Speech therapy as a adult

[Asmigglepen]

Has anyone used a private online SALT service? I had a cleft palate and while some people assure me that my speech is fine, many people can't understand me, especially on the phone.

I only really speak to my mum on the phone and she shouts at me to speak clearly, or says my phone is broken. I've paid for the mic on my phone to be checked which made no difference, I can't afford a new phone and I don't really want a landline. I've no one close enough apart from my parents, (who say the can't understand me) to help me test my phone without paying for a repair job.

Usually I manage OK when out and about by trying not to speak much, asking for things is hit and miss. I don't go out socially as I've not got the confidence in case I can't be understood.

This is why I wondered if anyone has used adult speech therapy privately. I've looked online and nothing has any prices. I've not got much money but I can get a credit card and put it on there if it's less than 3k.

I've tried a referral to the cleft team and they tried to have me to the nearest city weekly which I just can't do as I am on my own with no childcare. The waiting list is 2 years in my area.

I'm already very isolated and I go days without talking to anyone but my young DC if I can't talk to my mum. If I get some help, hopefully she'll be able to hear and understand me.

Try recording yourself speaking on your phone (download a recording app) and play it back to yourself.

Seems odd that only your mum has this issue...

I tried that and I sounded like I had a slight cold but I can understand myself fine. I don't think my mum has a problem with her hearing as she listens at doors if she knows anyone is on the phone, like my dad or brother and tends to pick most of it up. Its just me she has a problem with.

Hi @Asmigglepen - have you looked at ASLTIP website. They're the association for independent SLTs and should have lists via region. I'm a retired paediatric SLT so not sure about prices I'm afraid. The NHS trust that I used to work for had a specialist Cleft SLT but I think she worked with children (but possibly had a few adult clients, sorry not sure).

Wish I could be more help.

@TheReverendBeeb Thanks, I'll look them up and get in touch. Its mainly children but they do see adults but adults need to attend the children's hospital as there are no adult cleft services in my nhs trust. Every time I go, I have to go to the children's clinic. Its a bit humiliating.

When you speak to your mum, is it a voice or video call? It might be that the lack of picture makes it harder for her to hear you. She doesn't sound particularly supportive about it.

I don't know about adult speech therapy, but for children it is often around £80 per hour. Sometimes they charge more for an assessment. Of course prices will vary lots and some may offer half hour sessions etc.

Hello OP. Another SLT here but have never worked with cleft palate.

Some general pointers that may be useful.

Would your local cleft team see you remotely if its difficult for you to get to them?

I can't recommend a private online SLT but whoever you use please make sure they are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as this is a requirement to practice as an SLT. https://www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register/

Many private SLTs register with ASLTIP https://asltip.com/. You can search by area, speciality etc. Prices will vary. Assessment is usually the most expensive part with therapy being cheaper.

Have you tried video calling your Mum? If she is finding you hard to understand from a voice call, it would give her extra clues e.g. lip patterns, facial expression that would help.

Oh @Asmigglepen I'm sorry to hear that, it doesn't sound great for your confidence. I know they carried out a lot of therapy online during lockdowns so maybe that could be a possibility. Would offer myself but was not my area of specialism, plus I haven't worked for years and am not registered anymore - so you deserve much better!. Good luck and really hope you find someone 💐

Its voice calls, my mobile to her landline or whatsapp to whatsapp. She can't hear me on either. I'm not sure she'd be happy doing video calls. She only does them if she wants to see my dc. I think I'm just going to have to tell her I can only text and she'll have to learn to text.

Thanks for prices. Hopefully I'll be able to take some things from an assessment and work on them myself.

Your DM's hearing might be the problem. Try speaking more slowly to see if that helps. If I'm on a bad line, I struggle if people speak too quickly. 'to hear' sounds like 'tier', 'audible' like 'edible' etc

If everyone else can hear you it might be your Mum needs her hearing checked!

It sounds like your confidence has been knocked a bit. I hope you can find someone who can help

I am currently having speech therapy (for the first time ever) as an adult and I am finding it really beneficial. I am doing it privately, the therapist comes to the house. She is a specialist in speech with cleft palate - if you’re in south east London/Kent she might be good for you?

In terms of price, I know podiatry, physio and therapy tends to be around £40-£60 so I would presume it would be similar. Why not email a couple and find out if they have relevant experience and what they charge? It sounds so sad that you are trying to avoid speaking to people.

Had another thought have you contacted the Cleft Lip And Palate Association? https://www.clapa.com/ They have a treatment section with part just for adults. Might be worth a read.

I pay £75 for about 45 minutes in south east London, for reference.

I'm in the north so hopefully it'll be cheaper. I've told my mum to text if she can't understand me. I'll see if CLAPA can help, I've never engaged before as I don't dare. I try not to bother anyone or speak to people. Takes all my courage to buy a coffee. I just wish I could talk on the phone or go out.