The role of the speech and language therapist

The role of the speech and language therapist is to assess, diagnose, and manage communication difficulties, and/or feeding and swallowing difficulties. The speech and language therapist works collaboratively with parents, teachers, nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team. The speech and language therapist may work directly with a service user, or indirectly through the parent and/or carer. The speech and language therapist may target the following areas of development: preverbal communication skills (e.g. turn-taking, eye contact, gesture); play skills; oral-motor skills, early language skills, speech sounds, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC)-this may involve the use of Lámh signs, pictures, or communication devices to communicate a message.

Areas covered by the Speech and Language Therapy Department

The speech and language therapists are based at the Assessment Clinic and at Buck House, however service users may be seen in a variety of settings, including their home, preschool, school or day service. Referrals are taken from all areas of Stewarts Hospital for communication difficulties, and/or feeding and swallowing difficulties:

Early Intervention Service

• Stewarts School
• Day Services
• Residential Services
• Community Services

Education and Training Packages available to Staff

In conjunction with the Education and Training Department at Stewarts Hospital, the Speech and Language Therapy Department deliver the following training courses to staff who work with service users:

• A Carer’s Guide to Promoting Communication Skills 
•  Managing Eating and Drinking Difficulties

Education and Training Packages available to Families

The following training courses are delivered to families:

• Lámh Family Course-this course is delivered in conjunction with the Psychology Department on a regular basis, and receives very positive feedback.
• The Hanen parent training course It Takes Two to TalkÔ. This internationally used course is specifically designed for parents of children whose language skills are delayed.