1. How do I know if my child needs speech and language therapy?

Children develop communication skills at different rates, but you may have concerns about your child’s speech, understanding, vocabulary, sentence development, social communication or ability to express their needs. Some children may also find communication challenging alongside autism or other learning needs.

If you are concerned about your child’s communication, an assessment can help identify their strengths, understand their needs and determine what support may be helpful.

2. What happens during a speech and language therapy assessment?

An assessment is tailored to your child’s age, communication profile and individual needs. It may involve observation, play-based activities, structured tasks and discussion with parents or carers. Where appropriate, information may also be gathered from school or other professionals.

Following the assessment, I will explain the findings, discuss recommendations and help identify practical next steps to support your child’s communication.

3. Do you support autistic children and children with additional learning needs?

Yes. I have experience supporting children with autism, social communication differences, language difficulties and learning needs.

My approach is child-centred and neurodiversity-affirming. I aim to understand each child’s individual communication profile, build on their strengths and support meaningful communication, participation and confidence without expecting children to communicate in ways that do not work for them.

4. Where does speech and language therapy take place?

I provide independent speech and language therapy for children and young people in Bristol. Support can be tailored to individual circumstances and may involve working with a child, their family or their educational setting, where appropriate and agreed.

Please get in touch to discuss your child’s needs, your location and the most suitable arrangements for assessment or therapy.

5. Can you help with school support and EHCPs?

Yes. I can provide speech and language assessment, advice and specialist recommendations to help families and educational settings understand a child’s communication needs.

This may include practical strategies for the classroom, recommendations for supporting language and social communication, and advice relevant to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The support offered will depend on your child’s needs and the purpose of the assessment or consultation.