Frequently Asked Questions
Here are honest, plain-language answers to the questions families and adults ask most often. If your question is not covered, you are welcome to get in touch online.
What does a speech and language therapist do?
A speech and language therapist (also called a speech-language pathologist) assesses, diagnoses and treats difficulties with communication, language, speech, voice and swallowing. That includes helping children learn to talk and be understood, and helping adults rebuild communication after stroke or brain injury. Therapy always starts with understanding the person, then building a personal plan around their goals.
Do you work with children and adults?
Yes, support covers the whole lifespan. Children may need help with talking, understanding, speech sounds, social communication or feeding. Adults may need help after stroke, brain injury or illness, or with voice, fluency or swallowing difficulties. The approach differs by age and need, but the respect, patience and focus on real life are the same for everyone.
What are the signs that a child may need help?
General signs include being much harder to understand than other children of a similar age, using far fewer words than expected, struggling to follow everyday instructions, or becoming frustrated when trying to communicate. Some children stammer, avoid talking, or find eating and drinking difficult. Children develop at different rates, so a sign is a reason to ask for advice, not a reason to panic.
What are the signs that an adult may need help after a stroke?
After a stroke, seek support if speech sounds slurred or unclear, words are hard to find, sentences come out jumbled, or understanding conversation is difficult. Reading, writing, memory and attention can also change. Coughing during meals or a wet-sounding voice after swallowing can signal swallowing difficulty and should be assessed promptly. Sudden speech changes are an emergency; see the swallowing safety answer below.
Can therapy sessions happen online?
Yes. Many sessions can take place by video call, including language work, conversation practice, voice and fluency therapy, and coaching for parents and carers. You usually only need a phone, tablet or computer with a camera. Some needs, such as swallowing assessment or hands-on approaches, are better in person, and this will always be discussed honestly with you.
What happens at a first appointment?
A first appointment is a friendly conversation, not a test. The therapist will ask about your concerns, relevant history and what you hope for. There may be simple activities, play or observations to understand strengths and difficulties. You will agree on next steps together and have time to ask questions. Bring any reports you already have, if you wish, and write down your questions beforehand if that helps.
How long does therapy take?
Honestly, it varies. It depends on the type and severity of the difficulty, the person’s age and health, how much practice happens between sessions, and the goals you set together. Some people make the changes they want in a shorter block of therapy; others benefit from support over a longer period. Progress is reviewed regularly, and no therapist can honestly promise a timeline or a particular outcome.
What is home practice, and how much should we do?
Home practice means short activities between sessions that build on therapy goals, woven into everyday life: a language game at breakfast, word practice on a walk, strategies used during family conversations. Little and often works best, and practice should feel positive, never a battle. Your therapist will suggest activities that fit your routine, and will adjust them if they feel too hard, too easy or too much.
What is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication: ways to communicate besides, or as well as, speech. It includes gestures and signing, picture boards, communication books and speech-generating devices, described by type rather than brand. AAC can help children and adults who are non-speaking or hard to understand. It does not stop speech developing or returning; for many people it opens the door to fuller communication straight away.
What should I know about swallowing safety?
Take swallowing difficulties seriously. Signs include coughing during meals, food feeling stuck, a wet or gurgly voice after swallowing, repeated chest infections or weight loss. Never start swallowing exercises or change food and drink textures based only on a website; these must be individually assessed and supervised, because the wrong approach can cause choking or aspiration. If someone is choking or having difficulty breathing, call your local emergency number immediately.
We speak more than one language at home. Is that a problem?
No. Speaking two or more languages does not cause speech or language difficulties, and bilingual and multilingual children can and do thrive. Keep speaking the language or languages you are most comfortable and fluent in, because rich, natural conversation is what builds language. If a child has a language difficulty, it will appear in all their languages, and therapy can work with your family’s languages as part of the plan.
What is the role of teachers?
Teachers are important partners. They see the child communicating, learning and making friends every day, and they can share valuable observations. With your permission, therapists and teachers can agree on shared strategies, such as how instructions are given, how vocabulary is taught, and how a child using AAC is supported in class. Small, consistent support across home and school helps children make steadier progress.
How much does therapy cost?
This website does not list prices, because the right support depends on each person’s needs and situation. If you would like to know about fees for assessment or therapy sessions, please ask when you get in touch online, and it can be explained clearly before you decide anything. You will never be asked to commit to therapy before understanding what is involved.
Is the information on this website medical advice?
No. Everything on this website is general educational information only. It does not diagnose, treat or replace an assessment by a qualified speech and language therapist or another healthcare professional. Every person is different, so if you have concerns about speech, language, feeding or swallowing, please seek professional advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.