Late talker - when does it happen?

[Toystory123]

Hi, if anyone’s DC was a ‘late talker’ when did their speech develop/develop significantly? DC is 2.4 and they have less than 15 words. These words include animal noises and the only proper words are ‘oh no’, ‘wow’ and ‘uh oh’. They are unable to say any food/drink/toy/activity but are mostly able to get over their needs non verbally. I’ve just been refused SLT help for the second time and am just a bit perplexed as to what point they’ll consider doing anything. His understanding is okish but he relies on routine and doesn’t understand things solely on verbal instructions ie wouldn’t understand if I said let’s go to the park and shop. He’ll know if it’s a nursery day not because I’ll say ‘we’re going to nursery’ but because of the time we’re getting ready/what I’m wearing/if he’s got his lunchbox etc
if you’ve been in the same position, when did your DCs language develop? Thanks

Mine was later. I'm just wondering who's refused the referral to SaLT?

If it's the HV has he had a check with her recently or does he have one due?

It might be worth doing this simple SLT progress checker. If it does say that he needs some support you can book an appointment with one of their SLTs.

They're a very well respected charity so if it does say he needs support your HV should take this seriously

It’s actual SLT that’s refusing. I self referred just as DC was turning 2 and they turned it down and instead put us on a waiting list for a programme ran by the children’s centre. We then went to a drop in clinic at the children’s centre ran by the SALT and they said I was doing everything they’d suggest and just said to wait for the programme.
So I did plan on just waiting but the latest referral was because nursery said they thought DC needed additional input. I phoned SLT after the latest referral was refused and they basically said as he’s making eye contact and attempts/is able to communicate non verbally that they’re basically not interested (until he turns 3 anyway). Fully understand other children with disabilities have a greater need but thought DC would be in with a chance given the complete lack of speech still.
Thank you very much for the link, will check it out.
Do you mind me asking when your DC speech developed if it was later?

Yes they were just 3. They've since been diagnosed as AuDHD although late talking doesn't obviously mean that your LO is ND

If SaLT aren't interested I would talk to your HV.

Ask her for a referral for a hearing test as Glue Ear can present in a similar way to ASD.

I'd also fill in these two:

27 month Ages & Stages

& the 30 month Social & Emotional Ages & Stages

And ask her to look at the results for both of them.

You can of course discuss the results with us too, it's just that we can't do any referrals

How are they with their speech now? Was it single words at 3 or were they putting words together?
The thought has crossed my mind a few times about ND as DC is very sensory seeking, always get comments about how ‘busy’ they are or how I get my steps in with them, have a verryyy limited diet and hates things like the hairdressers/doctors. It’s difficult as all the things separately are all ‘normal’ toddler behaviour but combined it does make me think sometimes is there something more to it all? Think that’s why I’m so concerned about their speech as think that will dictate a lot of their understanding/how they cope in new/different situations. Just to say if I’m not articulating it well that it wouldn’t bother me if they were ND, it’s the not knowing and the little voice in the back of my mind questioning stuff constantly that I find exhausting.
That’s a good shout about the HV. Think I’ve been concentrating on getting SLT help I’ve overlooked that they could really help with it all!
Waiting on a letter from audiology as GP did the referral so will wait and see

Yes we had a very restrictive diet too, since been diagnosed with ARFID.

Have you heard of the Birmingham Food Refusal Service? It might be worth talking to them too.

You might find this book on Food Refusal and Avoidant Eating helpful too.

Does he go to any Childcare? I'm just wondering if it woukd be helpful to ask their SENCO to assess him?

See if their nursery can put a referral into the specialist teachers and the paedtrician for you, they could rule things in or out and offer advice and push things with SALT.

They don't often help more "disabled" kids either, my son's non verbal, got 4 sessions then discharged as we "knew what we were doing" it does often seem to be more if they have minor delays or speech sound issues, that they ll put more in place. So I wouldn't be too disheartened and see what other professionals you can get involved now, and if it's affordable/accessible to you, private SLT assessments are £150-200 which we found invaluable when we were stuck with the nhs.

How are they with their speech now? Was it single words at 3 or were they putting words together

Forgot to say that they do have a diagnosed speech disorder now but 99% of people wouldn't notice.

They've found a job that they live and seem to be thriving