Speech and Language Therapy is the process of enabling children, young people and adults with language, communication and speech difficulties to communicate to the best of their ability and as effectively as possible.

The Speech and Language Therapist initially assesses the client's needs, strengths and difficulties through structured activities and interaction. Formal standardised assessments may be carried out if required. She will then discuss her findings with relevant carers and professionals, focusing on specific areas of speech, language and communication. Aims and objectives can then be agreed and targeted through:-

• Individual or group sessions with the Therapist, which may be based at the home, the clinic or the school/nursery.
• A home programme of strategies and activities.
• A programme set up at nursery or school.
• Training to relevant staff, carers and family. 

Aims are continually evaluated and adapted accordingly, alongside discussion and review with parents and support staff as appropriate. Baseline measures are often taken using standardised speech and language assessments, which can then be repeated at a later date in order to monitor progress. These assessments provide broad information related to what is expected of a child or young person of a certain age and can inform the setting of aims.

Therapy input may continue until:

• The speech difficulty is resolved/resolving.
• Language (expression and/or understanding) is within the broad range expected for the age group.
• Therapy is no longer required by the client, family or nursery/school.
• It is felt that therapy is no longer appropriate (by the client, family, staff or Speech and Language Therapist).