Services
Assessments
Initial assessments are very important to determine the needs of the child and to be able to establish an appropriate intervention programme. Assessments can require more than one session, depending on individual cases and normally include:
1- Initial interview with parents / carers to gather detailed information about the child and his/her background information
2- Informal observation of the child within a natural setting. This can be the child's home, nursery or school, depending on individual circumstances
3- Interviews with other professionals in contact with the child (i.e psychologists, teachers, etc)
4- Formal assessment, when required
After the assessment, another interview takes place and parents are given verbal feedback and general recommendations about the best intervention programme for the child.
If required, a report can be produced at an extra cost.
After a cycle of therapy sessions or home/school intervention, re-assessments will be carried out. These are crucial to determine how effective the intervention programme is being and to update it or close the case. Verbal feedback is always given to parents/carers after each assessment. If required, reports can be produced and distributed to the relevant professionals.
Assessment of non-verbal children - ComFor
Sometimes non-verbal children need to start using an augmentative system of communication. These systems can be very effective and help children develop their understanding and expressive skills. However, it is crucial that the system of communication is adapted to each particular child and his/her needs.
In January 2009 I travelled to Leuven and became the first Speech and Language Therapist in the UK to complete a three day training course on the ComFor.
The ComFor is a clinical instrument suitable for children or adults with a developmental level between 12 and 60 months and with little or not verbal communication at all.
A ComFor assessment is normally done within one or two sessions and its results are very useful to determine which is the most appropriate augmentative communication system of an individual and how this should be implemented.
Therapy sessions
Therapy sessions can take place in the child's home, nursery or school, depending on individual circumstances
Home programmes
Home programmes are detailed intervention programmes for parents to carry out in the home. They contain information about targets for the child and many ideas and suggestions to help parents follow the programmes. As the child makes progress, the home programme gets revised and updated.
Home programmes always take into account the individuality of each family.
School programmes
School programmes are similar to the home programmes, but they are specifically designed for teachers and/or teaching assistants. They contain recommendations about appropriate targets for the child and recommendations about resources and activities that can be used to help the child achive them.
School programmes get updated regularly
Training for professionals
When a school programme is issued, professionals involved with the child will have the opportunity of receiving training and support to ensure they have the skills and confidence to effectively implement this programme. This can be done through modelling, interview meetings, participation in workshops, etc, depending on what is considered to be the most effective for each child.
General training on communication can be provided to individuals, schools and other establishments. Please, contact me for further information.