First salt assessment

[slowlygoingbonkers]

Ds has been referred to speech and language as there are concerns about his speech and language.
They are coming on Monday to see him. What can we expect?
He is 2 and has no understanding. Can't follow simple instructions like get the ball etc, doesn't understand when we say where's daddy and doesn't do things like imitating animal sounds. We have tried the usual stuff like books and nursery rhymes but he doesn't want to sit down for long enough even to look at one page. We talk to him as we are doing things.
His vocabulary consists of:
Bah (bye)
No
Hello
Shoe

He doesn't play, prefers to line his toys up or take them out of his toy box then put them back in. He goes to a toddler group twice a week
Any advice would be much appreciated.

[fedupwithmorningbattles]

Speech therapist will go through you concerns, which are what you have wrote above, ask about wether Ds attends playgroups etc (which he does) and how many words he knows etc. My Dd went through a picture book while the therapist asked her what the pictures were then wrote down her responses, and the sounds she made when she answered.

she will then give you a rough idea of wether he is were he should be for his age poss tell you if he is advanced in some areas (my Dd was a few years older so not sure what it will be like at you Ds's age). Draw up a plan for you to work on at home with Ds.

Probably refer to audiology to rule out hearing problems which can affect speech, then tell you what her plans will be to help...if needed.

[fedupwithmorningbattles]

forgot to mention, I was also asked if Dd's birth went smoothly (no complications), if any other family members are having speech and language therapy, and also if any family members have been diagnosed with dyslexia or dyspraxia (I think the second thing was)

[Dev9aug]

OP, do you want advice with regards to SALT or to help him develop his communication?

With regards to the SALT, they would carry out observations, ask about family history, pregnancy and will try to interact with him and suggest some strategies to improve his communication.

If you want help with improving his communication, I would strongly advise you to ask on the board with a different title as there are many posters who have gone through difficulties similar to yours. they have masses of experience and will be able to help because at the end of the day, SALT can be useful in suggesting strategies but it will be you who will be doing bulk of the therapy, so the more knowledge and information you have the better.

[slowlygoingbonkers]

Thanks for the replies.
I suppose I want help with both really. What title would you suggest I put?
His development is fine in other areas. He was 2 weeks early but normal birth.

[zen1]

My DS was first assessed by a SALT at 2.2 and much of the assessment centred around the toys she provided for him and whether he played with them "appropriately". For example, she got out a tea set and wanted to see if he pretended to make a cup of tea; she had a teddy and a toy chair and tested to see if he could follow basic commands like "can you put the teddy on the chair?" There was also lots of toy food so she used this to assess his vocabulary as well. She was also looking at things like eye contact and non-verbal communication/gestures too. Hope it goes ok

[Dev9aug]

I am the worst person ever for writing titles, but try this

Speech and Language Delay, please share your top tips for improving communication with DS(2)

[marchduck]

Hi bonkers, my DD was referred to SALT for delays in speech & language by the health visitor after her two year assessment. The assessment by the SALT was very much play-based as zen1 described in her post. The SALT didn't attempt to get DD to talk, but rather seemed to observe her play and her non-verbal communication. She then referred DD for multi-displinary assessment.
My DD would have been about 2.4 at the time, and she couldn't follow verbal instructions at all. The SALT told me to work on very simple communication; for example, offering DD a choice of milk or juice by holding both up, and letting her choose by touching them - by touching one, she was communicating. The SALT also told me to keep my instructions/comments etc to DD very simple and short; one or two words.
It is great that you have found this board. Everything I have found useful for my DD I have learned from here! Good luck on Monday for your DS and you.

[slowlygoingbonkers]

Sorry for the delay in replying.
saltduck do you mind if I ask how your little one is getting on now? And did they give a reason for the delay?

[slowlygoingbonkers]

marchduck

[marchduck]

Hello Bonkers, I like the name saltduck!
My DD is making lots of progress. She still has difficulties with communication but she has come on so much from where she was when she was two. She is now speaking in sentences (albeit simple ones) and she told me today that she likes rainbows, unprompted - more than I would have hoped for this time last year.
She was about 2.4 when she had her first appointment with the SALT and I was gutted afterwards - she really wasn't able to do any of the activities that the SALT tried with her. It made me so worried about her understanding - but this has greatly improved too.
I know that this is such a worrying time, but it's very positive that your DS has some words, it shows that he can communicate. There is a brilliant book called "More than Words" that you can get from Wimslow Press or Amazon - apologies, I'm terrible at links, but it will come up if you google it. It's expensive but worth every penny. It's aimed at motivating children with ASD to communicate. I'm not saying for one moment that your DS has ASD, but the techniques in the book are brilliant to use with any child who is having difficulties with communication. I had seen recommendations for the book on this board but I was a bit reluctant to order it at first, as I felt almost like I would be labelling my own child, if that makes sense. I ordered it a couple of weeks later and I am so glad I did - it has helped her so much. It is very likely though that she does have ASD.
I hope it goes well on Monday - and I'm very happy to answer any other questions.

[marchduck]

Bonkers, forgot to put in the other post, has your DS had his hearing tested recently? It might be worth getting a referral for a hearing test, just in case there are any issues.

[slowlygoingbonkers]

No he hasn't recently. Had the newborn one and that was fine and we took him back at around 4 months as he wasn't reacting to loud noises ( we resorted to banging pans to try and get a reaction ) but that came back clear. He is in a world of his own most of the time. If he wants to interact with you he will but if not then we can be right in front of him and it's as if we are not there. It's a bit worrying really. I know all children are different but the difference between him, my older two when they were his age and his peers of same age is astounding

[slowlygoingbonkers]

Well it went really well. She observed him playing then asked us questions.
She has told us to talk to him really simply like want juice. Etc and to compliment the words with simple signs. She has given us tips to help him to listen and interact with us and is referring him for the 2 years old nursery funding.
She is coming back in 2 weeks.

[chocjunkie]

slowly - just to cover all angles, I would also get his hearing checked. GP or HV should be able to refer you.

[marchduck]

Great to hear that it went well!