JackieSymons
S P E E C H – L A N G U A G E T H E R A P I S T
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an assessment involve?
An assessment is the process of gathering information about the client in order to identify and diagnose the areas of concern. It involves an interview with a parent or caregiver as well as filling out a questionnaire. Then it involves time with the child in which the therapist will interact, play or talk to the child as well as conduct formal, standardized tests. The assessment is done in a non-threatening manner and is made as enjoyable as possible.
What does therapy look like?
Therapy involves targeting the areas of concern and providing opportunities to practice the skills that need improving. Therapy is based on a hierarchy of skills, starting where the child is at and moving towards where the child needs to be. The therapist will teach the child the necessary skills and provide him/her with exercises or activities to practice these skills, often in game format. Therapy should be fun and engaging so that the child wants to learn. Parents are also provided with activities to practice at home between sessions and teachers are provided with recommendations on how to support the child at school.
How much therapy will my child need?
This is a question often asked by parents and is dependent on so many factors. The assessment will give you an idea of how much therapy your child is likely to need, but progress is also dependent on factors such as frequency and intensity of therapy, the child's motivation, home support as well as the nature and severity of the child's speech and language problem.
Should I take a "wait and see" approach or seek therapy straight away?
As a parent, if you are concerned about your child's speech, language or literacy development then I would recommend seeking professional help straight away. Early intervention has proven to be highly effective in overcoming difficulties as well as preventing further problems down the line. Just chatting to a Speech Language Therapist may put your mind at ease or highlight the need for an assessment. If in doubt, the assessment alone will give you valuable information about your child's strengths and weaknesses and then you can make an informed decision from there.
What will this cost?
Please contact me for up-to-date pricing options. I am trying to keep my services affordable in the Gisborne region as I would like to see as many children as possible receive the treatment that they deserve. Both the assessment and therapy fees will be dependent on the age of your child, your concerns and your child's needs.
Is there funding available for private therapy?
There are certain funding options available for some clients, especially if your child has a diagnosed disability. We can explore these options together.