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What is speech and language therapy?Speech and language therapy is the process of helping people to communicate to the best of their ability. Speech and language therapists are professionals who have undergone training to enable them to understand the range of human communication difficulties. They are the only professionals who are qualified to assess, diagnose and treat human communication difficulties. Speech and language therapists in the UK are guided by the code of ethics, standards of practice and other guidelines set down by the Royal College of Speech and language therapists (R.C.S.L.T.). All clients, regardless whether they are adults or children, are considered as individuals and their speech and language therapy management reflects this. What do therapists do?A therapist starts by completing an assessment of the child’s communication skills. This should include an interview with the child’s parent or main caregiver, in order to obtain a history of the child’s development, including their communication development. The therapist also needs to understand why parents have requested an assessment. Sometimes another professional has suggested an assessment, but parents are not sure why. These matters need to be discussed so that everybody is clear on why a referral has been recommended, and to ensure that any intervention the child receives is effective. Therapists working with children will take into account other aspects of the child’s development, such as their play, social skills, concentration and physical development. These factors are important in understanding the child’s communication, and vice versa. The therapist will observe the child in a variety of settings and / or activities and will present some tasks to the child, in order to get a picture of their strengths and weaknesses on a range of skills. If the child needs help with their communication skills, sessions may be offered individually or in groups, in the child’s home or elsewhere. For most children, it is essential to work closely with parents / main caregivers. The therapist may also work closely with staff in schools or nurseries advising on communication targets to be met in those settings. Where do therapists work?Therapists work in both NHS and private settings. These can include hospitals, child development centres, schools, clinics, family homes, health centres and nurseries |
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