Speech Therapy for Sebastian

As many of you know, Sebastian's speech is delayed.

In the beginning of November, we went for an assessment at the Fr. Ray school for special needs.

Before we went, we drew up a list of the 60 words including many of his own consistently applied substitutions he uses eg he says "Amadee" instead of spider and several others we have had to learn.

The staff at the school first asked whether we have a paper to prove a disability. We do not have a special needs certificate which pretty much excludes him from the school and because he is a rather high functioning child in other respects we will not get one.

When we explained that cognitively he seems pretty much OK, only his language is delayed, the staff immediately confirmed that he will need speech therapy and they gave us details of a hospital-based service nearby.

We then attended the hospital where the Paediatric department is which has the doctor we were recommended by the school.

The bad news is that the cost is particularly prohibitive. It costs 1,500THB (About £40/US$55) for 30 minutes of input, and he will need 2 sessions per week for the first year. There is no way, given our circumstances that we will be able to cover that.

Our first appointment for a 1-hour session is this coming Monday if we can get the money together.

We will be investigating if the hospital offers a package discount and also whether there are other cheaper suppliers locally and will update you all accordingly.

Thank you all so much for your support, encouragement and prayers.

If any of you feel that you would be willing to help us pay for even 1 x 30-minute session or 1 weeks-worth of input that would help us a lot and mean he starts to get on track. Over the course of the year, we are looking at at least £3,000 for the Therapy, not including any other costs, transport to and from the appointments which add a further 1,000THB (£22 / US$30) per week.

It would be great to hear from you.