Uniquenesses
And the common course of events
Every baby penguin is unique to its parents in a colony of a million or more. And penguins are not commonly thought to be intellectuals. In my clinic, every child is unique, and every session is a unique event. There is no such thing as routine therapy.
In Possible Words Therapy, there is a standard structure. But no two sessions are he same.
The ‘pretend words’ follow a logic dictated by the child’s responses.
Consent
As a speech and language therapist, I can take referrals from anyone, teachers, GPs, parents, or those effected. I have once had a self referral in the middle of the school hall by a six year old, Leo. He was right. He did need my help. He made astonishingly fast progress in therapy. But an essential part of this process is the agreement of the parents or guardians.
A common course of events
Initial discussion on the phone (no charge)
Study the parents’ answers on the standard checklist (no charge)
Initial meeting and consultation with parent(s) and child (no charge for the first 30 minutes)
Bring any favoured books, toys, dolls, stuffed animals
Prepare questions
Study any information provided – previous reports
Listen to and react to the parents’ observations and concerns
Parents or guardians sign consent for therapy
Take a detailed case history, filling in any gaps in the information from the checklist
Carefully observe the child
As soon as the child is ready, engage with the child in informal play
Carry out a standardised assessment procedure, if appropriate
Plan and agree a course of action
Agree fees and discuss options
Report on the meeting by email
Start treatment
Review progress after some agreed period
Repeat this sequence until the issue is resolved to general agreement
Discharge with written report