Speech and language therapy with 2 year old who they think could be Autistic.

[Memeto3boys]

I am really confused. My son had his assessment last week with speech and language therapy. I got the report today and all the way the though she goes on about his speech and language is delayed she couldn't comment more as it was too delayed and at the end of the report she gives me things to do like singing with him dancing and going on about making him listen and using simple language witch I do have always done since he was a few weeks old we do play peek a boo and sing nursery rhymes with all the actions. At the end of the report it's starts that's all the can do till his speech and understanding improves but isn't that the point of therapy to help him improve? They are not going to see him again till his speech and language improves. She also said that we need to make him listen more as he only understands things if we prompt him with visual gestures or pictures that he doesn't under much verbal communication. Shouldn't they be putting pecs or something into place to help him gain better understanding it's like they are just writing him of so to speak.

I found that most NHS therapists are not overly useful for children that have communication needs and trouble understanding. my DD was the same and we got next to nothing whilst my friends with similar aged children with pronunciation difficulties got shed lots of therapy.

but in any case, Salt will only give you advise and you have to do the lionshare of the work at home.

Google 'more than words' by Hanen. it is full of useful advice and worth its money.

have you requested PECS?

No I didn't say pecs at the appointment I didn't think to. But I used pecs with my eldest at it helped him alot.
I just so confused by it its like they have given up before they have even started. I don't mind putting all the work in myself but she didn't seem to get that what she was suggesting I was already doing it.
She did seem to be hung up on the fact myself Dh and eldest ds are all autistic and she thinks that's why he's like what he is but we maybe autistic but he gets alot of interaction and socialising. Also was hung up on the fact he has a younger brother so was saying he doesn't get enough 1 to 1 with us as his brothers here but he does. Also his younger brother isn't having issues his speech and development are coming on like they should.

I would contact the SALT department and speak to a manager or coordinator - it may well be your DS wouldn't benefit from group SALT but he absolutely should still be on their caseload. I suspect there is a different department that deals with more complex cases - in my area you would have a screening appt then referred to the children's centre if ASD or similar were suspected. If the DC were borderline then it would be a follow up 3 months later to check on progress.
It's pretty alarming that they are saying he doesn't have enough speech to warrant further input. My DS with ASD never had any actual therapy as such but the input from SALT was v useful as a parent and for preschool.

I can't explain what's bothering me as such. I think it's more the fact she was saying he's like what he is because we are autistic I understand he could pick up strict routines of us but his language delay hasn't been picked up on us. His younger brothers picking up language fine. She did he needs to go nursery and wasn't impressed at the fact I simply can't afford to put him in nursery and we don't qualify for free child care.

Also his pediatrician specialist health visitor and nursery nurses have been waiting upon the report and it states she can't comment on anything so am worried he's not going to get any help at all.

I have pm'ed you meme

Thanks Ineed ☺

Zzzz she's not saying he's autistic she's saying he's learnt to be Autistic because of us

Also Zzzz I agree about the singing dancing ect I have always done these ylthings with him she thinks because I'm autistic I wasn't doing these thing with him much and that if I start to he will improve and get better

Hi there.

I suspect my son has ASD but irrelevant of that fact when he was assessed to haved delayed/disordered language I too was basically told specific SPEECH therapy wasn't appropriate at this time. The SALT did however further referr my son to a SALT unit where play therapy was/is provided to build up his listening/attention/concentration/turn taking skills etc.

If you weren't further referred and don't feel happy I would ring the SALT and just explain that you do do all the things suggested and as you can't afford childcare at this time (and I sooo get that it's a fortune,) could she give you the telephone number of any services available to help ie portage.
If no help have the same conversation with the HV xx