Toddler speech delay

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Hi,

hoping someone can advise. My dd was 2 at the beginning of June. She’s always been advanced with gross motor skills, walking early etc, however she’s quite far behind with her speech. She can maybe say 10 words and maybe 2 phrases (oh no, ready, steady go) however she uses ugh ugh ugh quite a lot to get what she wants, never uses the word mummy, seems to forget words that she’s learnt previously for example she went a full day using the word dirty and hasn’t used it since. There’s a history of asd in my family as closely related as my brother so granted I’m aware I’m quite paranoid, however even despite my concerns I don’t think my health visitor takes me seriously at all! Her speech delay has been picked up by her nursery too and they even offered to help me fill in her 2 year assessment to give to the health visitor, I heard nothing back from this and when I commented on her speech the health visitor simply said “well that is speaking”. I just need advise on whether I am being a bit over the top or not because if she does need the help I’d rather get it sooner rather than later. I’ve tried the gp but won’t do anything without a referral from the health visitor.
my husband seems to think she does need time and I constantly swing between “oh she’ll pick it up” and utter terror than she may have asd and I’m failing her by not doing anything!

My son said nothing at 2 so it's good she has some words.

How is her understanding? Nursery have any other concerns?

Did your HV not do the 2 year review?

I would be inclined to ring your childrens centre and ask where they are up to in regards to reviews.
Tell them you have concerns you want to talk about and ask for a home visit or phone call.

If you feel your normal HV is being dismissive of it, ask for someone else.

My experience with HV is they are either amazing or stuck in their ways.
Don't let them fob you off if you are concerned.

My son has a speech delay and our health visitor was really helpful and did the referrals. It was actually his nursery I had trouble with so ended up moving nurseries to a more supportive one. Sounds like it is the other way around for you!

It is not well known but you can self refer your child to your local NHS speech and language department. Find out the number for your local department and give them a call. Say you and nursery have concerns regarding speech and would like to be put on the waiting list. You will likely not be seen for 6 months due to waitlist times but at least you are on the list.

They will likely ask if your child's hearing has been checked. Some departments won't allow you to get on the waitlist until this is checked so try to get a referral as soon as you can. If the HV is not being helpful then arrange a GP appointment.

Try your best not to worry about what a speech delay might mean. Easier said than done I know! In reality it might just be a delay in speech and nothing else. For now you know there is a speech delay so focus on that and getting the help you need. Then if something else comes up focus on getting help for that.

My DS was the same. I actually insisted on a speech and language referral and hearing test at his 2 year check with the HV.

The HV said we will check again in 3 months and I said no I'd like the referral made now as the wait could be months so rather get the ball rolling.

His hearing was fine and I had a telephone appointment for speech and language for the first initial appointment where they asked me lots of questions. SAL actually said DS didn't need to be seen by them unless his speech didn't improve in so many months but I could just call them straight back up rather than go through the HV.

His speech really picked up at about 2.5. He knew words just didn't say them. I remember the HV saying to me he is listening and observing what they mean before he says them and she mentioned some kids people think have really good speech but a lot repeat what others have said so do not truly understand the meaning of the word. DS now knows many meaning for each words so I do agree with her on that!