I have a daughter who is 6 y/o and has a severe speech problem. She has been in Speech Thearpy for 2 1/2 years and has pretty much stayed stagnet in her progress. They have tested her for learning diabilities and she is learning at her level. The school nurse and speech thearpist took a look at her ears and mouth and said she has a unusally high hard palate. I went to the doctor and all he did was put her through a barrage of blood and urine tests that all came out normal. I asked for a referral and he told me she was fine. It is getting psycological now because she has said too my husband and I that she wishes she was never born because noone understands her. If anyone has any ideas I am all ears. Thanks.
Re: Need Help
Does your daughter have an IEP for speech?
If the answer is yes, you should check to see “who” is supposed to be administering the speech therapy. Are they using a licensed therapist or pathologist, or is your daughter actually only receiving “supportive” services from a health aide? (also known as “para”)
If the answer is no, you should request an IEP for speech.
Either way, you are entitled to an IEE (independent educational evaluation) at the school’s expense if you disagree with their evaluation/assessment.
You need to make this request in writing, to the principal, special education director (director of exceptional student services), and/or the superintendent of schools. There is a time limit that they have to respond in.
If your child has an IEP, and she has not progressed, something needs to be changed on the IEP, more time, new method, etc.
Have you tried testing her for auditory processing issues? This will not show up on a typical auditory test but needs to be done by an audiologist. If she isn’t hearing things properly, it could be making it more difficult to pronouce things.
You may also consider a private speech therapist, rather than one through the school. A private SLP may have more knowledge about her difficulties.