Any ideas?

[sherrardk]

The things start school next week (week of afternoons followed by a week of mornings and then full time). Obviously all parents will want to know how their children are getting on but thing 2 has speech problems (he will have a one-to-one teaching assistant for the mornings). How soon would you ask about how he was getting on (I am very keen that they don't use sign language with him and have told them this). I don't want to look like I am fussing but don't want him to feel isolated due to his speech. Thanks.

[bednobs]

is it worthwhile to ask the assisstant how often you should expect feedbacka nd how you will get it?

[B00]

Immediately you collect him. I mean just a simple "how's he been?" will be fine won't it? If there was a problem im sure they'll tell you.

[sherrardk]

To be fair, I am not overly impressed with the school so far. I have got his assessed and got the funding sorted out. I have got it sorted out that the speech therapist that goes to the school will also give Dan speech therapy, etc. I have had a meeting with the class teacher and told her that I don't want Dan to be encouraged to sign (because I want his speech to be worked on). I already knew I would be asking at the end of the first day (and every other day until I am happy) about how he had been, just wanted to make sure I wasn't being a basket case.

[China Doll]

I agree with bednobs. Ask how they will feedback to you first.

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

Of course you're concerned. His progression has been your sole responsibility so far and you want to see it continue to your standrds.
The school will understand this and will be working to the best of their resources to provide it.
Ask away in the beginning. Schools expect this, especially where extra needs are called for, but monitor yourself, based on your knowledge of him too and see how you think he fares.
I'd give it 6 months. He's new to them and them to him.

[phleb]

i would briefly ask each time you pick him up, i do that with my kids when they start a new class/school. Then gradually ask every few weeks. Dont worry, it will be fine.

[sherrardk]

Just concerned because out of them all he is the only one with any problems. If he was a bit slow or stupid I wouldn't be so worried (I don't think), it's because his speech is so poor that I worry that if he has a problem no one will be able to understand him when he tells them. As i said earlier, not overly impressed with the school so far. Not concerned about thing 1 as I actually feel sorry for the school in her case (she's lovely but slightly wild).

[cazzz1975]

wasnt this the school you chose for him over specialist provision? I thought you were happy with the school?

[daffy654]

I'm unsure why you don't want him to learn sign language if his speech is so poor. Surely it would be better to teach him a way to communicate whilst his speech is being worked on?

[bednobs]

am not sherrard but i would guess that it's to "force" him to verbalise. If he can make himself understood with signs, there is a possibility he might not try as hard with speaking. People who sign to communicate rely on other people being able to understand those signs - in the world of work and life, there's more people that understand speech than understand signs.
Sherrard is his parent, and ultimately decides what is best for him. I am sure if it becomes apparent that signs are the way to gobecause the speech isn't improving, she will consider her position then

[bednobs]

^^^^ sorry, i'm sure you know that, i didn't really mean it to sound the way it did!

[cazzz1975]

wont the speech therapist get back to you regarding your son's progress? If you have any concerns I would write a list and put them to the school, at least you will have a clue. I wouldn't worry about looking like you are making a fuss. you have concerns and they should be addressed.

[daffy654]

There has never been any proof that teaching late speakers to sign will delay their speech further.
I have a child with Aspergers syndrome who was also a late speaker, he was never taught to sign as it was never suggested by his doctor or speech therapist.
He was given a laminated folder of pictures of everyday objects and tasks that he was encouraged to point to if he couldn't make his needs understood. It was only ever used as a last resort sort of thing. It may be worth asking your son's speech therapist if something similar could be used as a 'just in case' type of thing.

[cazzz1975]

I agree with daffy. speech cannot be forced out, if signing or another approach makes his school life pleasant then I cannot see the issue.

My son is nearly 12 and has no speech.

[Le Chat]

Sherrardk - Is the speech problem part of another condition or a physical condition relating just involving the vocal area?

[sherrardk]

Hi all, yes I choose this school as I want him to go to the same school as his siblings. This is the only problem he has and they are baffled as to why he cannot speak properly (he thinks he is speaking properly) - its been likened to a switch not having been switched on in his brain. (he leaves the sounds of the end and/or beginning of words or uses the wring sounds.) He tries really hard with the speech therapy and trying to make himself understood and that is why I want them to concentrate on his speech (and not signing).