What to expect

The first contact with a parent/carer is usually by phone where I will gain a general picture of your child and any concerns you have and together we decide whether I am able to help.

First appointment

This will take place either in your home, a clinic room at my home or your child’s early years setting/school. In order to gain a really full profile of your child I will spend time playing or carrying out activities with them, observing them and talking to you. This appointment usually lasts from 1-1.5 hours in total.

If it will be useful I will ask your permission to speak to other people involved in your child’s life such as their teacher, key worker, or other professionals to find out any further information.

I then share any conclusions and recommendations with you with as much explanation as possible and if further therapy is required we will discuss how and when to do this. This information is then sent to you in writing in the form of a short report.

There are times when further assessment is indicated or it is decided that a more detailed report is necessary. Again any decision will be made together and any additional costings clearly identified.

Further therapy

Following the initial appointment it may be recommended that a series of therapy sessions should be arranged. The content of these will be talked about and the aims agreed. Therapy should be fun and stimulating and so each session is carefully planned taking in the child’s needs, interests and attention span! My sessions aim to develop the child’s skills directly but also to enable the parent/carer to support the development of the targeted skills at home too. Where appropriate, ideas may be given to the school or pre-school as well. Therapy may be ongoing or in blocks.

Sometimes a home/school or nursery programme is the recommended option. A programme of activities and strategies will be sent for you to do at home or for nursery or school staff to carry out. All those involved will be provided with the relevant support and training as felt necessary.

After a period of time an appointment will be arranged to review the progress your child has made. This may be some time after a block of therapy has ended or after a programme has been completed. The outcome of this will determine what happens next.

For any questions on my services visit the FAQs page, or alternatively, call me today.

Other support

• Nursery/school visits to observe a child in a different environment either to gain more information or to offer ideas
• Help staff write individual education plans and similar documents
• Attendance at meetings regarding your child
• Phone monitoring and advice to those involved with your child
• Support through the statementing process

All of the above will only be done with your consent.

Therapy will cease when:

• The communication potential is achieved
• The child is not benefiting from therapy at this time
• It is no longer required by you

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