speech therpaist doesn't think delayed DS should be attending a NT nursery

[sleepyhorse]

DS1 who is 3 years old is delayed in speech (only says a handful of words) - is also showing difficulties in turn taking, short attention span and concentration. He is under observation of a pediatrician and we are yet to find out if he has any kind of ASD as they are taking a "wait and see" approach.

He started a new nursery on Monday and seems to have come alive since then, seems very happy and can't get out of our front door quick enough in the mornings. The feedback so far from nursery is that he is really trying to interact.

On Tuesday he started his 3rd block of speech therapy with a new therapist who is lovely (nicest so far) and seems very helpful and experienced with her advice. But she seemed rather shocked when I informed her that ds is attending a normal pre-school with no special needs teacher there. She seems to think that being with teachers that have no expertise in dealing with kids of his nature can end up doing more damage than good. She is going to make some enquiries with the county council to find out re ds's rights.

I know she is just trying to help but not sure how I feel about this. Firstly Ds seems to have settled in really well (to my surprise) and seems happy so not sure I want to move him to a special needs nursery especially when we don't know what is wrong yet (suspect and hope he is just simply delayed). And secondly I don't want the pre-school (which is attached to the school we are hoping to send him to next year) thinking Im being burden on them and causing trouble should they have to re-think their staff situation if ds doesn't end up moving to another nursery.

Sorry if I have gone on a bit but just confused re what to do/think??

xx

"The thing is it's a really nice school setting so really want to keep him there".

A "nice school setting" won't help your DS if his school life is miserable. I would be now looking at other nurseries and schools. It also to me sounds like this infants school does not want any children with ASD within it and won't help such children if placed there.

Parent Partnership help parents with regards to their child's educational needs within the LEA. The problem with many PPs is that they are not independent of LEAs and are often not that impartial. Seeking impartial advice from one of the charitable organisations out there like IPSEA, ACE, Network 81 or SOSSEN would be another option.

Spilt placement in this area (e.g two days in mainstream and three days at a language unit) would only be obtainable with a Statement in place.

Probably best to look at other places where there is a senco. I know your ds doesn't have a diagnosis as such and it's possible that he will catch up and not be defined as having special educational needs, but right now he probably does need somewhere that has a senco and can work with you and salt to be consistent for him and help him progress. It's awful for you, as he's just started and is enjoying it. I'm pretty shocked that there isn't a senco and at the headmasters attitude. Do the other teachers seem keen to take an interest in his progress and salt? If they don't understand how to help him, that might be a problem in the future.