SULP Social use of language programme

[Marne]

Is anyone using this with their DC?

Dd2's outreach worker suggested we sart using it with dd2 at school, can anyone tell me more about it?

Sorry it didn't work for your dd Leonie, do you think it was because she was pulled out of class to do it or did she just find it boring?

I was hoping it would help dd2's understanding of language, she's really getting into books at the moment and i thought she might enjoy it. I had never herd of it until her outreach worker and SALT said about it yesterday.

I have a pet hate of SULP but it depends on diagnosis. For children with mild to moderate learning difficulties, it's not so bad - it was originally written for this client group AFAIK. Some students with language disorders can glean some nuggets from it. However, it's simply too abstract for children on the spectrum, who need a more functional, reinforcing approach tailored to them individually. A preset "programme" is really not so great for kids with autism.

I don't know your dd2's diagnosis?

Can you enlighten me on what it is? :)

Dd2 has HFA and severe speach delay.

SULP

Thanks. :)

Hello, I'm the author of SULP and just came across this thread – I like to keep an eye on what's being said about SULP so I hope you don't mind me adding a message here. I was very sorry to see some of the comments in this thread as I know that SULP has helped very many children since it was first published in the early nineties. I've extended and updated it over the years and used properly it's fun and very effective for children with ASD as well as those with specific language difficulties and those who have learning difficulties. I've worked a lot with children who have these kinds of difficulties – indeed it was the progress I saw in the children I worked with over the years that led me to have the programme published – I wanted other children to be able to access it too. Independent research studies have found statistically significant effects for children with ASD including Asperger's syndrome.

I think it's a pity if children are 'withdrawn' from other subjects or activities they enjoy. I recommend using the programme as part of English or Personal Social Education as SULP develops skills that are important to both of these subjects. But I have to say that used properly SULP is fun! The youngsters I've worked with enjoy it because it's varied and though it can be hard for them to try skills they find difficult we give them masses of support and encouragement and go one small step at a time, helping the children to do the best they can with a skill within their own capabilities. Because the programme is 'metacognive' (i.e you get to 'know what you know'!) the children understand how what they're learning about can help them – in terms of friendship and getting on better socially – so they're usually very keen and get a huge sense of achievement as they can see the progress they are making - however small that may be. SULP isn't a preset programme as such, it does provide a framework but the way you move through the framework depends upon the children's needs and progress. If anyone reading this would like to get in touch please do email me – [email protected].

My son doesn't have a diagnosis as yet - apart from ADHD that is, and it has just recently been suggested by behavior support team to help him.

I'll have a look at the link posted.

You'll find information about SULP on www.wendyrinaldi.com
If you click on the SULP dropdown menu at the top of each page and then click on your son's age group - that will give you an idea of what it covers

The trouble with a lot of programmes is not the concept, but simply that they are implemented badly, by poorly trained staff in mainstream. (one afternoon does NOT qualify you to deal with all the nuances of ASD from sensory issues to receptive language skills!). LA's seem to be only willing to pay for the lowest common denominator when it comes to staff training & it's a national tragedy.

There just isn't the political will or the flexibility in the mainstream "system"at the moment to sort this. It's such a shame as TA's get reduced to the role of bored babysitter when many I've met could make such a difference to their charge's life if only they were given access to the knowledge.

I've learnt the hard way that when a specialist programme is recommended then the only way to ensure that my child gets to benefit is to learn how to administer it myself at home. I've tied myself in knots at times over the years finding suitable peers etc for social skills as my lad is an only. When all else fails pensioners will often volunteer to help if you ask REALLY nicely.