Significant receptive language delay (understanding delay) for 4 year old

This child was seen for a multi-professional developmental assessment just prior to him being referred to see me.

I saw him for initial assessment mid-July and he was due to start school in less than 2 months in the September.

The parents were aware from the developmental assessment that their child was being put forward for a statutory assessment (for a Statement of Special Need) with the local Education Authority. His name was now on a waiting list for NHS Speech and Language Therapy, and whilst waiting for this, the parents were keen for their son to have some speech and language therapy input, advice and targets and also to liaise with the Reception Class Teacher.

Initial assessment showed me that this little boy was a happy and sociable communicator although he preferred to follow his own agenda if possible.

He used sentences to communicate with very clear pronunciation. He showed a significant receptive language delay however, and also delayed attention skills so that he was often not able to follow instructions, he became 'tuned out' or distractible. His play and social skills were limited.

I devised a specific treatment plan with adult strategy goals and child-focussed goals.

I saw this little boy for 4 sessions over the summer holidays and he quickly progressed with his understanding and 2-way communication ability. Advice and strategies were suggested for the school, and he started to receive some NHS therapy once he started school.

Therapy management was transferred seamlessly to the NHS Therapist and the school staff.