Determining the amount of Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) your child will need depends on several factors, including the nature of their communication support needs, the goals of therapy, and their progress over time. Here’s what to consider:
Assessment Phase
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Initial Assessment: Every child’s SLT journey begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify their specific needs. There are two elements to the assessment at My Journey; a face to face session with the child and their parent , and a follow up video call with parents. This allows the therapist to build a picture of the child’s strengths and support needs, to understand family values, culture and priorities which will determine goals for therapy.
Factors Influencing Therapy Duration
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Nature of the Communication Support Needs: The type of communication support needs and the impact on the child’s life influence the amount of therapy needed. For example:
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Mild Speech Sound Disorders: These may require shorter-term, focused therapy sessions, where children can be discharged once their difficulties have resolved, or they may take a break from sessions to allow for natural progress.
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High Support Needs: Children who are Autistic, have significant Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), or significant Speech Sound Disorders may require more long term and ongoing therapy.
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Child’s Age and Developmental Stage: Younger children may be supported at home by parents once parents have worked with a therapist and feel confident in carrying out certain strategies, they may take a break from therapy and observe their child’s progress and then return for more sessions at a later date if they need further support. Children who are non-speaking may need more ongoing support to ensure that all adults around them are continually trained and supported to be effective communication partners, especially when there are changes in educational staff working with them.
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Frequency of Sessions: Some children benefit from weekly sessions, while others may need less frequent sessions, depending on their progress and goals.
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Collaborative working: SLTs can work with parents and educators to support them in implementing strategies at home and school which may reduce the need for frequent SLT sessions.
Types of Therapy Plans
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Short-Term Therapy: Some children with specific, mild issues may need only a few months of therapy to achieve their goals.
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Long-Term Therapy: Children with higher communication support needs may require ongoing therapy, sometimes throughout their childhood and adolescence, especially if their needs evolve over time.
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Intensive Therapy Programs: In some cases, children might benefit from intensive therapy, where sessions are more frequent for a set period, followed by a break to consolidate learning before reassessment.
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Maintenance Therapy: For children who have met their goals but still require support, maintenance sessions might be scheduled less frequently to ensure continued progress.
Monitoring Progress
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Regular Reviews: The SLT will regularly review your child’s progress to determine if the current therapy plan is effective or if adjustments are needed.
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Adjusting the Plan: As your child meets their goals, the frequency and type of therapy may be adjusted. In some cases, therapy may be paused to allow the child to consolidate skills, with the option to resume if new challenges arise.
When to Expect Improvements
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Early Progress: Some children may show improvements within the first few weeks of therapy, especially with early support.
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Gradual Gains: For others progress may be more gradual, with small gains building over time.
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Measuring Success: Success in SLT is often not about meeting specific milestones but about improving the child’s ability to communicate effectively in their daily life, enhancing their confidence, sense of self and well-being.
Discussing Your Child’s Needs
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Consultation: The best way to understand how much therapy your child will need is to discuss their individual case with their Speech and Language Therapist. They will provide a tailored plan based on your child’s unique needs and circumstances.
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Ongoing Communication: Stay in close communication with your child’s therapist to ensure you’re informed about their progress and any changes to the therapy plan.
