2.5 year old developmental delays

[Vanishabenj]

Good morning
More of a rant/confused post than anything. Our sweet boy is 2.5 year old and has been ranked as developmentally like a 18 month old by the health visitor. He’s been referred to a community paediatrician by his doctor but not had a follow up as yet.
currently language delayed but has great understanding and has been in private speech therapy for 6 months now - whilst the speech therapist says he is making great progress, he’s yet to make progress with his verbal words.
we’re also really struggling with 5am wake ups - goes to bed perfectly at 7/7.15pm. Sleeps through the night - but 5am 😱 it’s a struggle.
does anyone have any suggestions as to what further support we can give him? Nursery have concerns and a senco plan in place - just so so worried!

What else is he struggling with besides his language? Gross motor, fine motor, social, problem solving?

I've heard very good things about Portage, if that exists where you are. You might also get some more suggestions if you repost this in Special Needs Children or Special Needs Chat. There are some very knowledgeable posters there, although it can be a bit quiet and take a little while for replies (but then, so can this board).

For the sleep, what happens if you put him to bed later? Both of mine slept about ten hours at night at that age, and we picked 8pm-6am as the 'least worst' option – a bit of an evening, especially if you all eat together and then one sorts the kitchen whilst the other does bedtime, but not too painfully early a start.

His sleep pattern is better than many toddlers... he's had a great night's sleep and is ready to get up. You could try putting him to bed later, but he might still be up at 5...some kids are early risers (until they are teens!)
My dgs is 3, nearer 4 and has slept through the night once...adorable by day... octopus in between parents at night!
Having speech therapy already is great (and amazing..where are you living?!)
Progress isn't always fast or obvious, but if he has good understanding and not too many other issues, in all likelihood he will get there in time.
My DS2 had significant delays in all areas (and was later dx with autism) No speech until he was 4, and no one could understand him except us until he was about 8 or 9. You would never know now... he talks the hind leg off a horse!
In the mean time have you been given ideas on supporting his communication for now?
We started with pictures ... not the full flung PECS system that can be used for children with autism or other non verbal conditions but a more basic thing. I took photos of everything important in DS2's life... us, family, pets, food drink, snacks, toys, laminated them and made a little booklet. He could point to what he wanted and it cut out a lot of frustration. Later I added in symmbols for 'I want' and 'I feel' (with symbols of Happy, sad, tired etc faces) He stopped using it when he had enough language to make his needs known but it really helped.~
Also... learn Makaton (think Mr Tumble), again it doesn't hinder speech but helps in the meantime. :)

Thank you for responding.
if I put him to bed later than 8 he becomes too over tired. I’ve tried using the gro clock consistently with him but he’s just not interested

We’ve gone down the private speech therapy route as we were told the waiting lists were very long.
thank you for the tips :) very helpful and reassuring!