Can’t get an assessment, please help

[PapercraftNinja]

Actually posting for a friend who doesn’t want to get MN but she is really looking for some advice on her DD. She is absolutely at her wits end and doesn’t know what to do because she cannot get her assessed and no support from gp / Heath visitor.

This is why she is worried:

DD was 3 in August and is still not speaking, not one word.
DD completely ignores anyone who calls her name, doesn’t matter who it is
DD has very limited communication generally, if she is hungry or wants a drink she just gets angry and makes noises
DD does make eye contact occasionally, and is not bothered by hugs or being picked up or tickled, she enjoys it and shows happiness that way.

She had been referred to speech sessions but they just told her to give her a choice and make her try and say things which she already does.

Any suggestions or advice at all?

Your friend needs to go back to their GP and insist on a referral - she has very valid concerns. Were these concerns not picked up on her 2YR check? she is very likeky failing standard screeners like the MCHAT which a GP cannot ignore at 3YRs old (18M babies would pass them)

The GP has said they won’t do anything until they’ve completed the speech sessions as that is the first step. They’ve mot offered her the 2 year check yet but they are very behind in our areas

Has she not had the 2y check with the HV even? Not even over the phone. That's inexcusible even in the current climate. Mine had her's not long after turning 2. I agree go back to the GP and insist that she is referred by whatever pathway they use to get her seen by a developmental paediatrician. She's past the point they should be 'watching and waiting' now IMO x

My DD didn’t have one either we live close but in different areas so unfortunately it hasn’t happened this year.

Apparently the gp has said to see how the speech sessions go but obviously they haven’t been happening.

We spoke last night and I asked about her hearing and her sight which have both been checked and are fine so unfortunately that does signal developmental

Agree with going back to the GP and insisting try fry a referral to a Paediatrician.

Has she got a partner that could be there when she talks to the GP. It's a sad fact but GPS do take more notice if Dad turns up.

I think it's a I fine tightrope we walk...many kids don't follow the expected tragectory as (much as SLT would like you to think they do) Many just need time and will catch up on their own and if we're too aggressive with intervention it is resource consuming, unneccessary and can even lead to a damaging and innaccurate diagnosis. However there is also a quite narrow timeframe in which kid's brains are 'malleable' enough for intervention to be most effective. I think almost 3.5 is way past the point that we should be watching and waiting though tbh

Also...Training GP here There is sadly an element of truth that women can be treated more passively in healthcare. It's usually an unconscious bias with no malice involved. However I can absolutely promise you though that if you bought me a 3YO saying nothing and showing some quite worrying signs if social conmunication delays then I would do everything in my power to get them assessed. It can be really difficult though. GPs don't have the tools or time to fully assess and diagnose a child ourselves and we're at the mercy of the many other services that need to be involved who are unfortunately tragically overstretched

Sorry Jannt absolutely did not mean to suggest that GPS were at fault, it was just a realisation that we came to pretty quickly when we needed urgent help for our DS.

I think you are not being heard. It is so frustrating to be stuck in a cycle to try and even get the support. You need to keep talking to the health professionals, however in the meantime you may find these websites of use
Early Intervention Foundation
www.eif.org.uk/resources?issues%5B%5D=language_%26_communication&apply=
Speech and Language on Youtube
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=speech+and+language+therapy+activities

There is also intensive interaction which is used for children with autism. I have seen this used with toddlers who doesn't have autism. I'm not a health professional, just a mum who also trains foster carers so I hear lots of experiences and pick up lots of useful tools. Looking at the clips may help you but please I don't want it to stress you out either - look after yourself.

www.youtube.com/results?search_query=intensive+interaction

I'd ask your friend to join MN again too. She can post in the SN section and get help and support, she doesn't ever have to even look at the other sections if she doesn't want to.

@JiltedJohnsJulie

Sorry Jannt absolutely did not mean to suggest that GPS were at fault, it was just a realisation that we came to pretty quickly when we needed urgent help for our DS.

No no honestly no offence taken. I was just pointing out that it honestly is sometimes out of GP's hands. We want to help but we can only work with the resources we have sometimes. We can co-ordinate care and signpost to the right places but sadly we can't create services that aren't there or speed up the ones that are underfunded and struggling. Young children with behavioural or developmental difficulties are often my 'heart sink' patients because sometimes no matter what my will and how much I can see why this parent is concerned I just cannot do any more than what I'm doing That said, I will admit that this feeling has intensified since I've had my own child and I really understand more what 'typical' development looks like and the importance of these early years. It's so hard but in this case I'll be honest I feel this child is being failed a bit and I would keep pushing. Is nursery involved? I would push them to put referrals in place too. They are the best equipped service to really observe this child and give an in depth evaluation of this child's developmental needs. X

Overwhelmed by the supportive and understanding comments I’ve just sent her all screenshots.

It is interesting to know that, I will tell her to see if her partner can go.

I also agree that too much intervention too soon could be unnecessary, but as you say 3.5 is past the time for watching and waiting.

Her DD does not go to nursery but they are considering this as an option.

I think it is a good idea to get her to join. I was screening responses for her as she is finding it very difficult as it is and any harsh comments or anything suggesting it was her fault she may have struggled with. But all these responses are amazing thank you

Your friend sounds like a caring Mum who wants the best for her DD, she should not feel guilty over any of this.

One thing that might help whilst she struggles through getting help is signing like Makaton, the one that Mr Tumble uses.

I'd start of with drink, eat, sleep and more. It's really simple, your friend just needs to learn these four signs and each time she says them, use the sign. Eventually her DD might start to use them back and let her know if she needs a drink or something to eat. Using songs won't delay her speech any further either so don't let her worry about that.

It sounds like she's open to the right service with speech therapy- your friend needs to ask for more input.