Treatment begins once the assessment has shown what exactly is out of step, and why. The plan is made for the particular person — their age, their condition, their pace — and is revisited as the work goes on.
What the assessment covers
A conversation about what you have noticed, observation of speech and communication, and a comparison with what is expected for the age. After the assessment you get a clear answer on whether treatment is needed, and if it is, goals and a schedule of sessions.
Areas of work
- Articulation — exercises aimed at particular sounds, for clearer and more precise speech.
- Oral motor exercises — strengthening the muscles involved in speech and improving control of movement.
- Vocabulary and language — building vocabulary, understanding and sentence structure.
- Fluency — work on the flow, rhythm and pace of speech.
- Voice — placing and protecting the voice.
- Reading and writing — phonological awareness and strategies for dyslexia and dysgraphia.
- Rehabilitation for adults — aphasia and dysphagia after a stroke or injury.
Exercises at home
Most of the progress happens between two sessions. That is why the parent or the family is given concrete exercises and a way of working at home — short, daily and without pressure. Research shows that when the parent is trained and involved, the results are comparable to work done in the practice.
How long it takes
The length depends on the condition, the age and how regular the work is. Most often sessions are once or twice a week, with progress reviewed every few weeks. If the assessment shows that treatment is not needed, you will hear that straight away, along with guidance for home.
The first consultation is free and comes with no obligation.