speech delay age 5

[bigbutsrus1]

My nephew has just turned 5. Feel so sorry for my sister as he has always struggled with his speech. Bit of background; born at the right gestation, physically development ok (quite small) He had a dummy until maybe 3. His parents separated but he still sees father twice a week and every other weekend. The school has done a bit of speech therapy but he has tantrums so they don't want to "push" it. I can understand some of his words but my DH and my children can barely manage to understand anything he says. He had a hearing test and failed on "low tones" but seems to hear ok. He also has a servere constipation problem (on medication) and if he hasn't poo'd he has the most awful tantrums ever! The icing on the cake was this morning when he was kicking and screaming with the headmaster. My worry is that there is something else going on, emotional delay also? I don't really know much about these issues but I am worrying about the stress it is causing my sister and wondered if anyone has any advice or what or who else she can talk to. He hasn't met his early learning goals at school but has moved on compared to when he started reception. I was thinking maybe school nurse? Thanks if you have any advice

[Therealyellowwiggle]

Very surprised if he's reached five with a speech delay and hasn't been referred to a paediatrician. See GP, ask for referral. I wouldn't bother with school nurse unless she can refer on.

[MattDillonsPants]

Definitely the doctor. She should go without DS and tell the GP everything and he or she can refer him to be assessed for a variety of issues which could be causing these problems. It is hard I know...you can go with her if she wants...I went with my friend and she also brought me along to her son's assesment as her DH was critically ill. It's very important to offer a listening ear for her as you are doing and also to remind her to take pleasure in her son for who he is and not to get too wrapped up in any diagnoses he does receive.

[MadSprocker]

There should be a SENCo in school to contact about support there, that can help get the ball rolling too.

[MattDillonsPants]

Yes...and the question is "Mad" why has that SENCO not been involved already? Sounds like a bad system in the school.