"In limbo for months"

My daughter attended 2 different drop in clinics for SaL in summer of 2018 when she was  then 2 - 2 1/2. At both these sessions I was never told my daughter needed referred to SaLT services but also, was not told, not to refer her. She was starting nursery in October 2018 and I felt there was still An issue.

So I self referred her in September 2018. I called North Lanarkshire speech and language service just before Christmas to find out if they even had my referral as I'd had no acknowledgement of this and when she would be seen. On the website it had said 12 weeks waiting list. The girl couldn't tell me where my child was on the list or, when I would be seen, as they had staff shortages.

My daughters nursery staff spoke with me after Christmas to say they were referring her to SaL. They felt she wasn't talking and needed input. I said I had self referred back in the Sept. they said they would have hoped she would be seen very soon. I called SaL again to find out what was happening as I am anxious that she is seen sooner rather than later. I was advised she was 8th on the list and that hopefully I'd get an appointment around march time!!!

I asked the girl to put me down for any cancellations and if I could do anything in the meantime. she couldn't comment on this. My 3 year old has now been waiting nearly 6 months to have her first SaL appointment. This is not good enough. As a parent, I feel I am letting my daughter down and wasting, precious,valuable time in her development. Research points to early intervention for speech delays or autism. Even if we could be doing something advised by SaL,in the interim, while waiting for an appointment!

Or if some communication could be given from SaL to keep you informed of what is going on. But to just be in limbo for months, is not acceptable.