How do I refer my child for speech therapy?

Seeking help from speech therapy

Hello, I’m Ronan, it’s great to be back with you. Let’s discuss the importance of knowing when to seek professional help when it comes to your child’s speech development. Being aware of typical speech development and common speech processes can help you determine whether you need assistance from a speech therapist.

Indicators for seeking help

Here are some key reasons to contact a speech therapist:

1. If you, as a parent, have any concerns about your child’s speech development.
2. If your child is becoming frustrated with their speech.
3. If only you can understand your child, but few others can.
4. If your child is not communicating in other ways, such as pointing or describing the word.
5. If the school or teachers express concerns about your child’s speech.

Guidelines for contacting a speech therapist

If you decide it’s time to seek help, there are guidelines on how to contact a speech therapist, especially in the UK. You can start by talking to your child’s GP who can provide a referral to a speech and language therapist. For some NHS trusts, you can make the referral yourself. Each trust has a webpage where you can access information on how to refer. Do an online search for your local area and ‘children’s speech therapy’ e.g. ‘Newcastle children’s speech therapy’. Independent speech therapists can be found in online directories where there are lists of certified speech and language therapists. Knowing where to start can make the process smoother and less daunting.

Benefits of professional intervention

Working with a speech therapist can be helpful for you and your child. Here are some of the advantages:

• Targeted strategies: Professional help provides specific strategies tailored to a child’s needs, helping to support their speech development. These can be integrated into your child’s education.
• Peace of mind: As a parent, knowing that you have expert guidance can give you peace of mind and confidence in your approach.
• Identification of underlying issues: Speech therapists can help identify any underlying issues that might be affecting a child’s speech and provide appropriate interventions.
• Improved communication: With the right support, children can improve their communication skills, making it easier for them to express themselves and interact with others.

Remember, seeking professional help is another way to support your child’s speech development if you feel they need it. By being proactive and informed, you can make a difference in your child’s ability to communicate confidently and effectively.

That’s all for now, I look forward to seeing you next time!

This is a topic from the SuperPenguin app, made for families who use it. It describes the usual route in the UK in general terms: the route differs between services and between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and your local NHS service says which applies to you.

Next step: families use SuperPenguin through a participating service, or through their postcode where Postcode Access is commissioned. See how to get access on the Family access page.