Help with speech and language

Shorty

Hi Folks

I have a 4 year old son who has had cerebal palsy since birth . He was born at 24 weeks and suffered a major bleed on the brain. He has very limited speech and salt have now introduced an app for us to try for communication.  They have only given us limited information and told us to teach him this.  My son does not have a great attention span and we are struggling to learn and teach.  I would be very grateful if anyone has any advice on the best techniques and if there are any organisations who could help us. Thanks 

April2018mom

Hello!

My 2 year old son also has therapy. He has a physical therapist once a week come out to our flat to work with him. Is the SALT a NHS one or is she/he a private one? What other methods have you tried with him so far? Have you ever heard of PECS? This is a communication system for those with moderate to severe speech issues. Ask for more information on it. https://cchp.nhs.uk/cchp/explore-cchp/childrens-speech-language-therapy/training-parents
Good luck! Also speak with the therapist. Perhaps they can offer help and support to you? 

Shorty

Hello April

It's a  NHS therapist but the service seems limited. We are thinking of going private as our son goes to school next year. I've not heard of PECS but will check it out now. The app they have told us to download is Avaz. We are still trying to get our heads around it.

dolfrog

you could have a look at the Wikipedia "The picture exchange communication system (PECS) " article at 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picture_exchange_communication_system 

April2018mom

Not sure where you live but I came across this website.  https://beta.helpwithtalking.com/

Shorty

I'm in Glasgow 

dolfrog

You may find the Wikipedia "Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)" article explains the various types of technology that may help. There is also a subsection regarding CP
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmentative_and_alternative_communication 

forgoodnesssake

Hi, don;t jump straight into PECS especially if your son has physical difficulties with his hands.  It was designed to promote social interaction particularly in children with autism and so is not really very easy for CP hands to do! 

However there is a lot of info out there, but I am really horrifed to hear that you SALT just gave you something and told you to get on with it!!  have a look at www.communicationmatters.org.uk and www.1voice.info and also https://www.callscotland.org.uk/home/

My son is 21 now and uses AAC and has been all through mainstream school and is now at Uni.  I am also a trustee of Communication Matters.  best wishes, jenny

Stayce

Hi @Shorty

Welcome to the community 

I wonder whether you have tried Sense Scotland for support. I have provided the link for Early years support

https://www.sensescotland.org.uk/what-we-do/support/support-for-early-years/

Hope this helps

B3st 

April2018mom

If you wish to refer yourself https://www.rcslt.org/speech-and-language-therapy#section-4
The webpage has details of how to find a private therapist too. Hope this is useful. 

Shorty

Thank you everyone for all the advice and links. We are looking at bringing in a private SALT. My son goes to school next year and we need to make the decision on mainstream school or not. We are also waiting on an educational psychologist to asses him (referal was made by nursery in Feb still not had an appointment). Thanks once again for all your help and advice it is very much appreciated.