christopher place or nuffields, speech help please deseprate mum

[Phoenix4725]

Has anyone any thoughts on either of these as i am thinkingof pushing for referal for my non verbal 3 1/2 year old son .As i am unhappy with amount of speech therapy he has been recieving one appoinment every 8 weeks and nothing since july as therapist left and new one nt due to start till lest january.

He does have global delay of aprrox 12-18 months but his speech is more never babbled never blown rsspeberries can not blow candles only grunts though he does undersstand basic speech,So i feel there is something more going on hes never had ct scan or anything see if any brin problems shoulsd i push for one any help plese

I don't know about either of those places. But have been in the same situation as you my DS is now 5 1/2 yrs old and only starting speaking since he started school last year when 4 1/2.

NHS speech therapy was non existence due to his GDD and lack of ability to sit still.

We decided to go private and used this website www.helpwithtalking.com/ (Sorry can't do links yet), we have a great private speech lady now and see her once a fortnight/three weekly. Not cheap we pay between £35 and £60 a session depending as to how long we are there.

He has only in the last year learnt to blow bubbles etc.

Also look out for Tclanger and Moondog they have loads of hints and are very helpful i have found.

We went to Nuffield for an assessment (Nuffield speech and hearing I guess you mean?) If you suspect verbal dyspraxia it's a good place to go.

Is the Nuffield still open?

I know a few years ago it was under threat of closure.

Staff at The Nuffield (if still open) specialise in children with specific speech and language disorders i.e. where there is a severe speech or language disorder in the absence of any major learning disability.

If your ds has a global delay, they may not be the best place to contact (of course, they may have changed their criteria and expertise).

Don't know much about Christopher Place but think they may specialise in children with a hearing impairment.

Have a look on the 'help with Talking' link. You may find private therapist in your area who specialises in assessing and workingh with a child with learning difficulties and, if you are going to 'go private', you shpul expect someone to have experience in this area.

Another place to investigate is Ruth Jacobs. She is well known in the private slt world!

Good luck with your search.

I would also write to your local slt dept and complain about the lack of slt. Without people doing that, more money will never be put into the service

It is a good sign for him to be understanding some basic language. Have you thought about Makaton singing with him? (like in 'Something Special').

If you do decide to look for a private slt, it would also be good if they have knowledge of Makaton.

Not sure if this is of any use to you or not - is getting too late for my brain to function, lol.

ty yeah i did makaton course but he is unable to fgrsp the siging been 18 months now and hes only just learn to wave bye

yeah i looked ta private salt but ones im seeing is 50 a hr just to much as i have 3 other children

Continue to use Makaton signs with him when you talk to him. Even if he is not signing back yet, they will help him to focus on and understand what you are saying to him which in turn will help develop his communication.

Ask about special needs nurseries in your area. Some areas have these where the staff are very skilled in all areas of development and they may even have a different therapist who could see him. (You may have to be referred to one though).

Could you ask your private slt to give you some ideas to work on at home and see her less often? Do you have a local toy library? You can borrow specific toys from these that are recommended by other professionals.

When the new slt starts in January, I would ask what her plan is for your ds. If they offer review sessions every few weeks again, ask if that is because of lack of time on their part or because they feel that is what he needs at the moment.

Some children are not ready to have onene sessions.