A Parent’s Guide to Speech & Language Therapy in the UK
When your child struggles to communicate, it can feel like you’re caught between urgency and feeling overwhelmed. You’re not alone, many families are caught in similar situations. Often having to choose between long NHS waiting lists or having to navigate private speech therapy options. My goal here is to provide you with clear, practical insights so you can decide what’s best for your child.
Getting started
Before jumping into everything, let’s take a look at what we’ll be going over. This way you’ll have an idea of what you can take away from this and set yourself some strong learning goals.
1.
Why to consider private speech and language therapy
We'll go over some of the benefits and offerings of private speech and language therapy with some situational examples.
2.
What to expect during an assessment
I'll take you through what an average assessment for a child may look like, and what you can expect to get from one.
3.
Inside the speech and language therapy sessions
So there are no surprises or apprehensions, I'll take you through the ins and outs of the average session.
4.
Taking the next step that's right for you and your child
Since there are so many decisions to be made, we'll help you explore your options so that you can make an informed choice.
Why Consider Private Therapy?
Early intervention can make all the difference. For example, I once worked with a four-year-old named Leo whose parents had been on an 11-month NHS waitlist for an autism assessment. When we began weekly play-based sessions, his communication challenges were already affecting his confidence. Within just a few months, Leo started using gestures and simple words to ask for snacks or toys - small, meaningful steps that boosted his self-esteem. Let's take a lot at what private speech therapy can offer:
Start therapy sooner
There's usually little to no waiting list when it comes to private speech therapy, meaning getting started is down to individual circumstances and how fast you want to move. Every clinic is different so this might differ depending where you're going, but it's a good rule of thumb.
More flexibility in session planning
Since private clinics are able to be a lot more accommodating, this means sessions will be made to be as comfortable for you as possible. Want to only attend sessions through video calls? That's fine. Only available on certain days? We'll find a way to make that work. Your child is only comfortable with home sessions? We'll make the trip.
Personalised support
Private speech and language therapy will usually give you a more personalised, tailored approach as the resources and man power is available. This applies no matter the condition.
What to expect during an assessment
When you book an assessment, your child won’t be stepping into a clinical setting. Instead, we meet in a place where they feel comfortable - whether that’s your living room, a nursery, or even a park bench. For toddlers, this might involve playful activities like blowing bubbles; for older children, it might be a relaxed chat about their favourite game or hobby. Let's take a look what an average assessment process might include:
Your story comes first
I start with a 30-minute conversation with you to understand both your concerns and your child’s little breakthroughs. This helps me tailor the session to your child’s world.
Play as progress
I observe your child during activities they enjoy. Whether they’re fascinated by trains or prefer stacking blocks, I follow their lead to build trust.
Actionable feedback
You’ll receive a clear, jargon-free report, two practical goals for home practice, and one immediate tip to support your child’s communication.
If the assessment shows that your child isn’t in need of therapy at this time, I’ll let you know and suggest free resources or periodic check-ins to keep you supported.
Inside a therapy session
Therapy sessions are designed to equip your child with tools that work in everyday situations. Each session is tailored to your child’s age, interests, and specific communication needs. Here’s a closer look at what a session might involve:
For toddlers
Sessions with young children are typically play-based and full of fun, engaging activities. We might start with a familiar routine—perhaps a song or a simple greeting exercise—to help your child feel at ease. Then, we introduce interactive play such as:
- Role-playing: Using dolls, stuffed animals, or even toy trains, we encourage your child to use simple words and phrases. For example, while pretending to board a train, your child might practice saying “choo-choo” or learn to greet the conductor.
- Interactive games: Games like “peek-a-boo” or a mini scavenger hunt around the room help prompt spontaneous language use. These games are designed to reinforce vocabulary and encourage your child to express needs and emotions in a natural, relaxed setting.
For older children and teens
Sessions with older kids often take on a more structured format while still keeping the element of fun at the forefront. We might engage in:
- Role-playing real-life scenarios: Whether it’s practicing how to ask for help in class, negotiating with a friend, or ordering food at a café, these scenarios help your child build confidence in everyday interactions.
- Interactive storytelling: Together, we create stories - sometimes even using digital tools or apps - that allow your child to lead the narrative. This exercise not only enhances vocabulary and sentence structure but also boosts creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Discussion and reflection: After activities, we take a few minutes to discuss what went well and any challenges encountered. This reflective practice helps consolidate learning and empowers your child to take ownership of their communication skills.
Collaborative environment
Regardless of age, the overall approach in each session is not about “fixing” your child but about building their confidence to communicate effectively in their own unique way. I strive to create a relaxed, supportive environment where your child feels safe to experiment with language without fear of making mistakes. Visual aids, picture cards, and sometimes digital apps are introduced as additional tools to reinforce learning and keep the sessions engaging.
Tracking progress
Each session typically ends with a brief recap and setting a small, achievable goal for the next session. This might be as simple as encouraging your child to use a new word or try out a communication strategy during a specific activity. By celebrating even the smallest wins, we build momentum and maintain a positive, forward-looking approach to therapy.
Finding the next step that's right for you
You don’t need to change everything at once. Pick one tip from this guide - perhaps sing “Wheels on the Bus” during bath time and let your child fill in the words. Every small moment of practice builds a foundation for confident communication.
Exploring Your Options
- Local Resources: Check directories like ASLTIP for local therapists who understand your child’s needs.
- School Partnerships: Ask your child’s school for recommendations on specialists who can work with their specific needs.
- Free Consultations: If you’re uncertain whether private therapy is right for you, consider a free 15-minute consultation for honest, pressure-free advice.
Remember, every small step you take today is a step toward a brighter, more communicative future for your child.
To help recall any important points, here's a list of key-takeaways:
- Early Intervention Is Crucial: Private therapy can start within days, providing timely support while waiting for NHS services.
- Flexible & Tailored Sessions: Therapy sessions are designed to be child-friendly and can take place at home, in schools, or via Zoom, adapting to your child's interests and needs.
- Play-Based Assessments: Initial assessments are relaxed and engaging—using play and conversation to understand your child’s unique communication style.
- Practical Home Strategies: Everyday activities like mealtime chats and walks are excellent opportunities to practice language skills.
- Collaborative Approach: Sharing session reports with NHS therapists can help ensure a consistent and supportive approach to your child’s progress.
- Explore Your Options: Consider local resources, school partnerships, and free consultations to find the best support for your child.
