slt assessment

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Starting the speech therapy process can seem scary. You might be unsure whether it is the right option or it might bring up some uncomfortable feelings: Will I be judged as a parent? Did I do anything wrong? What will other people think? Will the problem go away on its own? How long will my child need help? Can I afford therapy?

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I'm here to help. My job is to identify whether your child has any speech, language or communication needs(SLCN). When you contact me, we discuss your concerns and decide whether your child would benefit from an assessment and what you're looking for in terms of therapy.

If they do, I will set out goals and a plan for your child that we will work together on during therapy. I aim to provide therapy that is fun, motivating and designed for your child's individual needs.

If your child does need therapy, this is no reflection on you as a parent. Parents don't cause SLCN. How long your child will need therapy for is dependent on a lot of factors and this will be discussed with you. Client information is kept confidential and your child is not discussed with anyone else without your permission.

When is the best time to start speech and language therapy?

Will my child grow out of a delay? Will they catch up eventually to their peers? Should I "wait and see"?

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Some children will grow out of a speech delay but there is no way of knowing if that will happen. Research suggests that 20-30% of late talkers do not catch up on their own. Early intervention is key to bridging gaps that may be preventing your child from moving forward with their development.

There are also some delays that are part of a child's diagnosis for example Autism or ADHD. As these conditions are life-long, these children are likely to need ongoing speech and language support.

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Why start early?

The first three years of a child's life are a critical period for their brain development. It's when the brain is most adaptable and can take on lots of new information, which is why starting therapy as early as possible gives the best results.

Communication difficulties can go on to affect academic ability, confidence and behaviour.

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If something doesn't feel right with your child's communication development, go with your gut. A speech and language assessment can only help, never hurt. Professionals and specialists are there to help you.