nuffield referral question

[JoMaman]

I just saw another thread about Nuffield which reminded me I wanted to ask if any of you successfully got a referral when your children had less than 20 word approximations?

I tried to get one for ds, he is 3 and non-verbal, everything comes out as 'didid' if he vocalises at all, but then spontaneously he will do an approximation or even a whole word, but has many sounds that he never makes. An independent SALt and I both believe he has dyspraxia as well as ASD (ASD dx at 2.5yrs) but I've been told by Nuffield that we cannot go there until he can a) sit still and listen for an extended period to strangers and b) approximate reliably 20+ words.

Obviously the ASD is hampering a), but that aside, what if his dyspraxia is preventing b) - how will we ever get to meet the specialists?

Does anyone know if they waive the criteria for a private referral?

Thanks in advance

Can you contact them directly and explain the situation and see what they say? It is an amazing place so well worth pushing to get to see them if they will agree to see your DS.

Hi Jo, i took my ds private to Nuffield Glasgow when he was 5. He could sit, but didnt walk. He's 10 now and still non verbal not even a single word. Also very little understanding so would never sit still and listen to anyone, lol. Give them a call. For me it was worth it i paid £120 back then for consultation, best money ever spend cos i got dx of severe autism after constant visits to hospital HTH. :)

Thanks - will give them a call!