The best way to start the process is by calling I.T.S. for a personalised chat about you or your child/relative’s speech & language needs or difficulties. From here we can put your mind at rest and provide information about costs, initial assessment and possible funding opportunities. Many of our families are desperately seeking access to speech and language assessment as well as the other therapies we provide. We appreciate the personal expense involved for families and therefore we try our hardest to seek out funding to support you as well as devising cost effective therapy plans, which meets your budget.
I.T.S therapists are familiar with all aged clients, therefore you don not need to be concerned about how we will adapt the session to make sure it is motivating and age appropriate, it is our responsibility to ensure therapy is accessible and enjoyable.
The first session will usually consist solely of assessment, and it is possible for this to take up to two hours. This will depend on the suspected communication difficulty, as there are specific types of assessment for a variety of difficulties. For example, standardised assessments may be used, so that the therapist can compare the individual’s results with others of the same demographics (e.g. age). Informal observation of the individual in conversation or of a child playing with toys can reveal a surprising amount of information – and if you are a parent or carer you may be asked to get involved too. Informal assessment through observation can be just as important to the therapist as formal tests.
A detailed case history will be taken, so if you are a parent it may be helpful to bring details of your child’s general development with you, such as their birth history, developmental milestones and information about any past medical conditions. Therapists will always be pleased to read through any reports, which you can provide in advance of the initial assessment.
Depending on the nature of the communication difficulty, the therapist may be able to provide you with feedback and a therapy plan straight away. Or, they may need to collate all their assessment results and contact you after the session.
Your wishes, needs and concerns for/about therapy will always be listened to and incorporated into the plan. Concerns about timing, cost and liaison with statutory services are very common. I.T.S. strongly believes that an individual is far more likely to succeed with therapy if they are comfortable, motivated and at ease with the process. Some people even find it quite enjoyable.
I.T.S will always help you utilise the NHS therapy available and can often help you access more than you might have accessed alone. Our therapists work alongside both NHS therapists and other independent therapists involved with the individual and therefore we can be sure to consider your communication needs as a whole and ensure we liaise with the right people given your consent.
We hope that this brief introduction to your initial session answers some of your questions. If you would like more detail and/or an informal discussion about how I.T.S. may be of assistance, see the ‘Contact Us’ page: https://integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/contact-us/
Most clients and their families say they feel so much more informed having picked up the phone and spoken to Sarah Davis – our lead therapist at I.T.S. Sarah will soon explain any terms you have come across, she will listen to your concerns and take into account the whole picture, before providing you with some advice about the next steps. Rest assured she might also advise you that help from I.T.S is not the route for you, if there is one thing you can rely on, I.T.S will help you in whichever way they can!
Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. ITS is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire and the East Midlands. It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Arts Therapists.
