
Our approach
We describe communication development as a “Communication Tree”.
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Roots
The roots of this tree are shared attention, play, social communication and listening skills.
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Trunk
Further up this tree, the trunk, is understanding of language. The trunk supports the branches, or expressive language which can be verbal, or using signs, symbols etc.
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Leaves
Finally the leaves are speech clarity, fluency and voice. I can work with your child to develop all parts of this tree, from roots to leaves.
Experience
I have been working as an SLT for almost 14 years, in an independent secondary school for children with SpLD and most recently in the NHS for the past 11 years.
My primary area of interest is autism, and I have held the post of Clinical Lead for autism diagnostics in the NHS for the past 8 years. Alongside this I am passionate about alternative and augmentative communication approaches (AAC) such as using Makaton (r) signs, symbols and communication boards.
I am experienced with working with both preschool and school aged children, doing assessments, diagnostics and therapy programmes.
Qualifications:
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RCSLT Member: RC0029942
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HCPC registration: SL29308
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Makaton Tutor
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EarlyBird Licensed Trainer
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ADOS-2 trained
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PECS trained

Areas covered
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Medway
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Swale
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Bromley
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Orpington
I am currently unable to see any children in the Kent Community Health Foundation Trust boarders.
Assessments
After contacting me I will arrange to complete an initial assessment with your child, looking at their speech, language or communication skills as needed. I use a range of formal and informal assessments, as necessary to gather the information needed. This may also include school/classroom observations.
Assessments last up to 60 minutes and will be carried out at your child’s school, or home as appropriate.
A report will be written following this assessment with recommendations for support, and a therapy plan if needed.
Speech Assessment
Includes case history discussion with parents, assessment and ongoing therapy recommendations.
Language Assessment
Includes case history discussion with parents, administering assessment and analysis of results.
If school observation/liaison is also needed this will be a total of £250.
Communication Assessment
Includes case history discussion with parents, assessment and trial of different communication methods.
Austism Assessment
Includes formal assessment of social communication, interaction and restricted interests, administered with your child, discussion of the outcome and a full report with recommendations.
Please note that I am unable to offer a full diagnostic service currently but an ADOS-2 assessment and report can be used to provide evidence towards a diagnosis.

Therapy
Therapy sessions will be 45-60 minutes long depending on your child’s needs.
Your child may be working on 1-3 targets during a therapy block.
A block will be 6-8 sessions long, at which point the targets will be reviewed and next steps considered.
Of each session, 15 minutes will be liaison with parents or school staff as appropriate.