The primary stage is the comprehensive evaluation carried out by THE Speech and Language Therapist. This phase is conducted by using standardized or non-standardized assessment tools, interviewing parents, observing and discussing/playing with the child, as well as taking into account a possible diagnosis given by a Developmental Pediatrician,  Child Psychiatrist or other specialist. Where there is no such diagnosis, a referral to a multidisciplinary team in a hospital or clinic shall be made.

 

​The assessment shall cover, depending on the parent's request and/or the child's observation, the following areas:

• Communication skills (non-verbal and verbal)

• Social skills (play, emotions, etc.)

• Play skills (stage of development, defeat/victory management mode, etc.)

• Articulation skills (speech intelligibility)

• Phonological Skills (awareness of souonds of letters, understanding and use of syllables and phonemes, etc.)

• Language Skills (language  structure, description – narration)

• Pragmatic skills (social use of language)

 

Close relationship and communication  with the school and/or other specialists who may be working with the child is particularly important for a more holistic and comprehensive intervention. ​

The strong therapeutic relationship with the child is an important element in the success of the intervention. The trust that is born between them and the trust of the parent in the therapist are key elements for a positive outcome of the intervention.

 

Playing does not stop! Through functional, symbolic play, role-playing and board games, in combination with classic speech therapy material, the intervention becomes fun!

 

Intervention can take place in both the child's home, as well as in a private office. Moreover,  Teletherapy method could also be applied to most of the cases, so that even families in remote areas can access quality therapeutic services.

A key component of a successful intervention is the continuation of the instructions that parents receive in the child's everyday life. Therefore, counselling to parents in relation to the communication and/or language needs of the child is necessary during the therapeutic process. Only,  in this way, can we have a comprehensive and effective intervention.