Blocks of direct SALT for severe Lang delay in statement

[starfish71]

Should be getting DS1's independent speech therapy report through tomorrow, therapist has told me that DS should be getting at least 2 blocks of direct SALT per year, that he still presents with severe Lang delay, obviously know more when I see the report.

We are negotiating with the LA after they tried to change DS's statement from twice termly monitoring to twice yearly monitoring. Still have my appeal in with SENTW. The LA have agreed to change it back again to twice termly but am really worried that DS has made no progress.

What in terms of hours etc does a block of direct therapy actually mean?

For my DC this was a consecutive block of about 5 weekly 45-60 mins sessions - all for the same time every week. As my DC is home ed, this was at a local health centre. I believe it's normally done in school during school hours. I was present during all the sessions.

Once the block finished (a term ago), he's gone back down to the bottom of the list again and we have to wait for the next block to become free.

Thanks rosielou, that's helpful. Have they given you any idea how long you have to wait until the next block?

DS has gone to the bottom of the waiting list and they will let me know when the next block is available. Last appointment was 2 months ago. NHS SALT implied that there was more important children than my DS and they'd be next on the list

A real shame as DS was just starting to get used to her and starting to trust her. If and when it starts up again, we'll be back to square one because he takes a long time before he trusts people. And if he doesn't trust someone, then he is selectively mute.

That is awful rosielou, I have had similar conversations with our LA therapist. Makes me so upset and cross. Therapy needs to be ongoing and consistent. I understand that services are stretched but input now is so important.

Well have the report, it is great, by that I mean in the detail and professionalism. It is horrible, heartbreaking to read as his mum. DH has read and is now sitting there looking stunned, this from his dad who thinks I do worry too much. Seeing stuff in black and white is painful.

I really need to do everything I can to help improve my son's Lang difficulties regardless of what I prise out of the LA.

Will be back to ask for help on how to do this.