Worried about when DS starts reception..

[adrianna22]

As you know DS, 4, who has a severe speech and language delay including being on the spectrum. Is starting in september.

His mainstream school have told me that he would be assessed by the speech and language therapist, to see what they can do to help.

I'm worried that the school would implement something for DS, by the assessment/views from the speech therapist, without taking my views into consideration.

I.e. As an example, say if I don't want to use PECS for DS, but use a communication book or Makaton instead. But based on the speech therapist assessment or what others have said, she will use PECS with DS anyway, even though I insist not to do, but they do it anyway.

Does this happen? and can the school do this?

What is his SALT programme now? Is he having SALT regularly?

PECS and Makaton aren't mutually exclusive, either. Why don't you want him to access PECS?

Do you have Team Around Child meetings (or similar) with other professionals who are involved with your ds?

His having SALT regular, but she's pushing me to start PECS with DS again.

I did PECS at one point with DS, but he would quickly point to something/use a makaton sign rather than use the pictures.

lougle what do you mean about makaton and PECS not being exclusive.

I mean that children can learn Makaton signs signs while using PECS.

Why don't you like PECS?

It's not like I don't like it. But when I tried it with DS, he would rather point, than use the pictures. Plus telling DS that "No, he cannot point," but to use the pictures, was a bit disheartening and worried if he would loose the pointing skill.

Also, all DS wanted was us to name the pictures or he would pile them up.

So, what I'm asking if the school can implement this, even though I said no.

I'm not sure, tbh. In the long run you're going to hopefully have a statement.

If the SALT's professional opinion is that PECS would benefit, I don't think you can compel them to change that advice. That said, I imagine that you can choose not to consent to PECS.

PECS is far more expensive and time consuming in terms of training, time and resources, than Makaton, though, so if they continue to advise PECS then I'd give it serious thought. Also, the fact that your DS was non-compliant wouldn't put me off because it's just part of learning that communication is a two way street.

I understand Lougle now.

But would DS loose his pointing skill? He definitely understands the point of communication and initiates all the time.

So I guess DS didn't see the point in using pictures, when he can point or sign to get what he wants.

Why would he lose his pointing skill?

At the end of the day, if PECS isn't what he needs you need to ask the SALT why she's recommending it. If she gives a good reason you'll feel reassured. If not, you need to keep discussing until you both agree either way.

Even though she knows DS is an effective communicator. She is recommending it because he has limited amount of words and told me that he will talk if he uses PECS. Her words exactly.

When, at the time, I was doing PECS with DS, the therapist and I always encouraged him to use pictures rather than to point.

..So when he did point to what he want, we would tell him "No" but to use the pictures.

Have you told her how you feel about it?

I told her how I felt and that's why she used the line "..Well if DS used PECS, he will talk".

I thought this was a bit unfair, as she knows how worried I am about DS speech.

About the pointing, she agreed that yes DS would loose the pointing skill.

I like the idea of using a communication book as DS would be able to point at the pictures etc.

My DS is the same - non-verbal but with the comprehension skills of an NT child. PECS doesn't just teach language skills but communication skills - that a child needs to get the attention of an adult in order to communicate their needs. At some points we would sit with our back to DS and he would have to directly grab our attention by tapping us or forcing the picture into our hands.

PECS can take many months to learn and needs to reinforced at home as well as in the setting. It's made a real difference to my DS in that he now has some words and will try to communicate his needs - the focus on communication involving gaining attention has resulted in a child who seemed slightly out of step with my world, now being engaged in the every day world. I'd say to give it a try and if after a couple of months it's not working then go with a different approach.