Speech Therapy - what can I expect?

[Sahkoora]

FINALLY got an appointment through for DS2's speech therapy. He's 2.7 and although his speech is improving, he is largely unintelligible and won't say S or F sounds if he can avoid it.

However, I suspect that his speech problems may be part of something larger. DS1 has ASD and I wouldn't be surprised if DS2 does as well. I won't list my reasons for suspecting this here as they are numerous!

I haven't really mentioned my worries to anyone medical yet. Largely because we've only just been through all of this with DS1 and I just wasn't sure I could face it again. That's silly I know, but now, with DS1 going to ss in Sept, I feel like I'll have more time and energy to sort DS2 out. He's a September baby so won't be starting school until Sept 2016 so I want to get him sorted before then.

My question is really what can I expect? DS1 had a visit from a ST but it was at school and I wasn't there. He spoke very early anyway so that hasn't been an issue for him. If DS2's speech problems are part of a larger problem, will this be picked up on? I would imagine it would be quite common for kids with ASD to present with speech difficulties primarily. What kind of thing will they do with DS2?

Sorry if this is a little muddled!

At the first appointment they will speak to you and play with your ds to assess him (they got my ds to get a bear to roar but then he just roared the rest of the time so not much help!). SALT are one of the professionals who assess child development as part of a team and will have many children with ASD on their books. ASD will be one of the things she will consider while assessing your ds and if she has enough concerns about this will flag it up.

Thanks very much, that really puts my mind at rest. Also good to know the kind of thing they will do at the appointment. Fingers crossed that all is well!