Speech and language therapy
Speech and language therapists work with babies, children and young people who have communication problems, and eating, drinking or swallowing difficulties. Speech and language therapists can assess, deliver therapy, advice and support speech, language, interaction skills, alternative and augmentative communication(AAC) and eating, drinking, swallowing difficulties. They work closely with families, carers, other professionals and education staff to ensure the child can have ‘a voice’ and communicate as well as socialise to the best of their abilities.
At Pace we believe passionately that communication is a basic human right. Communication is fundamental to children’s development and their ability to develop relationships and become independent agents. Children need to be able to understand and to be understood and at Pace we feel strongly that each child has the right to develop their communication potential.
Our aim is to enable all children who attend Pace to develop the best functional communication skills they are able to in order to express emotions and needs, interact socially, participate in school and the wider community and maximise agency and self-advocacy.
Speech and Language therapists across Pace work closely with other members of the team as well as parents and caregivers to identify and address barriers to a child’s ability to communicate and ensure that children develop robust communication systems that enable them to express themselves with confidence using speech and/or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods.
Speech and language therapy includes:
Assessment
We assess the child’s speech and communication development to understand their difficulties and disorders as well as to observe their communication environments and to monitor progress.
Intervention
We design a specialist therapy programme for each child, which will be carefully woven into the daily programme of activities of the child.
Focus will be given on swallowing and feeding difficulties for children who need help in this area. We work with the parents and carers to make sure the child has a safe eating and drinking strategy in place.
For children who need support developing their vocabulary, language and interaction with others, we recommend communication strategies to support their development and aid their communication.
Advice
We support the child, their families, carers and those working with the children to learn, understand and implement communication programmes and strategies. Strategies may include the use of augmentative and alternative communication to allow children with communication difficulties to maximise their potential.