Since 1994, Symbol have been leading experts establishing groundbreaking services that champion possibilities for people with Down syndrome.
Our services are widely recognised as offering innovative solutions that meet the needs of individuals, families, and those who support them. Through our person centred approach, we tailor our support to fit each individual and their unique circumstances. We use strategies grounded in research to address the unique profile of skills and challenges associated with Down syndrome.
We share innovations through our services, and training sessions - directly booked with us, or provided on behalf of other organisations—and through participation in projects with the wider expert community.
Guided by the latest research and best practice, our evidence-based approaches embrace the unique strengths and challenges associated with Down syndrome to ensure people live their best lives.
“Symbol helps people to know about keeping safe; with their language; how to make friends; and talking about what they like and what they don’t like. Symbol shows people respect. People have trust, and (Symbol) helps to solve problems.”
Symbol’s Speech and Language Therapy Services for People with Down Syndrome
Our Approach
We want everyone with Down syndrome to have access to syndrome-specific speech and language therapy to support communication and learning.
Specialist intervention realises the communication potential of people who have Down syndrome by leveraging strengths and focusing on specific needs, using targeted strategies that have been proven effective through research and experience within the community. We advocate that all speech and language therapy for people with Down syndrome should be informed by this specialist approach. Click these buttons for more information.
Our Staff
We are leading experts in designing and delivering syndrome specific speech and language therapy for people who have Down syndrome. Our team based in South East England includes highly experienced speech and language therapists, developing specialists, and speech and language therapy co-workers.
Our staff contribute to the Down syndrome CEN (the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists’ Clinical Excellent Network focused on Down syndrome) and our expertise is sought for strategic initiatives with the UK Down syndrome community. We present at National and International conferences. Click on the buttons below for some key publications we have contributed to, and produced.
What we offer
In collaboration with local Down syndrome support groups, and health and education providers, we develop innovative ways to address speech and language therapy needs; offer training for practitioners and families, and create resources to promote best practice across the UK and beyond.
Training
We provide unique, in-depth training in syndrome specific approaches to learning and communication for speech and language therapy staff, education staff, families, and other professionals. Our programme of live, online modular training runs throughout the year and provides practical, inspiring seminars grounded in decades of experience. Click on the button below for full details and how to book.
We also provide customised training online and in person for speech and language therapy services, schools, and parent support groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
“I found the course really engaging and exciting and it reinvigorated my work. It has been really easy to put into practice and I have grown massively as a SLT for attending it. It has filled in so many gaps, and I always think that you don’t know what you don’t know, so it has really opened up lots of things to think about, and to keep exploring and discussing with others.”
Professional supervision for speech and language therapists working with people with Down syndrome External supervision with our specialists provides professional oversight and mentoring so that the staff member and clients on their caseload benefit from expert guidance and professional development.
Contact us to check availability and costs.
Training and supporting co-workers who provide syndrome specific speech, language and communication groups
Since 2005 we have trained and supported people with relevant knowledge and experience to provide activity sessions supporting the development of speech, language and communication skills with people with Down syndrome of all ages. Please see our training e-brochure above for more details.
Consultations
You can access our expertise through in-person and online consultations. These detailed sessions assess progress; review speech and language therapy needs; and provide expert advice and recommendations to guide families, therapists, and other caregivers. We offer face to face appointments in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire; Horley, Surrey; and near Maidstone, Kent, or contact us to discuss the possibility of our staff travelling to another location to run a one-off ‘clinic’. Click on the buttons below for further information.
Holiday camps with local networks
In conjunction with Symbol’s short breaks service, our summer break employment focused camps are for young adults to talk through future plans, and to explore ‘who you are and who you want to be’. Click here for more information.
We also provide intensive, specialist speech and language therapy to holiday day camps organised by local groups, such as 21 Together, 21 Plus and Chattertots.
Commissioned speech and language therapy services
Our team of therapists and co-workers work in preschool provision, schools, colleges and other settings in South East England, and online. Please contact us to discuss requirements for syndrome specific speech and language therapy. Demand for services exceeds capacity and we may be able to suggest ways we can help to build provision in your area.
You can find other resources we have developed at Down Syndrome Development Trust downloads.
Contact
info@symbolconnect.co.uk or Senior Administrator for Speech and Language Therapy, bethany.jobson@symbolconnect.co.uk