At what age would a SLD be noticeable?

[ButterpieBride]

First of all, I'll come clean- I had such an awful time at school that we very very nearly HE'd, but after a lot of soul searching and weighing up of options, have decided on school. A lot of my problems were down to undiagnosed difficulties (Dyspraxia mainly, some dyslexia, and it has been mentioned that it sounds like I had some kind of sensory problem that I seem to have mainly grown out of now unless stressed, plus I have some kind of bipolar issue that has caused psychosis in the past- basically my brain is a bit odd! I'm pretty much fine now, but school was hell.) Anyway, because of all this, I am aware that I will be a bit more paranoid than most about my children.

HOWEVER, DD1 is now 3.5yo and is still in nappies, falls over loads (around 10 times a day), spills things, took ages to reach motor control milestones and so on. It could be just normal toddler behaviour, but she is not really a toddler any more...

I don't want to make a fuss, but I also don't want her to suffer if she could be helped.

Anyway, at what point would you be concerned? And if you were, what would you do?

[ButterpieBride]

I just got hold of a health visitor on the phone and she is going to try and get someone to come to see us at some point in the next few weeks. She said it could just be that she is taking her own sweet time, or it could be something more, but it could be worth meeting her to have a bit of a look at her, plus the baby hasn't been seen for over 6 months anyway.

[mummytime]

It sounds like possible dyspraxia (or something), and with your history I would push for a proper referral. You HV seems to be being helpful.

good luck.

[paranoid2]

I presume you mean a specific learning difficulty when you say SLD. I think these are referred to as Spld's , SLD being the usual term for Severe learning difficulty.

I think its worthwhile getting things checked out. I would insist on a referral if the health visitor tries to fob you off, if only to get on a list. If you are no longer concerned by the time an appt arrives you can cancel. It might be worth getting eyes checked also. My Dt2 has motor issues also. Although he does have dyspraxic traits(sensory/motor planning/inattention) he was also diagnosed as being very longsighted which didnt help.

You could try posting in Special needs also.(There is a whole section there) This board isnt used as often and you would get more replies there

[ButterpieBride]

Thanks :)

I'll post on the other board too- i wasn't sure if this would be relevant there.

[LetsEscape]

You may wish to ask the health visitor or GP to refer you to the Child Development Centre so a full assessment can be carried out. These centres have paediatricians, speech therapists, physiotherapists and others working together. Go with your instinct.