Could this be dyspraxia?

[SoozyWoozy]

I posted here a while ago... DD3, 4yo, has delayed expressive and receptive speech. At one point Global developmental delay was mentioned, but the paed team we've seen (and have now been discharged from) seemed to have dropped all of the labels as quickly as they came up with them.

So, I was reading a post on here about a DC with noise sensitivity, which is very similar to my DD. For me, her covering her ears and struggling with loud noises (particularly unexpected noise) has been a defining feature of her SEN. I have mentioned it at every appointment we have been to, but no-one seemed concerned as they had quickly ruled out autism.

The post led me to read about Dyspraxia, and I think my DD fits it. Briefly, she:
-is a late walker (age 2)
-is late with fine motor skills (age 4 is only just attempting buttons / zips)
-was late with drawing ability i.e. has only drawn a face within the last year and this still hasn't developed into a person
-is over sensitive to noise
-has delayed speech and language
-socially has always been confident, but the poor speech hinders her (and makes me so to see other children looking at her as if she's from another planet)

We have got SALT review this coming week to set targets for Reception. Should I mention all this to the therapist? Or to Nursery? Or am I imagining all of this in my own little bubble of need to find out 'why'?

None of the features you describe are exclusive characterstics of dyspraxia. TBH, it can be anything- or nothing at all. However, having said that, I would definitely mention it to the SALT and to the nursery- provided nursery knows what dyspraxia is, as many of them don't have a clue.

As Paribus says motor delay is not exclusively Dyspraxia.

I am surprised that you have been discharged from the Paed team TBH. I would feel that your DD needs a comprehensive assessment from a Child Development Team i.e. Paediatrician, Paed Physio, OT, SaLT.
That would look at her speech, motor (gross and fine) and sensory issues.

Have Nursery noticed that she has difficulties? Would they be prepared to document their observations and bring these to your GP?

Sorry, I meant Child development team. She has been seen by everyone, just remains with SaLT. Who, to be honest, have been pretty poor... nursery are fantastic though - it is attached to our 1st school and they have a brilliant SENCo who will take over in September.

I just don't know what to do to help her now

Community paeds, OT, physio etc often drop a child who is still seeing one service, on the basis that they need to 'wait and see'. Gets you off their caseloads till they need to take another look... like now.

Time for another round of appointments? Worth speaking to nursey and SLT as well, and I'd suggest look at IPSEA website about "Early years action plus" and about making a parental application for statutory assessment.

I'll have a chat with Nursery tomorrow. I think they'll say see what Reception assessments bring, they are supposed to be very good for SEN so would likely to re-refer if needed.

Considering private assessment though, where do I start?

I am forever recommending Jackie Harland at London Children Practice, she is really, really, really good. If u r willing to get a private assessment, IMO that's where you'll get it- just make sure Jackie is the one conducting it.

Thank you paribus