What's wrong wwith my son?

[worriedmumma]

Hi

I am not a new poster but have namechanged as it might be obvious who I am if anyone who knows me in rl reads this.

My ds is just 3 years old. His speech is delayed and I was worried about his understanding and have pushed for a year for a referral for SALT. He has finally had a review and his understanding came out at 2.2 and his reading 2.5 (although she thinks it's higher listening to him 'chatting' in the room away from the test).

The day before I had been to a parents workshop (part of the SALT) where they said that the understanding is usually 1 stage at least ahead of speech. Of course, this has got me worried now.

Obviously I have googled and seen loads about autism / dyspraxia etc. and am worried now that it means he has that.

I know (from reading here!) that 3 is early to diagnose but ... is it possible that he will just catch up? The therapist was very non-commital when I asked her. I know there is quite a high proportion of children who have speech delay who just catch up, how about if their understanding is behind too?

Any advice gratefully received

My child's receptive language was 18 months delayed at 3, and he has pretty much caught up - he is now 7 (he tested within normal range for receptive and expressive language and was discharged from SALT at 5.5), I wouldn't say my DS was 100% normal as such, as he is still quirky and with some ASD traits, and sometimes find it's hard to explain things but he has made a huge amount of progress and doing well at school without support.

Obviously I can't speculate either way whether it's a simple language delay or something more longlasting, but if you are concerned, as you are, I'ld suggesting asking for a paediatrician referral, as waiting lists can be up to a year or more in some areas.

Thanks TheLightPassenger.

That's what I wanted to know really, that some children can manage later at school without additional support (I think that's what I meant without actually saying it!)

I think I scared myself by reading about people having to defer school etc. Obviously I am aware that every child is different but it is nice to know that that diagnosis doesn't necessarily mean he definately has a problem.