speech delays + social communication

[littlelizzard]

Hello all. My DS is 3 in August and referrals for SALT, portage, and a paediatrician have all been done in recent weeks. He is delayed in speech and social/communication. Loves nursery and is generally a happy child, except for when triggered by being told off or told no, then bangs his head and hurts himself. There are obviously concerns about his delayed areas and the possibility of autism or similar.

Im wondering if anyone here can share their experience of their toddler being delayed in these areas and "catching up", because I am trying to consider all aspects and that he may not necessarily receive a diagnosis.

bumping

I hope you get some replies to this thread, I am in a similar position. DS1 is 3 in June, isn’t talking. We have our first SALT appointment this week. Nursery wanted to refer to Pediatrics, but health visitor did some other tests and said he was fine, so no need. My DS bites his hand when he’s upset/excited/frustrated instead of banging his head as is the case with yours.

My son was referred in December 2022, and he's in a place where he's catching up and the gap is getting bigger in all honesty. I would say regardless of what the outcome will be, no way can really predict at this age, we've had SLT's say he may speak randomly one day or will always need alternative communication methods. If I could given myself advice when my son was referred, it would be to focus on the next step to get through, thinking too far ahead wasn't remotely good for my mental health.
SLT took 1.5 years to see for therapy in our area, and the NHS is minimal, portage was a good 8 hours which helped. However, most of it has been plodding on ourselves, I can recommend trying intensive interaction and speaking to speech and language UK which is a charity that gives excellent advice including a free phone call with a speech therapist.

I'd be either complaining to speak to a different HV or seeing if SALT will refer to paediatrics themselves, a HV saying there's nothing wrong in a non speaking almost 3 year old is quite dismissive when nursery think it's a good idea.

@1995SENNDMUM Thank you for your reply. Are you meaning your DC is caught up but still behind their peers? We actually had a meeting with our SALT today who is arranging some home visits which is positive. Nursery have been very proactive with us and seem to be on it which helps. I really appreciate your advice on focusing on next steps and I will take that on board

DD didn't really speak until she was 3. We've had huge problems getting any support for her but that's another story.

At 3 she suddenly started talking. She had some SLT later which ironed out a few issues.

She still can't express how she feels though and is currently in the pathway,

My apologises that was a typo, he isn't catching up (yet) and that gap is getting bigger with his peers. His nursery has been brilliant with him though). We re waiting to hear if we ll get another block of therapy after 2 hours we were given by it's seemingly unlikely that it would be for a long while, so I m glad to hear that a set of home visits is an option in your area as it's such a postcode lottery it seems.

@CadyEastman apologies for the question but this is all new to me.. do you mean pathway for an autism/special needs assessment? Its good she is talking now but must be difficult struggling to express herself

@1995SENNDMUM yes from what I've read online it does seem to be a postcode lottery... with lots of waiting lists dependant on area. The nursery have been very honest with us about how long everything takes which is the main reason for getting the ball rolling now, as my DS is august born and due to start school Sept 2025. I'm sorry you are having to wait for support and I hope you get good news soon

do you mean pathway for an autism/special needs assessment?

Yes, that's the one

Its good she is talking now but must be difficult struggling to express herself

More than you can imagine.

Have you found the SN Children Section yet? Your DC doesn't have to be on the Pathway or diagnosed to have a look in there, you can just have questions on what therapy and support is available and things like getting an ECHP.

@CadyEastman yes thank you, I have had a little look over there, I am trying not to spend too much time on there for now because I am already slightly overwhelmed with the start of this process, it's happened very quick for us and gone from small concerns to triggering diff referrals. But I'm grateful for the early intervention as I've read lots of peoples experiences on having to fight for support and to be listened to

But I'm grateful for the early intervention as I've read lots of peoples experiences on having to fight for support and to be listened to

Yeah we didn't get a referral until she was 15, I'd first started raising concerns at 2. I'm convinced it was because she is female abs behaved in school. Well, until she didn't.

@CadyEastman I'm so sorry you've had to go so long without a referral and your DD has had to wait this long. Completely wrong that children are overlooked because they don't fit the textbook stereotype

My son starts school at the same time, you re doing the right thing by getting things started now.

We had a hearing test for DS today, absolutely nothing wrong with his hearing so at least this has ruled out anything auditory contributing to this speech delay.

updating here mainly for my own records/sanity.. but of course if anyone else is in a similar position

we have received letter that DS referral to paediatrician has been accepted, and looking at a 9 month waiting list. Obviously 9 months is a while but reading that in some areas people are waiting 2+ years I feel quite lucky. Also keeping in mind that a diagnosis is not necessary for support.. so the other things in the background will still continue whilst waiting for that appointment

So pleased that you got a referral and 9 months is relatively short. Someone posted recently saying it's 10 years in Leeds.

Have you managed to find any local support groups?

@CadyEastman thank you so much. I haven't really looked into any support groups as yet because I still feel unsure what we're actually dealing with, if that makes sense. We had to cut a trip to the park short this morning after a horrendous meltdown, it's so deflating

Having been to Sen support groups for preschool kids, no one cares what their diagnosis may or may not be. The local children's centre here, do a playgroup where you can talk to other parents and it's safe for children to enjoy the activities.

@1995SENNDMUM yes completely get that, life has been fairly hectic but I will definitely check if there is something similar in our area

Update please?