The process
What happens first?
Phone me for a free initial phone consultation. You can also e-mail to arrange this. This is a 20 minute call in which you inform me of your child's needs and I advise whether or not I can help and how I would support you.
What happens next?
Your child will be assessed at home or at the educational setting. I offer appointments Monday to Friday and occasional weekends between 9:30am-5:30pm. Please contact me for my availability.
The initial consultation and assessment will involve discussing your concerns in detail and the impact this may be having on your child and others. I will also gather case history information and any other relevant details, such as reports from other relevant professionals. It is best practice for myself to liaise with any other professionals involved with your child. However this will not be undertaken without your consent. I will then work with your child to assess their skills and needs. This will involve using formal (standardised) and/or informal methods delivered in child-friendly way.
What happens after assessment?
Following assessment, I will discuss my observations, the assessment findings and what I am able to offer. I will write a report with recommendations and a programme where requested. Occasionally, recommendations may include referral to other agencies for further assessment (e.g. Audiology, Paediatrician). If I am unable to provide my support, I will inform you and where appropriate, sign post you to someone else who can provide support.
Direct therapy
I will implement the targets and work directly with your child and will suggest activities to be carried out at home and/or educational setting. The number and frequency of therapy sessions offered will depend on your child's needs. Following a period of therapy, a short break may be required in order for your child to consolidate skills before progressing to the next stage.
Home or school programme
This involves a written programme from myself for both home and school to follow on a half termly to termly basis. This will be followed by a review of the programme to ensure the targets are still appropriate.
No therapy required
It is possible that your child is within the expected range for his age and does not require therapy.
It is important to note that home and educational setting both need to be consistently involved where possible in therapy and more so in reinforcing the activities in order for your child to make progress. Where it is not possible for both home and educational setting to be present during the sessions, regular discussion/feedback is strongly advised between the 2 parties to ensure effectiveness of therapy.