"Here are some things I'd like to discuss with you."
As far as I can tell within the triad of impairments he has made least progress socially, then imaginative and then communication.
He is repeating everything you say as well as trying to say his own incomplete sentences. His speech just recently has taken a jump for the better.
Would like:
To know is he still considered as emerging speech.
Intensive help. I don't think 10 hours a year is enough therefore more therapy surely in view of the difficulties?
Assessment. I understand that “it is very hard to assess how well a child is understanding speech without testing because they will follow a lot of non verbal clues. Therefore it seems quite likely that LSA will not have the skills to know how significant a child's difficulties with receptive language are and so children with comprehension difficulties may never even get to assessment.
SALT can do a range of tests; there isn't one standard speech and language assessment,
For example CELF, Derbyshire Comprehension Test, and STAP (phonology/speech sounds production test).
A speech therapist can do a full assessment and that would flag up if he has any difficulties understanding and/or expressing language as folk can have difficulty understanding social use of language/ semantic pragmatic difficulties.”
Can you to target and test certain areas to get a better picture of G's speech and language disorder and where it stands. The reason why I want is more assessment/tests for G to determine the correct techniques to be used with him. I feel the not just Autism Advisory service but other services involved have just thought oh classically Autistic, emerging speech we will start on PECS and turn taking. Instead of really bothering to find out his strengths and weaknesses are. I thought all Autistics were different so using this blanket approach to me is odd. I am sure you can offer lots of good tools to support and assist G, some of which work a little, a lot or not at all. Consider the iceberg effect. Most of what you see is hidden; it's only the very tip that is obvious.
To know if he has delays and problems across the whole range with speech and language.
What about the LSA? Are they working with the you? Who is delivering the programme? When? How often? Weekly, daily, what?
Strategies and support appropriate to G’s age and needs now, to enable G in making him social. G is without friends and skills that would improve his life greatly.
“AAC is an AMAZING thing, it can be many different things too such as electronic devises, PECS (good old velcro) and more!
I dont know much about what is offered to kids these days as I am not an adult but I do personally use various AAC things. I have a PECS book, folder. I can do sign lanugaue and I have things like a program called Proloquo2go on my iPhone (hoping to get an iPad). I also have communication grids on my laptop (powered by Widgit) and have had experience of GoTalk devises, one called vox as a child and The Grid.”
Abilitynet and Cerebra have great technology knowledge (including funding!)
To know what we can do to support him. Feel totally out of our depth at times. Basically all the information we need to move forward and re-assure us. Then as usual offer a list of recommendations to the school on how best to help him. If the label isn't there, you cannot access the support and help that will lead to 'solutions'.
Can we have copies of any recommendations or social programmes to be emailed to us as well as school so I could have it on record and is really useful if I need to share with other specialists. Can we have your email address then which is really useful if I have any queries or concerns I want to follow up with you at a later date.
Worried:
His gap between him and his peers is getting larger I was hoping there would be some kind of intervention to teach him skills he could use to keep up not just reading, writing and spelling.
He has several needs, is not reaching his potential and all the time the system is failing my son. I see it as a 'team' thing, all working together to get G the best possible life.
I don't want any problems to become entrenched.
I also worry that County Council staff do seem to have standard answers (eg you have given him a label now) brainwashed to them to save money or avoid timewasters or whatever.
G’s Autism check-list
G knows how to navigate his way around Google for Thomas the Tank Engine only, as that is his interest. He is always watching you tube videos with Thomas in of course. I think he thinks he can speak a lot more now because he copies everything that is said on these videos. Then mostly appropriate phrases do come out.
Has little interest in mixing or playing with other children. He does not understand helping , sharing, donating, cooperating or volunteering so his Prosocial score is low.
Has difficulty in expressing his wants and needs. Reliant upon pulling adults to what he wants.
The tantrums seem to come out of the blue.
He does not always meet his IEP targets.
Failing to access the curriculum in group situations.
Conclusion
He has become a loner, not much interaction, everything has to be routine because surprises or different plans upset him. I understand children with language problems can have a hard time socializing.
What will happen next if you do think there are issues?
If you have anything to add or comments gratefully received thanks.