it should not be 8 months at all!

I looked at your website suggestion, and I have found a SLT locally who does private assessments and treatment in your own home, and I have asked to discuss with her whether he would benefit from private treament.