SALT has 3 month wait - what can I do?

[Mercedes519]

DS nearly 4 has always been a bit behind but has continually progressed with his language and has never been in the criteria for referral. Now he just lacks some consonant sounds (jgsv etc) Wouldn't be worried but he starts school in September and don't want him to be at a disadvantage, he is already with being the youngest.

So HV referred, got a letter and phoned for an appt. First one - for a group assessment - is October!!

So, wise MNs, what do I do? Is it worth going private? Can I do more stuff at home (already repeating, reading etc). Do the school have a different, quicker route to salt? Advice please...

Our local surestart childrens centre does drop in sessions for speech problems. It's worth inquiring if you have anything similiar in your area.
FWIW, 3 months is not that long. In some areas, the wait is much, much longer.

3 months - count yourself lucky. DS referred in August 2009 by GP and paediatrician for feeding assessment in October 2009, first appointment is tomorrow!

Have a look at the local Surestart calendars and see if the SALT department run drop in sessions. My local area runs them 3 Mondays a month. If you can go to a drop in you can get an immediate opinion to base your decision on re whether the wait will be a problem or not.

Be aware you may get seen in the group session and then be told that yes he does need speech therapy but sorry there is no funding available but here is some worksheets come back in 6 months

I would see if you can find any books or find some info on internet or spek to school and ask if they have any TA's who do speech therapy

Thanks guys, I keep getting told about the shortage of SALT people and it does seem everywhere.

I will def look at Surestart as we have one round the corner - it maybe that all we need is some advice on what we can do ourselves and with the school. I just wanted to kick it off before he starts school so we can get them to be involved too.

Am off to look at Amazon and see if there are any DVDs or books that look helpful...self help would seem to be the way forward.

hanbee hope it was worth the wait?