What happens at the Initial Consultation?

The initial appointment usually takes place at the child’s home, although this can take place at school if appropriate. It usually takes around 60-90 minutes and includes:

• Observation of the child’s play and interaction.

• Case history discussion with parents or carers.

• Formal assessment which give a standardised score and aids in diagnosis of the child’s speech, language and communication profile. This can include following instructions with toys and looking at pictures

• For speech production difficulties this includes listening to the child’s production of single sounds, words and sentences.

• On occasion it may be useful to observe the child in another setting e.g. nursery or school.

Following this I will write a formal report detailing your child’s speech, language and communication profile. This will include my observations and diagnosis. I will also include tailored recommendations to support your child’s development at home and within an education setting where appropriate. I will arrange with parents a zoom or telephone feedback meeting where we can discuss and agree the finalised report. I aim to do this within 5 working days of the initial appointment.

Some of the assessments I use are:

• The Preschool Language Scales- For children aged 0-7 years. This gives a score for the child’s understanding of language, expressive use of language and total communication score.

• The Renfrew Action Picture Test-For children aged 3-8 years. This looks at the child’s ability to form sentences and use grammar.

• The Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-For children aged 5-16 years. This gives a score for the child’s understanding and use of language.

• The Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme Assessment- For children of all ages with speech production difficulties.