FAQs
Why private therapy?
Private Speech & Language Therapy can be more flexible and fit in with your family. For example, sessions can be at home and at the weekend. Waiting times for private therapy are much shorter.
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What happens at an initial appointment?
I will meet you and your child, usually at your home. I will watch how they play and interact with you. We might play a game or look at some picture cards. I will talk to you about your child’s communication and we will think together about their strengths and needs.
I may also do a more formal assessment (for example if they have difficulties with speech sounds).
We will discuss your child’s needs and make a plan for therapy input if needed.
What do I need at the first appointment?
Please have some toys that you know your child likes to play with.
Please keep pets out of the room.
Please let me know of any logistics that would be useful such as where to park.
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What kind of therapy will my child need?
After an initial appointment we will make a plan about ongoing therapy. I will not recommend therapy if it is not needed (for example if speech sounds are developing age appropriately).
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Therapy for ASD/Social Communication will involve looking at the activities that you do in the day and thinking together about how communication can be developed. This might be by building more requesting into games or routines. Requesting might be using words, sounds, gestures, looking or pictures.
If your child can already ask for things we would think about how to help your child to communicate for more social reasons such as pointing, sharing interest and commenting.
If you child has lots of language already, we would think about how to develop their conversational skills such as talking about the past or how people are feeling.
Therapy for speech sound development might include listening games, sorting games, practising sounds on their own and games to work on sounds in words and sentences.
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How often does my child need therapy?
As a guide I usually recommend:
- An initial block of 4-5 regular sessions at home to get to each other, to set goals and embed strategies to support communication
- A gradual reduction in frequency of therapy sessions depending on your child’s needs
- 1-2 nursery/school visits to make sure that staff know how to support your child (if applicable)
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However, every child and family is different and we can be flexible with sessions.
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Can you diagnose Autism?
No. I do not offer ASD diagnostic services. This is because ASD assessments must be carried out by a multidisciplinary team.
However, if you require a report for a paediatrician, a structured, informal observation of Social Communication & Interaction can be provided. This would be charged at an extra cost. Please contact me to discuss this further if needed.
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Do you provide a report?
For most children, I find that usually a formal report is not required. However, I can provide formal reports if needed for an additional charge.
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I provide informal written homework (either at the session or emailed following the session). Formal written programmes can also be provided at an extra cost.
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Do you provide reports for EHCP assessments?
Generally no, however I am happy to speak to families about individual circumstances.
Please note - I do not get involved with Educational Tribunals.
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Can my child see you and have NHS therapy?
Yes. I would encourage you to contact the local NHS service if you have concerns. I can liaise with NHS therapists with your permission.
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How do I pay for therapy?
I will provide payment details (by bank transfer). Payment is requested within 7 days of a session. Unfortunately I cannot accept payment through private medical insurance.
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What does the cost of a session include?
A session usually lasts 50-60 minutes. The cost for a session includes face to face time with you and your child as well as administration required before and after the session such as writing up homework tasks, note keeping, resources, analysing assessments and planning therapy goals. Travel is included within 15 miles of Hertford (30 miles round trip).
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What is not included?
Formal reports and programmes are not included.
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If you would like to find out more or want to arrange a free 15 minute call please contact me.
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