Are you wondering whether your child’s speech development is progressing as it should?
Book an appointment for them:
A speech and language therapy consultation
Speech and language therapy consultation
An initial meeting to help understand the child’s needs and plan further support
A speech and language therapy consultation is an initial stage aimed at gathering the information necessary to assess speech development, communication, and functions related to eating and breathing. On this basis, the specialist recommends the next steps, including the possible need for a diagnosis or the start of therapy.
In the case of newborns and infants, a speech and language therapy consultation usually takes the form of a functional assessment of the child and a detailed discussion with the parents. The appointment takes place in a space designed with the youngest children in mind, ensuring comfort and a sense of security for both the child and their carers.
The main objectives of the consultation
A neuro-speech therapy consultation enables:
- to identify difficulties with speech, language and communication, including in the context of their neurological causes
- to set out the next steps and tailor the support to the child’s needs
- to identify any irregularities at an early stage and prevent them from becoming more serious
- get practical advice on how to support your child’s development on a day-to-day basis
What happens during a consultation?
During the meeting:
- We take a detailed history regarding the child’s development, medical history and current difficulties
- We assess functions that are important for speech development, such as breathing, muscle tone, sucking, swallowing and the functioning of the speech organs
- we observe and assess speech and communication, including comprehension and the construction of utterances
- we analyse the information gathered in the context of the child’s development
- We set out our recommendations and the next steps, including possible treatment or consultations with other specialists
Following a consultation with a speech and language therapist:
- We discuss the results and set out recommendations for the next steps, which may include speech and language therapy, further tests or consultations with other specialists
- We draw up a personalised speech and language therapy plan, tailored to the child’s needs and abilities
- We provide guidance for parents and carers on how to support their child’s speech and language development in everyday situations
A speech and language therapy consultation is an important step towards providing effective support for children with communication difficulties, enabling further therapeutic interventions to be tailored to their individual needs and abilities.
At the Dialog Centre for Children and Families, consultations are conducted by experienced specialists who work with children and young people, ensuring a thorough assessment and appropriately tailored forms of support.
Agreements
A speech and language therapy consultation
The Pick & Up Scheme
We’ll bring your child to and from nursery.
The carer takes them to their therapy session and brings them back, all within the nursery’s opening hours. This
means the therapy fits into a day that’s already planned,
so you don’t have to take time off work or organise your afternoon around travel arrangements.
You can trust us
We understand that discussions about a child’s speech development and communication difficulties require attentiveness, a calm approach and a great deal of sensitivity.
That is why, at the Dialog Centre for Children and Families, consultations are conducted by experienced speech and language therapists and neuro-speech therapists who work with children and young people. Our specialists possess the relevant qualifications and clinical experience, and join the team following a multi-stage recruitment process.
