Our little guy Max is 17 months old. He has reflux and other digestive issues and has been 100% tube fed since birth. He is developmentally delayed including the area of speech/language. He will finally be seen by an SLP in a couple of weeks.

I spoke to the SLP on the phone when she booked the appointment and haven't yet met her....

Any info on what to look for or discuss with her in our first appointment? I want to make sure she is GOOD!! Especially since Max is a non oral feeder and we are working on oral feeds...I understand that SLP's should have some overlap with feeding therapy (?)

Any tips are MUCH appreciated...

Thank you all!

Vicky

Not all SLPs do have that overlap of experience, so I would definately ask. Our private SLP does, so that is a bonus for us and also that she can screen for sensory intergration issues, although she is not well versed with it.

I would definately write down all your questions for her. Ask her how often the therapy would be, what she is going to concentrate on, if she has dealt with cases like this in the past and how long did it take to make headway (although you will likely be skirted off with "every child is different"). Ask if there are things you can do in between appointments (we have tons of stuff to do) and if she is providing an official assessment of him and for what (speech and language and/or feeding)

The very best SLPs are the ones who talk TO your child and not at them. They should observe your child in action and try to make them relax before assessing them. They should be interactive and have personality. I know this seems to be a given, but I have come across a couple who did not have this and it was a disaster for my eldest son. If you do not have a good repoire with her then request another SLP.

Keep a separate file for this and a log of what she does. Ask how long the sessions will continue for and what the goals are.

Be sure to mark this on the calendar so that we can follow up, ok? Looking forward to hearing how it goes. :D

Good advice, Leigh! I just ask everyone and anyone about getting speech AND feeding help. I always ask the ped, our nutritionist, the GI, etc. if they've heard of anything or anyone new we could see -- local and even out of state. The SLP D was seeing (yes, was, he just "graduated" today) is the one who touches on the feeding question at his annual cleft clinic. D's surgeon recommended speech therapy at his last checkup, so I specifically asked for a referral to this woman.

Thank you both for your replies.

I wish I'd joined this site sooner with all the personalized help I'm getting. Thanks ladies!

Vicky

LOL Vicky...Leigh already said many of the things that I was going to suggest. Great advice, Leigh! Since Max is speech delayed, Vicky, have you considered doing some sign language with him?

One thing that I have to add is that SLPs often do their speech in blocks of 3 months or so. In stead of having 3 months on followed by 3 months off, we opted for every other week all year long. It's certainly something to ask about.

Janette, I agree with the every other week rather than 3 months on and 3 off. Our SLP program here runs 3 on, 3 off, 3 on, etc. until they are age 5, but it is really not enough. We added in private therapy for Walker in between when we were "off" and it made light years of difference for him and thus is why we have started the screening process for Iain prior to next year when he enters the program.

Becky, I look forward to hearing how things go with your new SLP. When you you and Daniel meet her? And did I read that Daniel graduated a program? Yippee! Is this a good thing? I am finding graduations very bittersweet of late.

Vicky, it is one of the nicest things about this site... the personal service! :wink: When is your appointment date?

When is your appointment date?

Dec 16. Though Max is having J tube surgery on Monday (the 5th) so hopefully he has recovered by then.

I will keep you posted...

Thanks EVERYONE for your tips!

Now for sure I'm off to bed...hubby and Max are snoring and I'm jealous!!!

Vicky

Becky, I look forward to hearing how things go with your new SLP. When you you and Daniel meet her? And did I read that Daniel graduated a program? Yippee! Is this a good thing? I am finding graduations very bittersweet of late.

This IS a good thing. We started seeing this SLP in late summer because the surgeon felt D had speech issues due to his cleft. After a few months and an eval, she determined he is just one or two months behind and picking up new words, sounds, and phrases quickly so we really don't need her help. I agreed with her assessment, and we can always go back if we have further concerns. (She was in private practice, not a state program.) And that's it -- no more SLP for speech's sake. Now we just have the nutritionist every other week and speech (for feeding) on horse every Monday.

When is your appointment date?

Dec 16. Though Max is having J tube surgery on Monday (the 5th) so hopefully he has recovered by then.Vicky

Be sure to mark the surgery on the calendar, if you have not already, ok? That way we can send you best wishes and look for an update.

Hope that you get some sleep with all that snoring! :lol:

Becky, it sounds wonderful to have one less worry and specialist to deal with! I am surprised at how much time our specialists do take up and it is overwhelming at times.

What are you going to do now that you have so much free time on your hands? :P

I know this has been a long time coming.

We started having the SLP come and I was quite disappointed so we may begin looking for a private SLP. Our IDP (infant development program) consultant (who is sooo great) suggested we hold off until Max is vocalizing more as a way of communicated his needs. Right now he just has a few sounds and babbles more than really trying to communicate. He also isn't pointing yet.

We are on the 3 month block system so our last appointment with the SLP is March 1 and then we don't see her till June.

I am going to a signing workshop (hee hee - I almost typed "singing") next month which I'm looking forward to.

Just thought I'd update you on what happened.

- Vicky

I'm sorry that it didn't go well. We have a new member who is an SLP and has offered to help answer question. Hopefully she'll see this thread and help out. If not, check out the latest threads in this forum, as she started a post, introducing herself as an SLP.

Hi Vicky. My name is Cara and I am a licensed SLP. I also have a 9 week old daughter, Carley, who was diagnosed with GERD at 4 weeks. I like this question, because like in any profession, there are wonderful SLP's and those that should not be in practice. First, you should ask about the slp's credentials. She should have a master's degree with a license to practice from your state. She should also hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence (known in our profession as our "C's" from the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association or ASHA. ( Asha has a good website at asha.org) THis is the gold standard in our profession. Next, Iwould ask about experience. As slp's we can work in many settings with many different popluations. You wouldn't want an slp with expertice with adult stroke patients working with your child, for example. Also, you will want to know about experience with dysphagia (swallowing disorders). Of course, you have the right to another opinion, or to choose another therapist if your are not comfortable with the one assigned to you. Hope this helps a bit!

Hi Vicky, it's Cara again. Was the slp evaluating Max's speech and language or swallowing skills? What are your goals for him? Many times, it is very difficult to get a good speech and language assessment of a child until after their second birthday. Many slp's will give a "home program" about activities to stimulate speech and language development with children and reevaluate then. Working with swallowing is different. Do you want your child to become an oral feeder? What is his prognosis for that? Again, if you are not comfortable with the therapist, find another one! It's your child! Certainly signing is a good alternative communication system. Even very young children can learn simple signs. Good luck at the workshop!!

Great advice Leigh! I couldn't have said it better myself!

Cara