What kind of difficulties does a Speech and Language Therapist help your child with?
Learning to communicate is a complicated process. It can broadly be divided into 3 areas:
Learning to understand what other people say
Leaning to say words and put them together to make sentences
Learning to pronounce words clearly.
There can be a wide variation in the rate at which children develop these skills.
Some children experience difficulty for a period of time but then catch up with other children of their age. Others have a more serious difficulty and longer term communication needs. A small number of children may have difficulties that will be life-long and will affect their lives significantly.
Some children can develop speech and language skills in the usual way but at a slower rate than other children - this is known as 'delayed speech and language development'.
Some children have much greater difficulty developing communication skills. Their speech and language development may be different from the normal pattern - this known as 'disordered speech and language development'.
Sometimes a child's speech and language difficulties may be associated with other conditions or disabilities, e.g. learning disabilities or physical impairments.
Often the reason why a child is slower to develop their communication skills is unknown.
Our Early years team are currently working together with the Assosciation of Greater Manchester Authorities, this includes a rollout of language screening of children using Wellcomm tool.
School Age Initiatives
This is an area currently under development. There are a number of exciting developments to look forward to in the upcoming months in regards to how we work in schools.
Enhanced Services initiatives
The Enhanced Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) Service offer bought-in input in schools. This might involve universal input, individual or group interventions. They also support schools and staff to develop communication friendly environments and delivering training. For further information, please contact Fiona Taylor – fiona.taylor@srft.nhs.uk
I have found working with the speech therapist very beneficial. She helps me to set achievable goals for the children by coming into the nursery and interacting with the children and getting to know them. She talks to us on a regular basis and updates us on what targets she would like the children to achieve next. She teaches us new strategies to use with the children which we find really useful, we try to incorporate this into everyday activities. Parent’s often comment on how much they appreciate the advice from our therapist. They also comment on how much progress their children have made since visiting her. We don’t know what we would do without her!
Anneka Williamson, Children’s Centre Practitioner
“It brought different activities to his usual routine which he enjoyed and encouraged him to participate”
Parent
“I have two children who are supported by the speech and language therapy service. The therapists have lots of patience with my children. Both Christipher and Marcus have come on a lot. Marcus now has lots more confidence and he talks much more in the classroom. Christipher isn’t as stressed anymore, his therapist has taught me exactly what to do. If I need any help, she is very easy to approach. Before I try new things with Christipher I can check with her first. The therapist knows him very well. She has worked wonders with him. Without her, I wouldn’t know what to do.”
Nicola, Mum of Christipher and Marcus
"My son Lewis has been attending speech and language for a few years. He has come on briliantly and is more confident. His speech is so much clearer now. He also enjoys the sessions. Jean gives me loads of ideas about how to continue helping him at home. He gets work sheets to take home which also he enjoys doing. Lewis has a short attention span and can find it difficult to concentrate for long, but Jean makes it very interesting for Lewis and different every session."
Tracy, Lewis
"I am Megan’s mum. Megan was identified as having speech and language difficulties when she was at primary school. Since this time she has been supported by the Education Inclusion Service Speech and Language team. This has made a huge difference to the development of Megan’s speech and language. Not only do they support Meg, they also support the staff at the school in delivering the programmes that Megan needs. The team are also there to answer any questions that I may have and will send us regular information on Megan’s target’s, what they are and if she has achieved them. Megan enjoys the sessions that she attends at school and they are delivered at times that try not to impact too greatly on her daily school life."
Hayley Robinson, Megan
EPs and SALT frequently work together during Multi agency meetings to Clarify individual concerns and strengths. We develop joint objectives, that are regularly reviewed And evaluated to improve outcomes for children and YP.
Parents and teachers comment that this work is effective and helps to increase their Understanding and knowledge. Jointly we increase schools capacity, through conversations and training, to meet the needs of their pupils.
Joanne Snee- Educational Psychologist
“I couldn't be happier Grayson has come on so much in these 6 weeks. It has helped 100%. Thank you so much”
Parent of Grayson
“The service has been really helpful, the staff also been very kind and experienced. My child has learnt and developed some new communication skills and I also as the mom have known new ways to help my child through. Thanks”
Anonymous Parent
“I have not tried to phone as I am deaf. I felt like I was listened to with the use of a BSL interpreter. My son enjoyed coming into the room and playing with the toys.”
