Speech assessment - feeling deflated!

[runikka]

Have just come back from a speech assessment for little Daniel (social comm disorder/asd)
and feel a bit helpless and very much a failure as a mum.

We were advised to try things such as:

Feeding teddy for pretend play.
Giving teddy bath.
teddy bear picnics.

This is all well and good but I have no idea how we engage him to do this. The speech therapist was testing his understanding by showing him an orange, banana and slice of bread (plastic). Well, he wont go near banana and at 2.5 we wouldn't give it to him whole. Orange, likewise. Bread I guess he might have an idea it was to eat but to him it is toast/sandwiches. he does see these things in books and we would point out what they are but I really dont expect him to relate to his life. Should I really be sitting with him reciting what all the different fruit and veg is when at the moment we just want him to make eye contact, learn some basic communication and maybe a few words that will help him "drink, bed, nappy" etc

He loves his teddies hence the association of tasks but he loves to chew on the ear and shake him (he has a rattle inside) and cuddle but I dont think he would feed him or bathe him. I just dont feel he would get what we were trying to do or associate it with his life.

Sorry rambling but feel so lost!

Hi Runikka - cross posted! I used to live in E Sussex and was interested in Step by Step for DS2 at one point. However, they NEVER returned my e-mails or phone calls to arrange a visit. I was left wondering if they were still operating.

Hi Sphill

Thanks for your reply - I had a feeling it might be hard to get anywhere with the school. it is a little early for us to be thinking along those lines but still. Shame you are not still local - feel really isolated here, not knowing anyone really with a similar situation to daniel. we have made one friend who has a little boy with adhd and that does help knowing you can be yourself!

I guess I need to get into something we can work with Daniel on now. I am going to re-think his toy selection and try to make more of his singing time, look into introducing ABA.

The speech therapists are pushing signing and PECS but I am uncertain as to how we'd hold his attention. PECS is a possibility as he shows great interest in photos of family and err "Balamory" - his current fav pastime.

Best Wishes
Kirsty

Sphil, it's really early days fo us but you are welcome ot CAT me.I don't want to go into too much detail here.

winslow- that's where I've seen it- thank you tibini- I'll add it to my website. And a special thank you as I was trying to remember their name the other day, seem to remember they do picture cards etc.