My son is 8 years old and in the second grade. His father has a slight lisp. My son has trouble with his Rs. It isn't terribly noticeable but enough that he sounds like my toddler when he says certain words. I asked the teacher about it she said it isn't affecting him academically so she won't forward him to the school's speech therapist. I looked into private speech therapy and wow it is expensive! Any suggestions of what to do from other parents out there? Should I just see if he grows out of it? I just want to make sure he gets the best start in life and having a lisp as an adult makes life that much harder than it already is.
That you everyone for your advice. I recieved a note from the school speech therapist yesterday. She evaluated Kane in class on an informal basis. She said he doesn't need therapy but he does have a slight problem with his Rs and she could give us some exercises to do at home!
If you think that your son's speech has a problem, then tell his teacher you want your son screened for speech. I can tell you by expericne that it is earlier yout child gets help the easier it will be him if he can get the help that is need. Speech problems will have a effect in some way or form in school and school work.
Also look into your insurance to see IF it is cover.
If your son is enrolled in public school, see if you can make an appointment to speak with the speech therapist or guidance counselor. Just because it's not affecting his academics does not mean that he might not need speech therapy. The earlier he can receive intervention (if he needs it - the first step will be testing to see if he does need it), the better. I am a teacher and I think that if you request this kind of testing, the school has to address it within a certain amount of time by law. If you think that the teacher won't be receptive to referring your son for testing, speak with the principal, if it's enough of a concern. Hope that helped (and made sense). Good luck.
Go over the teacher's head and insist on the school speech therapist evaluating him. Unfortunately, the insurance company is going to throw this on the school as their responsibility and they most likely won't cover it. It is the school's responsibility to evaluate your son, and your right to insist that they do so.
Look at your health insurance, they may covera certain number of sessions with certain people in network. It may not be super convenient, but it may be something that gets resolved rather quickly.
The other option is to go over the teacher's head. Don't be afraid to do this. But before you do look at what other impacts it is having on your son (go observe in his class, start asking him some questions). Does he readily participate in class or does he hesitate? Does anyone comment on his speech? Is he at risk for being teased? Look at the social aspect to see if the social is or could begin to impact his academic. Take some notes and have them ready. Call the office, ask to have him tested for speech needs, then follow the phone call up with a hand delivered letter on a day or so that is DATED! (make sure you keep a copy for your records and get a little notebook to write down all that you do. Write down a summary of every phone call, who you talked to, date and rough time.) If you request testing IN WRITING, with a dated letter they have to do something because it legally starts a timeline for them.
I'm fairly certain that as a parent you have the right to continue to request that your child be tested. By second or third grade they do start looking at the R problem, as well as several others that they don't worry about in the younger grades. If the teacher blows you off, go to an administrator.
You have the right to have your child evaluated by the school's speech therapist. You can ask the principal if you wish, but usually just a call will work.
If you are in Mont. County and need help with this, please contact me; I can help.
L. M
