SALT experiences for preschool children

[Ratchet101]

Can I ask what experiences people have had with SALT for their kids? Specifically in the early years.

My ds (3.11) is a GLP so "traditional" speech and language therapy (NHS) has focused more on "repeat and add" which helps a little but from my understanding isn't necessarily how he learns language (we find modelling and learnt phrases have been more supportive to his speech).

We found a private SALT and they have built a lovely bond with him, agreed he is a GLP, but have agreed to only provide 12 sessions (we've had 9) as they agree he has the language but needs more modelling and "change of behaviour" to move forward which "a session a week isn't going to do".

I understand that the bulk of the work lies with us at home implementing strategies given to us but I feel like we have been doing this since he was almost 2 and have been on waitlists (both NHS and Private) waiting for more support to our own work with him that we've been sort of "winging" at home looking at online suggestions and strategies (and don't get me wrong, he has come on so much in the past year 2 years). However as we've learnt over the years, his communication is so much more than language. It's his joint attention, his ability to concentrate etc and we can just slowly see the gap between he and his peers widening. It doesn't help we are now beginning applications for a school place for next September so my concerns (and anxiety!) are feeling more heightened. *We have applied for an EHCP and he is on the pathway for an autism assessment (more waitlists...)

Feeling a little lost as to moving forward and suppose I wanted to know others experience with SALT with speech progression and how long therapists tended to work with their little ones?

Thanks in advance - just feeling a little lost and like I'm running out of steam at the moment.

You could look for someone who is willing to work with DS longer term. Some will. One session a week on its own won’t do much, but that isn’t what it is about. No-one walks into the session, has the session, walks out and completely forgets about it until next time. It is also about working with you and nursery (and anyone else involved) as well. It doesn’t have to be either or. You can have SALT sessions and support DS outside of those sessions.

I know it can be frustrating especially when you are waiting. He might make lots of progress before starting school.
Just a few websites with some ideas for strategies that you can Google further if you want or share with others. If it’s fun he’s more likely to engage and concentrate.
Also look at books set to music, a great way to learn and extend language.
If he has sensory needs look at The Out of Synch Child has fun for activities.

https://www.elklan.co.uk/Training/Parents/

https://attentionautism.co.uk/

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/book-recommendations/booklists/books-to-promote-speech-and-language-development/