FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Do you currently have availability for assessment and weekly therapy sessions?

Current availability is regularly updated on this website and can be found after your FREE login.

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What are your fees?

All fees can be viewed immediately on this website after you login.

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Do you see children and adults?

Yes. Detailed assessments and therapy packages are available to book for both children and adults with communication needs.

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Do you provide online and in-person appointments?

Yes. We offer online and in-person assessments and therapy sessions. A-therapist provides online assessments and therapy sessions for individuals throughout the UK and internationally. However, our in-person assessment and therapy sessions are currently only offered at our clinics or local settings.

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What types of communication difficulties can you assess and treat online?

Clinical experience and evidence-based practice research clearly confirms the effectiveness of online therapy practice (teletherapy) in carrying out assessments and therapy treatment sessions for a wide-variety of communication needs for both children and adults. Our therapists use the exact same assessments, therapy resources and evidence-based therapy intervention approaches for both in-person and online appointments.

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What communication difficulties require an in-person assessment?

Due to some assessments and therapy interventions requiring a more physical, 'hands-on' approach, unfortunately not all communication needs can be met via online therapy. Therefore, the following communication difficulties would require in-person assessment and therapy support (when possible):

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• Oral motor speech disorders, such as Dysarthria (slurred speech) - sometimes seen as a result of stroke/brain injury

• Velopharyngeal Dysfunction (VPD) - nasal sounding speech due to muscle insufficiencies

• Speech difficulties due to physical abnormalities, such as cleft lip and palate, jaw misalignment, etc.

• Dysphagia (eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties) - we are currently unable to offer therapy for Dysphagia

• Children or adults who are unable to focus their attention for short periods of time via online teletherapy directly with the therapist, or who may be unable to control mouse movements when/if necessary (often not necessary). The majority of children age 4+ can attend to assessment and therapy sessions online. A-therapist offers online therapy sessions for parents/carers/teachers to guide, support and empower the direct and daily implementation of therapy approaches without the need for direct contact with the child/person with the communication need.      

  

I have a child under 4 years old with a limited attention span. Can you still help me online?

Yes, but you must be able to attend an initial assessment session in-person. For young children who have delayed speech and language, whether you see a therapist in-person or online, the therapy approaches are often delivered directly by the parents (sometimes nursery/preschool staff) following modelling and guidance from the therapist. The therapist carefully observes and monitors the parents implementation of the therapy approach and guides them to continue supporting their child's communication development in the comfortable surroundings of their own home (or nursery/preschool) and using the child's own toys. This indirect therapy intervention approach, through the direct training and weekly guidance from the therapist, is routed in evidence-based practice and can be delivered effectively online through therapy coaching sessions with parents/carers. N.B. This approach is also intentionally used for the treatment of stammering in young children, as well as Selective Mutism for all ages in most circumstances.   

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Can you write a report for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?

Yes. All assessment sessions include a written summary assessment report with recommendations for any therapy support. However, you may wish to purchase a detailed written therapy report at the time of booking your Assessment Session if you wish to share your report to apply for or review an EHCP. 

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I have already had a speech and language assessment. Do I need another one before starting therapy treatment?

Yes, if your assessment was carried out by someone outside A-therapist.

Please see the Assessment Guide once logged in to answer all your assessment questions. Please read this guide before booking your assessment.

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Do you provide training for school staff or carers?

Yes. A-therapist can provide bespoke training for anyone supporting someone with a communication difficulty. Please contact us providing the details of your training requirements. 

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Please contact via the contact form below if your question has not been answered above.

 

Please login (free) to view further information, such as the Assessment Guide, service fees and our online referral form.

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If you are interested in booking an Assessment, please contact us via our Referral Form.