Speech and Language Therapy KidsFIRST Medical Center
The development of communication is one of the most important skills a person needs to participate in our social world. Sometimes children need help to acquire these skills to become successful communicators and independent language learners.
A Speech and Language Therapist’s goal is to help children to fulfill this aim and to reach their communicative potential. This is achieved by producing and implementing programs tailored to the individual needs of each child assessed.
What is Speech and Language Therapy?(SLT)
Speech and Language Therapy input covers all aspects of everyday communication :
• spoken language – development of both understanding and expression
• pronunciation – phonology and articulation
• fluency of speech
• auditory processing and recall skills
• social use of language – pragmatics
• grammar, sentence construction and word finding difficulties
• voice
• use of AAC ( Augmentative and Alternative forms of Communication) such as signing, PECS (Picture exchange communication system ), etc
• oral motor competence
A Speech and Language Therapist deals with the identification, evaluation and rehabilitation of communication difficulties.
If you are concerned with your child’s communication a referral can be made via school or KidsFIRST Medical Center for a Speech and Language assessment. This can be carried out at school, during school hours or at KidsFIRST Medical Center on Al Wasl road.
What is involved in an SLT assessment ?
The Speech and Language Therapist will first meet with the parent/s to ask relevant questions regarding their child’s communication and development. This can be done on the same day as the assessment. The child will then be assessed using both formal assessments (often books with pictures in, which they will be asked questions on ) and informal play activities. Sometimes classroom observation is also helpful. We aim to make the assessment relaxed, non pressurized and as fun as possible!
When the assessment has been completed the Therapist will write a report and then meet with the parent/s to discuss it and any implications for therapy input if needed.
How much will it cost?
Assessment fees start at 700/800 AED - for a school aged child and are dependent on the degree of assessment that is needed. This covers initial discussion with the parent/s, the speech and language assessment, a report and feedback. Costs will be discussed with the parent and an informed consent form signed by the parent before an assessment takes place.
School based therapy sessions are charged at -
• 200 AED for a 30 minute session
• 300 AED for a 45 minute session
What is involved in a SLT session ?
This depends upon the difficulty the child has with his/her communication, but sessions can be a mixture of games and more ‘formal’/ structured teaching activities, again depending on the individual needs and personality of the child. We aim for it to be enjoyable as happy children learn.
How long will my child need SLT input ?
Again this depends upon the individual needs of the child, the complexity of the communication difficulty and how quickly a child responds to therapy.
Where is KidsFIRST Medical Center?
KidsFirst Medical Center is situated on the service road on the right hand side just as you turn into Al Wasl road from interchange four.
Thank you for your interest in having kidsFIRST Speech and Language Therapists provide therapy for your child within the school setting. It is most beneficial to work within the school and as a team with teachers to enhance your child’s school experience and success.
This is an introduction to our service and any queries can be made directly with your KidsFIRST school therapist , Helen Bowland or by phoning the center on 04-348-KIDS (5437).
Email: info@kidsfirstdubai.com
Helen Bowland BSc, MRCSLT, Reg Hpc
Speech and Language Therapist
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