As a successful speech and language therapy centre, we get asked quite a lot about the initial consultation (or assessment) and subsequent sessions. We thought it would be useful for us to share what the speech and language therapist (pathologist) will do in the therapy sessions.
Most children enjoy going to the see the speech and language therapist. Her (or his) room is not usually like a doctor’s surgery but is more like a playroom. Your child may play games or look at pictures and will certainly be given plenty of time to settle in and feel at home.
If you are worried about the visit, your child may pick up your anxiety and become nervous too. So try to relax and encourage your child to look forward to going to see some new toys.
On the first visit, the therapist will spend quite a lot of time talking to you. She will want to discuss your view of the problem as well as take details of your child’s development. She will also chat and play with your child and may even carry out a more formal assessment.
Even the assessments are enjoyed by many children, who probably won’t realise that they are being ‘tested’. The tests usually consist of looking at specific toys and pictures and either following simple instructions or talking about items. The therapist will then discuss the problem with you, as she sees it, and make some suggestions about what course of action to take.
In some cases, she may suggest referring your child to another specialist. This could include an ear, nose and throat consultant or an educational psychologist, or she may advise that your child has her hearing checked. She will then tell you what, if any, speech therapy your child needs.
This may involve coming to the clinic every week or just occasionally for a check-up. It may involve attending a group or having one-to-one therapy. In either case, the therapist will give you a rough guide as to how tong treatment is likely to last.
You will be given advice about how to deal with the problem at home and will be expected to carry out specific activities between appointments. In fact, speech therapy very much consists of cooperation between the parents, the therapist and the child.
You will be expected to work with your child following the guidelines set out by the therapist. In many instances, the sessions will be largely used to initiate a programme for you to carry out at home.