Speech Therapy - been told DS could benefit from it but now told it won't be until Sept

[Kbear]

Should I go ahead and contact whoever I need to myself or let the school deal with it, although they have told me it won't be this term.

Teacher has said he might struggle with his writing if his speech isn't sorted (although for two years I've been asking them if they think his speech is a problem and they've said no). Don't really want to wait until he starts Year 2 to go on a waiting list, why not get the ball rolling now.

Anyone got any advice?

I would give the SLT dept a call just to ask when you might meet the SLT/ ensure they have recieved the referral/ confirm when assessment/ theraoy might start.

They might be able to provide you with some advice/ pointers to be getting on with over the summer.

Yes, I think I will speak to the school tomorrow and say that I'd rather not wait if they think he will struggle next year and call them myself.

I don't work in mainstream but I know that often school based SLT's organise their caseloads on a termly basis. For example, if your son has been referred in this term, the SLT who will support him will be given his details and will have to wait until next term to see him (as will probably be fit to bursting with a busy caseload). She will meet/ discuss his needs with his teacher and then organise an assessment.
However, in my experience SLT's are very open and will be happy to talk to you, particularly if you feel his needs are pressing. I would mention that you have had concerns for some time and if they can't see your son this term do see if they can give you/ his teacher advice for ways of supporting in the meantime.They may have a home program you can be getting on with.
How old is he and what is his main difficulty?

sorry, just seen that he is Y2.

If speech is his main problem can you ask school if this is supported in class by mainstreams school SLT or whether he will access clinic based apts. If clinic then shouldn't ususally have to wait that long for assessment (although depends where you are based).

He is 7 in Sept. His speech is affected by his breathing - he is very nasal and has treatment for glue ear (which didn't affect his hearing.

He has cranial osteopathy which helps keep his ears and nose clear but I have a feeling he may need his adenoids out.

He has trouble with the "s" sound and says fwimp instead of shrimp, fwimming not swimming etc. He can say snake though. I don't think it's a major problem or it would have been flagged up by the school sooner but I think the teacher just thinks he might struggle when doing his writing if he can't make the sounds properly.

Thanks for the info by the way!

sounds to me like the /s/ is probably affected by the /w/ sound after it. Process called labial assimilation. Great news that he can say 's' in other contexts.
the /sh/ sounns as in 'shrimp' again sounds like the /r/ sound is making him 'labialise' that.

good luck, x

Thanks for that mamabea.