Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know what kind of assessment my child needs?
It’s very common to be unsure. Once you send me a brief description of your child’s strengths and communication needs, I’ll advise which assessment is the best fit. This might be a speech sound assessment, a language assessment, or a more general communication screen. You don’t need to decide alone — I’ll guide you.
2. What is the difference between a short assessment report and a detailed assessment report?
A Short-Form Assessment is a quicker option for families who want an overview. It includes a brief assessment, a summary of findings, and a one–two page report with clear recommendations for home and school.
A Detailed Assessment takes longer, uses a wider range of assessment tools, and results in a fuller written report. This includes an in-depth analysis of your child’s strengths and needs, plus a structured plan with specific outcomes and targets to support progress over time. Many families choose this option when they need school to have clear, trackable goals.
3. Do you offer online therapy?
At present all sessions take place face-to-face. Online therapy is something I may offer in the future, and I’ll update this page when that becomes available.
4. What age range do you work with?
I work with children and young people from nursery age up to 18 years old. This includes mainstream pupils, children with autism and social communication needs, and young people in specialist settings.
5. What types of needs do you assess?
I carry out assessments for:
– Speech sound difficulties
– Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and language delays
– Social communication and autism-related communication needs
– Literacy-related language difficulties (vocabulary, sentence structure, narrative)
– Understanding and following instructions
– General communication concerns when parents or schools are unsure of the root cause
If you’re not sure which category your child fits, feel free to ask.
6. How long does an assessment take?
Most assessments last between 60–90 minutes. More complex profiles, or detailed assessments, may take longer. I aim to keep the process relaxed and child-friendly so they feel comfortable throughout.
7. Will you liaise with my child’s school?
Yes — with your permission, I can share the report with school staff and speak with the SENCO or class teacher. This helps ensure everyone is working towards the same goals. School liaison and meetings may sometimes incur additional fees, which will always be clearly discussed first.
8. How long will it take to receive the report?
Short-form assessment reports are usually ready within 7–10 days. More detailed assessment reports may take up to 2–3 weeks, depending on the depth of analysis required.
9. Can my child be assessed at school instead of at home?
Yes, this is sometimes possible depending on the school’s availability and location. Please let me know if this is your preference, and we can check with the school.
10. Do you diagnose Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?
Yes. As a HCPC-registered Speech and Language Therapist with extensive NHS experience, I can identify and diagnose Developmental Language Disorder and provide the documentation needed for school support plans.
11. How quickly can we book an assessment?
Most families can book an appointment within a short time frame — usually within a few weeks, depending on current availability. This is especially helpful for families facing long NHS or school waiting lists.
12. Does my child need to bring anything to their appointment?
Some younger children feel more relaxed if they bring a favourite toy or comfort item. I have resources and activities here to keep sessions fun and engaging.
13. Should I stay with my child while they are being assessed?
You’re welcome to stay in the room if that feels right for you and your child. If you think they may focus better without you, you can step out — whatever helps them feel most comfortable is fine. The only important thing is that you don’t assist them during the tasks, as I need to see exactly what they can do on their own so I can give the most accurate assessment.
14. Do you accept referrals from schools?
Yes. Schools can refer directly with parental consent. I’m happy to discuss a referral with SENCOs or teachers beforehand if they want advice on suitability.
15. Are your assessments recognised by schools and the NHS?
Yes. All assessments follow recognised clinical standards and are accepted by schools, SENCOs, educational psychologists, and NHS services. Many families use my reports to support SEND reviews, IEPs, and applications for additional provision.
16. Do you work with children who have a stammer?
Yes, I can offer a basic assessment and help you understand your child’s strengths and areas of need. Stammering is not my main area of specialism and I do not currently offer ongoing therapy for stammering. However, I have assessed many children with stammers throughout my NHS career. I can give you clear guidance on first steps, help you understand what support might be needed, and signpost you to specialist services if appropriate.
17. Are you happy to work alongside NHS Speech and Language Therapists?
Absolutely. I’m very happy to work collaboratively with NHS therapists, SENCOs and other professionals. Many children move between services depending on availability and need — some have a period of private support, return to NHS therapy, and later come back for additional input. My goal is always to ensure your child receives the right support at the right time, and good communication between professionals makes a big difference.
18. Where can I find reliable advice about speech, language and communication needs?
Here are some trusted organisations offering clear, evidence-based information for families:
– Speech and Language UK: https://speechandlanguage.org.uk
– Stamma (British Stammering Association): https://stamma.org
– National Autistic Society: https://www.autism.org.uk
These websites provide helpful guidance, practical ideas, and information about common communication difficulties.
19. Can you diagnose my child with autism?
No — autism diagnosis must be completed usually via a GP referral or through your local NHS Speech and Language Therapy service or ASD hub.
However, I have extensive experience working with children who have social communication needs and children currently being considered for autism assessments. I can help you understand your child’s communication profile, provide a detailed assessment report, and support you to gather evidence that may be useful if you choose to pursue a diagnostic pathway. To be clear, I cannot diagnose autism, but I can give you professional insight and guidance.
20. Can I use your assessment report in support of my child’s referral for an autism assessment?
Yes. Many families choose to share their private assessment report with their GP, SENCO, or the NHS ASD team when seeking a referral. My reports are written clearly and professionally, outlining strengths, needs and relevant observations that can support the referral process.
21. Are you registered with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)?
Yes. I am fully registered with both the RCSLT and the HCPC, which means I follow the highest professional and ethical standards for clinical practice. If you would like to check my HCPC registration details, you can click the professional icon at the bottom of any page on my website — these will take you directly to my entry on the official register.
22. Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes. My Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists membership includes full public liability and professional indemnity insurance. This protects both you and your child during any work I carry out.
Examples of what this insurance typically covers include:
– Accidental injury to a client during a session
– Damage to property during a home or school visit
– Professional indemnity, meaning you are protected in the unlikely event of clinical concerns or disputes
– Cover for giving professional advice or recommendations as part of assessment and therapy
This insurance ensures that all work carried out is safe, accountable and professionally protected.