Speech and language therapy
Some parents’ questions about speech and language therapy (SLT) at Young Epilepsy
Does every child get SLT?
Almost all students see a SLT at some time during their stay.
Who are the SLT staff?
The SLT service is delivered by state-registered Speech and Language Therapists together with part-time technicians. The School, College and Assessment/Rehabilitation Service each have a dedicated therapist or team.
What does SLT help with?
We can help with all types of difficulty in communicating, as well as problems with oral movements for eating, drinking and saliva control. We look at how effective the student’s social communication is, rather than just their speech or language skills. This means looking at all their ways of interacting, including body language, as well as speech. Also important is their ability to understand what other people tell them.
We assess what impact any epilepsy is having and also whether communication difficulties are affecting their behaviour. We look for successful strategies to help the student communicate best with both adults and others their own age. For children with chewing or swallowing difficulties we look at eating and drinking skills, where we combine with other therapists.
How do you work?
We often see children in the classroom and discuss approaches with the teacher and support workers, who carry out agreed plans. More independent students may come to sessions in the SLT room or in college. Some group work takes place in the hostels with support from keyworkers. Eating and drinking problems are usually assessed over lunch. We work together with other members of the team, train staff and attend multidisciplinary meetings about the student’s progress.
How often do you see my child?
This varies from periods of weekly sessions to an occasional review, depending on the circumstances. Carryover outside SLT sessions is what can really help the student learn new skills, so it is often the support from key staff which determines how well they succeed.
How do we contact you?
We will probably first meet you at Placement Visit. If we need to see your child, this will happen within weeks of them joining Young Epilepsy. You will receive reports and copies of any programmes of recommendations we make. We shall be pleased to see you at Parents Day in July or at any other time by arrangement. You are very welcome to telephone us on weekdays between 09.00-16.30 on 01342 831270 (college) or 831403 (school) or email us on slt@youngepilepsy.org.uk
