My 3.5 had been referred for speech & language therapy today >

[quirkycutekitch]

The teacher has said he doesn't follow simple instructions like lining up with the rest of his class and putting his coat on with everyone else.

I really think this is more to do with him being a daydreamer than having any delay.

His speech is excellent and the teacher said he has an extensive vocabulary.

He says things like 'the plaster on the wall is not the same as a plaster you but on your hand - but it's the same word'

[quirkycutekitch]

I was just looking for any advise from anyone who's been in a similar situation.

[strawberryshoes]

There are 2 types of language, receptive (understanding instructions, listening and comprehending) and expressive (what you say and your vocab).

If he seems to be slightly delayed in one while the other is quite mature there is no harm in Speech and Language meeting him to see if there is anything they can do to get the 2 types on a par.

If its a daydream issue then he will no doubt mature out of it, but if its something they want to work with him on, the sooner started the better before he starts school and there is more pressure to follow instruction.

I always say there is no harm getting some help, even if it turns out not to be needed.

[strawberryshoes]

Should have said i am in a similar-ish situation, DD has been referred to ed psych at school for struggling with 3 part instructions (like open your book, write the date, and underline it) she gets lost or distracted after the second part. She is 4 and in reception though.

[Lottapianos]

Hi OP, I'm an Early Years SLT. I would suggest that the teacher has done the right thing - your DS might be doing just fine but on the other hand, if he does need extra support, the earlier that can happen the better. Sometimes children who are good at using language can still have 'hidden' language difficulties with understanding - an assessment with a SLT with get to the bottom of what is going on.

At the assessment, what usually happens is that the therapist will have a long chat with you about how your DS communicates,but also to find out his developmental history. Then he/she will do some playing alongside DS, and may use some picture books to formally assess his language. They may do some other stuff too like singing nursery rhymes, using musical shakers or playing with bubbles. DS will just think its a fun play session! Please don't worry about him not 'performing' or being shy or withdrawn on the day - we expect that! Just tell him that you're going to see a man/lady (use their name if you know it) to play with some toys and look at some pictures together.

The SLT will then give you feedback about all areas of communication (attention, listening, play skills, social interaction, understanding, use of language, speech sounds, fluency) and tell you where DS is doing well and where he may need some support to develop his skills. They will give you advice about what you and the rest of the family can do to help him. They will write a report which will be shared with GP and school (with your permission).

I hope that's helpful. Please ask any other questions you have.

[quirkycutekitch]

Wow strawberry they're expected to do that in reception!

Thanks lotta the thing is I think he will be fine in a one to one assessment it's just the classroom setting which is new to him.

[Lottapianos]

The one to one assessment will look at his 'baseline skills' - how he can function without all the distractions of the classroom etc. If he's doing fine in that situation, and there's still an issue in the classroom, the SLT can give advice to the school about how to support his listening skills in the classroom.

[quirkycutekitch]

What kind of support would he get at school to help him? And can I have it home when I'm trying to get him to get ready for school!

[Lottapianos]

When I say support, I mean advice and strategies for the adults in the classroom. Very simple stuff really - making sure that adults say his name and wait for him to look at them before launching into the rest of the instruction, maybe using a visual timetable (symbols or photos) to show him what activity is coming next, getting adults to use gestures and actions alongside spoken words to help him to listen and understand. It sounds very basic, but can make a huge difference to some children.

[strawberryshoes]

Yes Quirky, but only when they are practicing writing numbers so its not like Victorian era schools where they sit behind desks all day.

[quirkycutekitch]

Just can't imagine in a years time he'll be able to do that when all he can do now are squiggles & the number 1! Haha!

[windingways]

Lots of children have to concentrate on improving their listening skills, it is a good idea to encourage them to read since they are listening to their own voice you could help them at home

[ClawHandsIfYouBelieveInFreaks]

My Dd couldn;t write the date in reception Quirky she's fine now in year 2.