FAQ

Q. What should I expect when I bring my child to ARC for a Speech and Language Assessment?

A. At ARC, we tailor each assessment to the needs of you/ your child. This will depend on your concerns for him or her. The different types of assessments are described below. Please speak to one of our therapists if you are unsure which assessment is the most suitable for your child.

1. Language difficulties/Stuttering/Social Skills

For children who are experiencing difficulties with language, social skills or stuttering (if your child is stuttering/ not yet talking/ saying less than you would expect/ having difficulties understanding/ having difficulties putting sentences together in comparison to peers), we use the following format for assessment.

The Initial Consultation

This is attended by parents/guardians alone (without your child). It lasts for half an hour to forty five minutes. It is used for the purpose of speaking with you, the parents, about your concerns regarding your child’s communication in an environment where you can speak freely about him or her and where you can think clearly, without distraction. It is also used to determine whether or not a full assessment is warranted.

The Initial Assessment

The assessment session is attended by the child and their parent/guardian(s) and lasts for about an hour. It combines formal and informal assessment measures and generally consists of a mix of play and book based activities. At the end of the assessment, the therapist gives feedback to the parent(s) about what she has observed and what she is recommending.

After the family leave, the therapist spends about another hour analysing the child’s results and formal assessment responses in detail, which allows her to determine specific therapy goals to address identified areas of need. A written report is subsequently prepared (usually issued within 2 weeks of the initial assessment session).

2. Speech Sound Assessment

This format is used where concerns centre only around issues with pronunciation. Parents attend with children for the assessment which lasts for up to one hour. This assessment involves case history discussion with the parent/carer and speech assessment (looking at speech sound development in single words, at sentence level and in conversation as well as at how well the child can move oral speech muscles to make sounds).

Q: Are all Speech and Language Therapists at ARC clinic fully qualified?

A: Yes, all Therapists working from ARC Speech and Language Clinic are fully qualified Speech and Language Therapists. All Therapists hold a degree and a professional qualification in Speech and Language Therapy and are members of the Irish Association for Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) and of CORU. Membership numbers will be provided on all receipts in order to satisfy the requirements of Private Health Insurers. All Therapists engage in the highest standards of ongoing professional training.

Q: Can my child avail of ARC Services if he/she is already attending another service?

A. Therapists working in ARC work in tandem with Professionals from other services in order to provide the optimum care for each child. Children attending ARC may be involved with other agencies, including the HSE. ARC does not recommend that children receive Speech and Language therapy simultaneously from two services as this is often not in the best interest of the child; rather, we recommend that the child takes a break from private therapy for the duration of their HSE block, and then returns to ARC if the difficulties persist.

Q: Do I need a Doctor’s referral to attend a Speech and Language Therapist at ARC?

A: No, you can contact ARC Clinic directly to make an appointment.

Q: Is my child too young for Speech and Language Therapy?

A: Early intervention is key to helping children with their speech, language, and communication skills. Depending on the difficulty, it may be appropriate to intervene right from the first months of life when critical advice can be given to advance communication development. In these early stages parents can learn invaluable techniques to facilitate communication in the child’s natural environment. If you suspect that your child’s language or communication is delayed you should seek the advice of a Speech and Language Therapist.

Q: What types of Speech and Language Disorders affect children?

A: Children may experience a number of disorders affecting their speech, language, social skills, fluency and/or voice.  For more information go to our section on Speech and Language Disorders.

Q: Do Speech and Language Disorders affect Learning?

A: Speech and Language skills are essential to childrens’ learning.  Childrens’ learning takes place through the process of communication. Language is the basis of communication, and reading, writing, listening, understanding and speaking are all part of language.  The ability to communicate is essential for children as they need to communicate with their peers and adults. Children entering school with delayed language development are at risk of being unable to access the school curriculum.

Q: How can a Speech and Language Disorder affect school performance?

A: Children with Speech and Language Disorders may have considerable difficulty in accessing the school curriculum.  They may have difficulty in understanding and expressing language, misunderstand social cues and/or have difficulty with reading and initiating in the classroom.  They often show difficulty in learning to listen and speak and in the awareness of sounds, syllables, words and sentences.
However the Speech and Language Therapist alongside parents, teachers and resource teachers can help a child with a Speech and Language Disorder and provide the best intervention and supports that will help them to succeed in school.

Q: Is Speech and Language Therapy covered by health insurance?

A: Yes, many private Health Insurers offer cover. You should contact your provider to check your personal policy benefit.