Well that went well- exhausting but well. We spent 3 days there - 2 days were spent on assessment and 1 day teaching us the programme. DS1 basically has huge sensory problems. I knew he did have -but didn't realise the extent of them. Apparently he has good gross and fine motor skills (!) but these are hampered by sensory problems. So for example the reason he can't hold a pencil properly is becuase it feels like holding a red hot poker!
We also saw an autism specialist SALT. He had his first ever proper official language assessment and he is way behind, Basically he understands nouns (and knows lots and lots of them) but nothing else. They said he was extremely good at hiding his language problems. The SALT also said he isn;t like most autistic children becuase he wants to communicate and tries desperately to, just can't (I have been saying this for 2 years and been told I'm kidding myslef- how nice to hear it from a professional). She said the diagnosis may be appropriate as he does have an impariment in communication, imagination and social interaction- (and the word autism gets you help at school) but I got the impression she thinks that really he has a severe language disorder and some sensory problems. Personally I don't care what they call it- but she's also going to provide a report for the LEA recommending
1 hour of SALT a day (!!)
while this is being set up with the LSA a SALT should be visiting once a week
then a SALT should be visiting twice a term.
She said seeing a SALT ever 3 or 4 months was totally inadequate. She aslo wants to extend PECS so it is being used to provide a visual structure for language ie I want ball, I want red ball, I want red furry ball iyswim. What a pity his SALT isn't PECS trained!
SALT also said she's a bit concerned by his own language as he's getting rather good at it. We've been sent home with a SALT programme as well.
Cognitively he's at age 5-6 for non-language stuff- which wasgood to know- I had a very wooly answer when I tried asking the Ed Psych a few weeks ago whether she suspected any learning difficulties (I didn't but I wanted to see what she said).
We also saw a physio and nutritionist.
We've come home with a structured programme and a whole host of ideas- it really was a positive and amazing experience- so many things make sense now. I am now even more peed off with the NHS though (bet you didn't think that was possible). Why on earth hasn't someone done a formal language assessment before now (it took 20 mins)?
Wish I'd gone to BIBIC 2 years ago. They have experience of a wide range of conditions from severe brain damage to dyslexia with behavioural problems. I know they're very experienced with children with CP and Down's. If anyone ver flet they needed more advice and help I'd recommend BIBIC highly.