Q: Do I need a doctor’s referral to attend speech and language therapy sessions at Sparking Speech?
A: No, you can contact us directly at info@sparkingspeech.com to make an appointment.
Q: How long is your waiting list?
A: Most referrals will be seen within 2-6 months.
Q: What should I expect when I bring my child to Sparking Speech for a Speech and Language Assessment?
A: The initial assessment will include the following:
- An online appointment with the child’s parents/carers to gather a detailed case history and to discuss the child’s speech, language and communication profile
- Informal and/or standardised assessment of your child’s speech, language and communication development
- Observation of your child’s speech, language and communication development
Following the assessment your therapist will discuss their findings with you and advise you on whether direct therapy would benefit your child or whether a home programme would be more appropriate.
Q: How long will my child need therapy for?
A: The therapy period varies for each child and is dependent on the nature of their needs. Estimated therapy periods can be discussed with your therapist.
Q: How often will my child need to attend therapy and how long is each session?
A: This will also vary depending on the age of your child, the nature of their difficulty and the type of therapy. Therapy sessions are typically carried out weekly and each session is 45 minutes long.
Q: What if my child is being seen for therapy within the HSE?
A: We have extensive experience working in conjunction with the HSE and believe in the importance of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach.
Whether it is suitable for your child to attend public and private Speech & Language Therapy at the same will be dependent on their individual profile of needs. It is essential that both therapists coordinate their approaches to ensure that the child’s needs are being addressed in the most appropriate manner.
If you are receiving any other therapy which may be relevant to your child’s progress, please notify your therapist.
Q: My child has recently been assessed by the HSE, can I skip assessment and start therapy immediately?
A: It is important that all children complete an initial assessment with us, regardless of any other assessments they have previously had. In order to get a true understanding of each child’s profile of speech, language and communication development we need to observe it first-hand. We will certainly take all recent assessments into consideration and will not repeat the same assessments if they have been completed recently. Your therapist will devise an individualised programme of intervention once assessment has been completed.
Q: Is my child too young for Speech & Language Therapy?
A: The importance of early intervention has been well researched and documented. Early intervention is key to helping children with their speech, language and communication development. Therapy at this age often involves working on appropriate strategies with carers/parents in order to promote the development of communication in everyday situations. We would advise all parents who have concerns regarding their child’s speech, language and communication to have an assessment as soon as possible.
Q: Are all the Speech and Language Therapists working for Sparking Speech fully qualified?
A: Yes, all therapists who work for Sparking Speech are fully qualified Speech and Language Therapists. Each therapist holds a degree and a professional qualification in Speech and Language Therapy and are members of the Irish Association for Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) and of CORU. Membership numbers will be provided on all invoices in order to meet the requirements of private health insurers. All of our therapists at Sparking Speech engage in the highest standards of ongoing professional development.