What would a speech and language therapist help with?

Lessthanmore · 2025-01-05T12:40:18+00:00

My son has possible dyslexia and is waiting for an assessment in February. During the initial telephone meeting with the assessor, I mentioned he had very poor comprehension skills. The assessor said this might not be linked to dyslexia and suggested getting a formal assessment with a speech and language therapist. Unfortunately the assessor couldn't recommend anyone and I have been trying to find someone without much success. Can anyone recommend one in London or the South East. What would a speech and language therapist be able to help with? My son is 11 years old - if this makes a difference.

QuirkyBrickSwan · 05/01/2025 16:43

My son had a language assessment at The Expressive Child (Weybridge, Surrey). It has been very helpful to see where he has challenges with his language comprehension and we have passed to school so they can see how to support him and also used it to share with a tutor to hopefully provided more targeted support.

Artyblartfast · 05/01/2025 16:45

Hello. No expert here but bumping for you.

Ds was assessed by SLT as part of autism diagnosis process. I was dubious as he has no issues with talking and thought it'd be for children with more profound communication issues but my god, was it insightful.

I haven't read the report since the diagnosis but it was so insightful.

All I'd say, until someone can come along with more specific info, is be open minded.

QuirkyBrickSwan · 05/01/2025 16:48

Artyblartfast · 05/01/2025 16:45

Hello. No expert here but bumping for you.

Ds was assessed by SLT as part of autism diagnosis process. I was dubious as he has no issues with talking and thought it'd be for children with more profound communication issues but my god, was it insightful.

I haven't read the report since the diagnosis but it was so insightful.

All I'd say, until someone can come along with more specific info, is be open minded.

Yes my son's challenges are likely due to ASD, we knew he struggled with inference but the language assessment was very insightful and explained a lot and we're trying to adapt some of our communication at home as well

GreatPlumPlayer · 05/01/2025 17:09

My son is communication delayed and the SALT gave us an assessment and communication plan to follow. They eg really visit the educational setting too and make an adjacent assessment to see how different they are outside of the home. As far as what they would do as far as a communication plan for your 11 year old I’m not sure as my son is early years. I assume they’d start by targeting the areas of need, as in the things he finds particularly difficult and create tasks that aim to support that area of need. Sorry I know that’s a vague reply.

Original poster

Lessthanmore · 06/01/2025 23:57

QuirkyBrickSwan · 05/01/2025 16:43

My son had a language assessment at The Expressive Child (Weybridge, Surrey). It has been very helpful to see where he has challenges with his language comprehension and we have passed to school so they can see how to support him and also used it to share with a tutor to hopefully provided more targeted support.

That's great. Was there a specific test or assessment that you had to ask them to administer?

I hope your child is doing better...

OP posts:

Original poster

Lessthanmore · 07/01/2025 00:00

Artyblartfast · 05/01/2025 16:45

Hello. No expert here but bumping for you.

Ds was assessed by SLT as part of autism diagnosis process. I was dubious as he has no issues with talking and thought it'd be for children with more profound communication issues but my god, was it insightful.

I haven't read the report since the diagnosis but it was so insightful.

All I'd say, until someone can come along with more specific info, is be open minded.

Nice to hear another good outcome. Was the assessment via the NHS or private?

OP posts:

Dterun · 07/01/2025 00:09

I don't have any specific recommendation but you can search for private therapists through their professional association
https://asltip.com/

Original poster

Lessthanmore · 07/01/2025 00:21

Dterun · 07/01/2025 00:09

I don't have any specific recommendation but you can search for private therapists through their professional association
https://asltip.com/

Thanks

OP posts:

QuirkyBrickSwan · 07/01/2025 12:08

Replying to OP - can't work out how to quote....
We went with the comprehensive language assessment - they have various options listed on their website, but this seemed the most suitable for what we were looking to understand. They have a summary on the website.

Thank you, it will be a gradual journey but understanding his challenges now in year 7 will help support his learning going forward.

BendingSpoons · 07/01/2025 12:18

I'm an NHS SALT in South London. If you are able to pay privately then just tell them what you have said here, you have concerns about your son's understanding, he is being assessed for dyslexia and they recommend assessing his language comprehension.

If I was seeing your son, I would likely do a formal language assessment e.g. CELF-5 to look at all areas of language. I would probably assess his spoken language as well as his understanding to give an overall picture and to compare the 2 areas. Depending on your concerns, I might do some informal tasks too to look at e.g. his understanding of social situations and language e.g. phrases like 'pull your socks up' and how much he can remember in one go.

Edited to add: The assessments give standardised scores so you can see if he is within or below the average range in each area. I would then write a report with a summary of areas of need and strategies to support.

In some areas you might get an NHS assessment, but in many areas they only assess children applying for an EHCP. It's usually managed through the school, so you could ask them.

Original poster

Lessthanmore · 09/01/2025 17:21

BendingSpoons · 07/01/2025 12:18

I'm an NHS SALT in South London. If you are able to pay privately then just tell them what you have said here, you have concerns about your son's understanding, he is being assessed for dyslexia and they recommend assessing his language comprehension.

If I was seeing your son, I would likely do a formal language assessment e.g. CELF-5 to look at all areas of language. I would probably assess his spoken language as well as his understanding to give an overall picture and to compare the 2 areas. Depending on your concerns, I might do some informal tasks too to look at e.g. his understanding of social situations and language e.g. phrases like 'pull your socks up' and how much he can remember in one go.

Edited to add: The assessments give standardised scores so you can see if he is within or below the average range in each area. I would then write a report with a summary of areas of need and strategies to support.

In some areas you might get an NHS assessment, but in many areas they only assess children applying for an EHCP. It's usually managed through the school, so you could ask them.

Edited

Thanks - your post is very useful. Can you suggest someone that would be suited to assessing comprehension? I am based in London and would be happy to travel.

I am a bit worried about going down the NHS route because of waiting lists.

OP posts:

What would a speech and language therapist help with?

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