SYMBOL SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE DISORDER
Our service for children and young people with Developmental Language Disorder offers specialist, innovative and person-centered care to meet the needs of individuals, families and those who support them.
The therapy and training we offer is grounded in research and tailored to the individual and their unique circumstances. We put the voices of children and young people at the heart of our work.
We work to develop speech language and communication skills and help children and young people to understand themselves and self-advocate.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for X, for our family and for me personally. You’ve done more for her than any other professional in her life...I can’t overestimate just how much it has meant to feel like there is someone by our side helping to fight our corner’. ”
What is Developmental Language Disorder?
Embroidered image created by Siouxsie, aged 19.
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a hidden but common lifelong condition, affecting 7% of the population.
Language difficulties may include:
Difficulties understanding words, instructions and questions.
Difficulties remembering what has been said.
Difficulties finding the right words to express ideas.
Difficulties putting words in the right word to make clear sentences.
Difficulties telling stories and recalling events in a clear and logical way.
Difficulties keeping up and joining in with conversations.
DLD can commonly occur with ADHD, Dyslexia and/or poor mental health.
DLD can make learning and accessing work harder.
What we offer
Consultations
You can access our expertise through in-person and online consultations. These detailed sessions assess for a diagnosis of Developmental Language Disorder and provide expert advice and recommendations to guide families, and schools. We offer face to face appointments in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, or contact us to discuss the possibility of our staff travelling to another location to run a one-off ‘clinic’.
Following a speech and language therapy assessment by the NHS or another agency, our specialists can provide supplementary expert advice via phone or online. We can discuss recommendations or offer further guidance. You will need to provide the assessment report, relevant documents, and details of your concerns in advance. This service costs around half the price of a full consultation and does not include an assessment or report/write-up.
Commissioned speech and language therapy services
Our team work in schools, colleges and other settings in the home counties and online. Please contact us to discuss requirements for DLD specific speech and language therapy.
Awareness raising
Symbol is passionate about raising awareness of DLD. 1 in 14 children have DLD, yet it is not widely known about.
DLD can be hidden and other needs appear more obvious such as behaviour, poor attention and listening, social difficulties, poor mental health, difficulties with learning. Raising awareness of DLD means more children’s needs can be identified and supported, leading to better outcomes for these children.
We take part of DLD Awareness Day every year and hold awareness raising events throughout the year. If you would like us to run an awareness event in your local area do get in touch.
Contact
Please contact our service managers Kate Hopcraft and Debbie Honeysett for further info.
Email: info@symbolconnect.co.uk
Telephone: 01622 863 291