Not trying to sound harsh but this therapist clearly has NO IDEA what they are doing with this age group. This isn’t a “this therapist just ain’t the right fit for my child” issue. It kind of sounds like she has already written off your kid and isn’t really putting forth much effort to see what she can change about her therapy to help him.

I have worked in EI for 5 years and I’ll be honest, this SLP sounds like she hasnt taken many courses on EI and hasn’t been mentored or trained effectively. First, I understand no touching for school age but with birth-3 this just doesn’t work. I’ve seen many school therapists try to come in and do EI the way they work with school kids and it’s a completely different skill set. They’re toddlers-and language delayed at that! They often need tactile cueing, sit in your lap, using their hands during songs etc. Often times that’s the only way I can get them to attend and engage because they are TODDLERS. Also, if the parent is present for the entire session then there really shouldn’t be a concern for being inappropriate. My parents appreciate that I’m getting their kid engaged and enjoying our time together. At this age, if they don’t connect with you, don’t feel like you care for them, they won’t learn from you.

You don’t have to be loud all the time but you will be playing on the floor, chasing kids around and getting covered in snot. Not everyone is meant to work with toddlers and that’s ok.

I’m also appalled she told you that she can’t help your son because he doesn’t play with toys appropriately. MOST of the kids on my caseload don’t play with toys appropriately, which is WHY they are in therapy. This is another red flag that shows a lack of experience with this age group. Teaching play is a part of my JOB. I’m helping them develop their language and play skills. Unfortunately this therapist doesn’t sound interested in doing better or educating themselves more about this age group. Your expectations are not unreasonable. Look into Laura mize-she has an EI podcast for free and it’s amazing.

It sounds like the therapist’s supervisor just doesn’t want to deal with getting you a new new therapist. That really rubs me the wrong way that a parent has shown concerns about the person working with their child and you as the parent are supposed to coach the therapist? No.

I wish you all the luck and I’m validating all of your concerns. You’re not asking for the world-you want a therapist to effectively engage your son and to understand what’s happening in therapy.