Speech therapy is a specialised clinical programme designed to enhance an individual’s speech, language, and oral motor abilities. It encompasses a broad spectrum of techniques and strategies to facilitate communication, ranging from verbal speech, the use of sign language, to the incorporation of assistive communication devices. The goal is to help individuals communicate more effectively and confidently in their daily lives.
The duration of therapy hinges on the problem’s severity and the pace of improvement both during sessions and through support at home and in wider settings. For tangible progress, we suggest a minimum of eight sessions.
Speech and language evaluations typically last between 60 to 90 minutes. Therapy sessions range from 30 minutes to an hour, with the length tailored to the patient’s age and the complexity of the issue. Younger children often benefit from shorter sessions. Each appointment encompasses hands-on therapy and time for discussing progress and answering your questions.
At Unlocking Language, we evaluate and offer expert treatment for adults facing speech, language, communication, voice, and swallowing challenges. You can find a detailed list of the treatments we provide for adults in our adult service page.
Typically, our Speech Therapist will schedule a visit within a week to prevent any treatment delays. We also offer online therapy sessions; please reach out to us for more details.
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to have your child’s speech or language assessed. Just get in touch with us, and we’ll gladly set up an appointment for you.
Children
Absolutely, we actively encourage parents to be involved, as it’s vital for positive outcomes. Our Speech Therapists equip parents with a tailored home programme, encompassing reading materials, resources, and daily activities suited to your child’s specific needs. This not only fosters your child’s development but also ensures they’re meeting their targets.
Yes, there can be a significant connection between speech and language issues and learning challenges. Difficulties in understanding or producing language can impact a child’s ability to grasp new concepts, follow instructions, and participate in classroom discussions. Such challenges can lead to frustration, decreased self-confidence, and academic struggles. Early identification and intervention with speech and language therapy can be pivotal in supporting a child’s learning and overall academic success.
Speech and language difficulties in children can arise from a variety of causes:
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- Developmental Delays: Some children take longer than others to start talking or to develop clear speech.
- Hearing Loss: Even minor hearing problems, especially if they are frequent during early childhood, can affect speech and language development.
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and traumatic brain injuries can impact speech mechanisms and processing.
- Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic conditions, like Down syndrome, can be associated with speech and language challenges.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Communication challenges are a hallmark of ASD.
- Structural Abnormalities: Issues like cleft lip and palate can affect speech production.
- Premature Birth: Prematurely born children might experience delays in speech and language.
- Environmental Factors: Lack of stimulation, exposure to multiple languages without sufficient support, or situations where parents or caregivers don’t often speak to the child can contribute.
- Specific Language Impairment (SLI): This is a language disorder that delays the mastery of language skills in children who have no hearing loss or other developmental delays.
- Apraxia of Speech: A motor speech disorder where children have difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech.
Early detection and intervention are key in supporting children facing these challenges, helping them to develop effective communication skills.
Online
Online therapy offers speech and language sessions through video or teleconferencing platforms, replacing the traditional face-to-face approach. Despite the virtual setup, the sessions maintain the same materials, interaction, and engagement, with some evidence even suggesting heightened engagement levels.
Online therapy is conducted using fully encrypted, secure conferencing tools. We’ve conducted thorough risk assessments and incorporated this into our Safeguarding Policy.
Online therapy follows the same regulations as in-person sessions, ensuring consistent care and diligence in every interaction. Further details can be referenced at RCSLT & HCPC.
Costs
Certainly. Before starting therapy, it’s advisable to verify the extent of Speech and Language Therapy coverage with your insurance provider. We accommodate most major insurance companies, but please confirm with us first.
We’re committed to offering affordable private Speech and Language Therapy, aligning our fees with national professional guidelines. To learn about our fees and terms, please reach out, and we’ll gladly share the details. All quoted prices encompass resources for parents, planning, prep time, and administrative tasks. Please note, there’s an extra charge for detailed reports.
Further Support
There is a wide range of disability-related financial support, including benefits, tax credits, payments, grants and concessions.
Intensive Personalised Employment Support is one-to-one support and training to help you into work if you have a disability or health condition.
Through the Access to Work Scheme, you can get support with your job, including mental health support.
A health and social care assessment is carried out by social services to find out what help and support you need – like healthcare, equipment, help in your home or residential care.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
A Local Offer gives children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities, and their families, information about what support services should be available locally. Every local authority is responsible for writing a Local Offer and you can find this by googling the name of your local authority and ‘Local Offer’, eg. ‘Tower Hamlets Local Offer’.
Your local council can provide you with financial, and other, support if you have a disabled child.
The government also has a SEND system in place to support children with educational needs and disabilities. Click here for next steps, and information about educational, health and care plans (EHCPs).
You can also apply for school transport for a child with SEND.