Assessment
Assessments take approximately ninety minutes and take place in your own home. I will spend time observing your child’s play and communication skills. My assessments are often informal and conducted using toys, puzzles, books and songs. If required, I will carry out more formal assessments (standardized assessments that compare your child with other children of the same age). Following assessment, I will discuss your child’s strengths and differences and advise whether therapy is recommended.
Therapy
Therapy sessions last one hour and may take place in your home or child’s nursery/pre-school. I always include parents (or support people) within sessions so that we carry out activities together and try out strategies together with your child. I believe that this is an essential component of intervention so that opportunities for communication and interaction can then be woven into everyday life. Therapy sessions for young children are always child-led so we follow your child’s interests to build attention, interaction and promote communication. At the end of each session, I will discuss activities and strategies that should be carried out by parents/support people during the period between sessions.
Therapy may work to develop the following skills:
For your child to sustain attention for longer
For your child to be more able to listen and process language
For your child to understand the meaning of words and phrases
For your child to initiate communication
For your child to express new words and phrases
For your child to further develop their communication
For your child to use communication for different reasons: to ask for things, tto ask for help, to make comments, to ask questions etc
Using visual forms of communication such as pictures and symbols
Using AAC - Alternative and Augmentative Communication
PACT - PAEDIATRIC AUTISM COMMUNICATION THERAPY
I am PACT trained therapist and able to offer this programme to families. PACT is an evidence-based intervention which uses video feedback with parents/carers in order to enhance social communication with their young child with an autism spectrum condition/social communication difference. Intervention takes place over 12 sessions (90 minutes per session.) Video is used to help parents/carers recognise and respond to their child’s communication signals, working to enhance their interactions to develop and improve social communication skills within everyday family life. .
autism assessment
I am proud to be part of a mulit-disciplinary team that offers private autism assessments for children aged 2 - 19 years. The Sphere Centre is composed of a highly experienced team of health care professionals who specialise in supporting neurodivergent children and young people. We offer autism and ADHD assessments. At Sphere, we follow NICE best practice guidelines and gold standard assessment tools. We have a Consultant Paediatrician within our team so families receive a full and reobust assessment. Please contact The Sphere Centre for more information.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about speech and language therapy, please get in touch or see the frequently asked questions