If your child is struggling to communicate, the first step to finding out why your child is having difficulty and how to go about supporting them is to arrange a Speech and Language Therapy Assessment.
Speech and Language Therapists (often referred to as SLTs or SALTs) are clinical experts who support children with a wide range of difficulties related to communication, eating, drinking and swallowing.
Each SLT will begin by taking a detailed case history assessment in order to understand what difficulties your child is experiencing, and to record important information which may be relevant in terms of your child’s medical and developmental history. Following the case history, the SLT will carry out an assessment with your child.
If your child is currently waiting for their first appointment with an SLT, or you think they will need one in the near future, you might be wondering what exactly a SALT assessment is, and how it works.
Check out our detailed guide below to find out more about the process and what you and your child can expect.
What is a SALT Assessment?
SALT or SLT stands for Speech and Language Therapy/Therapist. You may also see Speech and Language Therapists referred to as SLPs - in some countries, such as America and Australia, this stands for Speech-Language Pathologists.
A SALT assessment is when an expert clinician carries out a thorough evaluation, working closely with the child’s parents or caregivers, and directly assessing and observing the child. The purpose of the assessment is to identify whether the child has any speech, language and communication difficulties. This will then allow the SLT to begin to make a diagnosis and determine whether the child would benefit from intervention.
To get a better understanding of what you can expect at your first appointment, let’s take look at the process in more detail. This article focuses on the assessment process for children with a communication difficulty, however SLTs work with children who have difficulty eating, drinking or swallowing as well.
How Do I Get a Referral to a SALT?
Often, SALT assessments will be arranged as a referral from a doctor, teacher or healthcare professional. Parents can also self-refer if they have concerns about their child.
Preparing for the Assessment
During the assessment session, you will be invited to meet your Speech and Language Therapist with your child at a local clinic. Alternatively, the therapist may offer to see your child at home or at school. Assessments can also be carried out online.
The therapist will usually have prepared a range of toys and resources to support your child to settle into the session, but you can bring something familiar from home so your child feels more relaxed and happy to to interact and play with during the assessment.
The therapist will observe your child playing and communicating, and may also administer some formal assessments.
What is Involved in the Assessment?
During the assessment, the therapist will engage with your child in order to determine how they are managing across a range of areas. The therapist will be carefully observing your child’s ability to listen, understand, speak, play, and keep their attention.
An assessment session will usually last around 45 minutes to an hour. That being said, these sessions can vary in length, and you may be asked to attend more than one assessment session depending on what information the therapist is able to gather.
The therapist may also want to see how your child functions across a range of different settings e.g. in the clinic, at home and in nursery.
What Happens After the Assessment?
Once they’ve gathered enough information, the therapist will provide you with a detailed report which summarises their findings. They will also include details of their diagnosis, and possible treatment plans. This will be shared with you, and with your permission, any other relevant health and education professionals.
The therapist may recommend onward referrals if relevant e.g. to have your child’s hearing tested or to see a Community Paediatrician. You will be asked to give your consent before any onward referrals are made.
Discussing the Results of the Assessment
Based on what they have seen and the report they have created, the therapist will be able to guide you through their findings, and may discuss how your child is functioning against key developmental milestones.
The therapist will be able to explain whether your child is on track for their age, delayed in some areas, or whether they suspect there might be other reasons for your child’s communication difficulties.
Together, your therapist will work with you to agree targets or next steps for your child, and how you will get there. This might involve a treatment plan for you and perhaps school to work through, or it might include direct therapy sessions with your child.
What is the Outcome of a SALT Assessment?
Although it may seem short, there is a lot going on during an initial assessment session, and the agreed outcome and next steps will have an impact on your child’s future.
The overall aim of a SALT assessment is to identify whether your child has any speech, language or communication difficulties. Once a diagnosis has been made, a tailored intervention plan will be put in place. The plan may outline specific goals for your child, as well as strategies, techniques and any interventions that may be required. There may also be onward referrals or recommendations for further assessments if needed.
Your initial report and the subsequent action plan will act as a point of reference, allowing you and your therapist to track your child’s progress and adjust the intervention and advice accordingly over time.
In summary, a SALT assessment begins the process of making a diagnosis and agreeing necessary intervention and support for you and your child.
How Saltroad Can Help
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech, language or communication needs, you might be considering the first step of referring your child for a SALT assessment.
You may have already been told by a healthcare professional or someone at your child’s school or nursery that an assessment is advisable. Whatever the case may be, if you are looking for a therapist to conduct a SALT assessment and decide on a treatment plan for your child, Saltroad can help.
Simply get in touch today and you will be asked a few easy questions that will help us to understand your concerns. You will then be given the opportunity to book an initial consultation with a Saltroad therapist.
Based on the results, we can help to match you with a Speech and Language Therapist that best meets your child’s needs, either online or in your local area for in-person appointments.