Should we be looking for a speech therapy referral

[Belleende]

DD nearly 4. Pretty articulate and largely intelligible but she has quite nasal speech. If I ask her to make an sssss sound, all of the air comes out of her nose so it sounds like a snort. I held her nose and still she can't seem to push the sssss sound out of her mouth.

She had a speech assessment at her nursery a few months ago and they didn't flag any issues. I just don't know if/when we should do anything, and if we do, how to get a referral. Any advice really welcome. No clue what I am doing

If it's not affecting her speech I doubt they will offer an appointment at her age unless it's a medical issue (which would mean ent not speech)

Has she got any sinus issues do you think that might be contributing to the nasal sounding speech?

She does have recurrent ear issues. They have never mentioned adenoids or sinuses being a problem.

Has she been checked for glue ear?

We have taken her 4 times, she has had discharge twice, asked about glue ear told no.

Was that the gp that told you no?
Has she had a hearing test?

Only reason I say this is because my son had a hearing test and I never thought he had any hearing problems. Turns out he had glue ear in both ears!
The ear specialist said parents often dont realise and gps arent good at diagnosing glue ear.

No harm in asking HV for a referral. They like to see them before 5.

See if you can push for a hearing test op.

Not had a test since new born. I think I will call HV and see what they say.

You can take children most high street, chain opticians and get their hearing assessed. If they flag anything up, they can write referral letter to your GP. Definitely worth getting DD tested.

I am a Speech Therapist and we would definitely treat a nasal 's' at 4. Ask your school SENco to refer her.

My DS has speech therapy for something very similar, must have been at 4 as he was reception age. I asked GP for a referral. He's 16 now and definitely speaks normally!

Thanks all really helpful.