SALT moan!

[Jimjams]

Again!!! We had a visit from a private SALT today. She listened to ds1 speak (said "he is speaking" as opposed to NHS who say he isn't.) She agree with BIBIC and think he needs weekly speech therapy (daily from me). She said she thinks it is very important to work on his speech as otherwise he will get even more set in his language (same as BIBIC said- NHS said his language is too bad to work on his speech- she said there's no reason you can't work on speech and langauge at the same time).

She said that she has been seeing another little boy who sounds similar to ds1- autism and verbal dyspraxia- and after 5 years (!!!) he can say 4 word sentences (bit depresising but I think probably realistic).

She was very nice and I am keen to work with her. We will be signing the contract. BUt why oh why when his needs are so great will the NHS give us visits twice a term (and expect us to be grateful it's not once a term).

I'll pay the money (35 quid an hour- so far cheaper than the 55/60 quid we were paying in London)- but we shouldn't have to - this isn't some luxury- this is just us giving him the best chance to grow up and live an independent life.

Who do you think I should complain to? (I know it won't make any difference but it will make me feel better). Any ideas......

I dunno who you can complain to but know exactly how you feel. I am really p**sed off with it all today. How do they expect our children to communicate when they cant themselves.

I'd start by letting a newspaper know about it, be it local or national, you shouldn't have to pay for this. This is essential as you said and not a luxury!

If it were my child I would be doing (as you are) anything within my power to help them.

Perhaps your local councilor could give you some support? Isn't it always he who shouts loudest gets something done quicker? So shout about it and shout loudly to all who will listen.

Good on you for taking this into your own hands and getting your own second opinion! I wonder how many people out there haven't done this and are none the wiser to what improvements their child could be making. These parents should also be made aware that there are other routes they can take. That's why I suggested a newspaper.

Your MP? Kick up a fuss and get it out of your system. Contact the Minster for Health, Tony Blair and anyone else you can get an address for. This is disgraceful treatment and you and ds deserve better. And in a mad, warped, twisted way your ds is lucky because he has such a good advocate in you. Just think of all the others who's parents are browbeaten by the **ing system! You could spit blood!

There was a report on the London BBC news about a family with special needs children who could n't get the support where they lived (although didn't catch the full report myself)- perhaps it is worth bringing to their attention or they may be able to put you in contact with someone who could lobby Dept of Health or Education on your behalf.

good luck