Receptive Language Issues

[bethereonthedoublepawpatrol]

DD is 3. There has been a few concerns around her communication skills for a while. She knows lots of individual word for things and can repeat short sentences or phrases but has limited language capabilities despite our best efforts to improve this. There is a lot of echolalia and very few original or impromptu conversations. Language is more of a functional tool for her just used to communicate what she wants for example. There is a lot of repetitive play always wants the exact same books, toys, tv shows etc. Very bright, especially with numbers can count to over 50, has a fantastic memory for things in a way that is unusual, remembering exactly where an item was last seen or exactly what happened in a book or the color of something etc (school has noticed this too) and has a keen ear for music, can play a tune on an instrument for example after only hearing it once. Socially very happy and content and doesn't struggle with transitions. Not very interested in other children but likes interacting with adults. Very very fussy with food and will only eat a rotation of 3 meals really. Preschool has commented on the language, DD doesn't understand what she is asked and often just answers a completely different question to what is asked and have suggested she may need support for this. At home there is some evidence of sensory seeking behaviours, licks a wall every now and again, was head banging for a while but has now grown out of this. No behavioural issues generally just quiet and content. The main issue is she doesn't appear to understand a lot of language and doesn't really use language in a neurotypical way? I'm worried that when she starts school this will present huge problems for her. I don't really know where to go with this. I want to get support in place before she starts reception but not sure where to start. Does she need to see a developmental paediatrician - does this sound like ASD? Or is it a speech pathologist she needs to see for the speech issues? If so is this a GP referral or do I go throw HV and speech and language team (they were worse than useless when I tried them before) Any help or suggestions would be great

I would suggest asking your GP what the assessment route is for ASD in your area. Speech therapists should signpost through but you have concerns, there is no harm in going direct. Ideally you want someone (likely a paed as she is so young, I think) who has experience with girls.

None of us can diagnose but all you're looking for is whether there are enough signs to warrant the time of someone more knowledgeable to have a look.

Thank you for taking the time to respond that's really helpful

It depends on your area we went through hv who referred to paediatrician for assessment and dc was put on pathway. La Sen team got involved to support nursery at that point. The process took 15m (4years ago) I would assume gp can also refer. Typically wait lists are shorter for u der fives plus better to have things in place before school ideally. We found salt really helpful is it worth going back and requesting a different therapist.

Hi, this sounds similar to my four year old..I'm just wondering how you are progressing since?