Speech Therapy Services
Information for Parents

If you feel child has any of the following  communication difficulties please contact me to discuss your concerns or arrange an initial assessment.  

Speech Therapy

Does your child have a limited range of speech sounds, or difficulties pronouncing specific sounds or words for their age?

Language Therapy

Does your child have difficulties following instructions, understanding others, learning to talk, remembering new words, or formulating sentences which make sense?

Stammering Therapy

Does your child repeat, prolong, or get stuck on sounds or words? Are they starting to avoid certain speaking situations or activities? Is their stammer affecting their self confidence?

Voice Therapy

Does your child have a persistent hoarse voice, too high or low voice, unusual intonation or has your child received an ENT diagnosis of vocal fold nodules?

Children may need help with communication skills if they have one of the following diagnosed conditions:

  • Autistic Spectrum
  • Disorder
  • Auditory Processing Difficulties
  • Cleft Palate
  • Delayed speech and/or language
  • Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia (DVP) otherwise known as Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
  • Developmental Language Disorder (DVD)
  • Down Syndrome
  • Otitis Media, otherwise known as Glue Ear
  • Stammering (also known as Stuttering  or Dysfluency)
  • Vocal Fold Nodules

It is often not possible to diagnose a cause of a speech and langauge difficulty

How it works...

Step 1: Initial Assessment

The aim of my first session is to assess your child’s communication skills and decide whether they will benefit from further support. This is administered  through formal standardised assessments, as well as carrying out observations collating information  to build up a full picture of your child’s strengths and needs within their everyday routine. Results will be summarised in a written report, which will include areas to work on, practical tips, and recommended therapy approaches. 

Step 2: Therapy Sessions

My goal is to create a trusting, supportive environment,  where children  can have a go at trying new skills, experience success, and not mind if they fail, which is a vital part of the learning process.  Through fun, motivating, achievable challenges, there will be multiple opportunities  for children to practice new techniques, and receive the feedback needed to make changes. The number of sessions needed will depend on the type and severity of the individual child’s difficulty.

Step 3: Practice at Home

As parents, you are the  true expert when it comes to your child, which is why you are fully involved throughout the process. To make the most of the  therapy sessions, parents  need to observe and at times participate in sessions, to  help your child  practice and consolidate new strategies and skills from one session to the next. To maximise progress, it is necessary to set aside around 15 minutes practice, 4-5 times a week.

I also work with schools...

Gaby is a committed, diligent and accomplished practitioner and I would definitely recommend her services. She works well both as part of the wider team supporting our girls, displaying good judgement as to the right balance of communication and independence. She is a pleasure to work with.
Mark Webster, Head of St Margaret's School, Hampstead
Gaby Harris has become a valuable and trusted member of our staff. Gaby is an organised and approachable professional who works with children from Nursery age through to Year 2. In one-to-one sessions and small groups, she deals with children who have specific speech problems, but also children who find social interaction difficult. Through her lively and engaging sessions, she gains the children’s trust, and brings out the very best in each child. Whether working on developing creative writing skills, or attending one of Gaby’s popular Lego Therapy sessions, the children love to work with her and it is wonderful to see their speech, confidence and social skills develop.
Sarah Tapp, Head of Avenue Pre-Preparatory School and Nursery, Highgate
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Contact

If you are concerned about your child’s speech and language skills and would like to arrange a telephone call, please contact me by email or using the below form