Kerry SLT FAQ's
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Kerry Speech & Language Therapy FAQ's
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What is a speech and language therapist?
Speech and language therapists are healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose and provide treatment for various speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties across a range of settings, such as clinics, clients' homes, hospitals and nursing homes. Speech and language therapists are qualified to work with both children and adults, in order to achieve each individual's potential to communicate and swallow effectively. Speech and language therapists also work with our clients' families, school settings and other relevant professionals, in order to provide a high level of individualised care.
Who do speech and language therapists work with?
At Kerry Speech and Language Therapy Clinic, we work with a range of clients who present with various difficulties. If you have any questions about who we work with, please click here.
What can I expect from an initial speech and language therapy assessment session?
At Kerry Speech and Language Therapy Clinic, we offer specialised and individualised services to all of our clients. When you make an appointment, you will be asked to provide background information, such as medical history and the onset and nature of your difficulties. Your Speech and Language Therapist will carry out a comprehensive assessment and formulate a therapy plan. The type of treatment given will be suited to each individual's specific needs and abilities.
What will therapy sessions involve and how long will it last for?
The type of therapy session provided depends on each individual's abilities and needs. The initial assessment session will determine the extent and frequency of the therapy sessions required. However, we offer flexibility on the frequency and duration of our sessions, such as weekly, fortnightly or monthly sessions for 30, 45 and 60 minutes.
Where will the therapy sessions take place?
At Kerry Speech and Language Therapy Clinic, we work to facilitate the needs of our clients by providing home, school, clinic, hospital and nursing home-based sessions.
How do I know my Speech and Language Therapist is registered?
Since 2016, all speech and language therapists have had to register with CORU, Ireland's multi-professional health regulator. CORU's role is to protect members of the public by ensuring high standards of health and social care professionals. All therapists at Kerry Speech and Language Therapy Clinic are registered with CORU.
Can I see a private speech & language therapist at the same time as a HSE speech & language therapist?
Yes. The earlier a client accesses therapy for a speech, language, the better the outcome for that client and their family. In line with the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) dual service provision document, clients have the right "to simultaneously access speech and language therapy from public and private service providers". Accessing private therapy services should not affect your HSE speech and language therapy entitlement in any way.
Why is early intervention so important?
Early intervention during your child's early developmental years is vital as their brains are more receptive to learning. Early intervention can include a combination of therapy, parent coaching and environmental modifications, in order to stimulate your child's speech and language development and increase their functional communication skills.
Who can make a referral to Kerry Speech and Language Therapy Clinic?
We accept self-referrals, referrals from family and friends and referrals from suitable medical professionals. If you wish to claim back speech and language therapy expenses, this may require a referral from their GP.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
Appointments can generally be arranged within 1-2 weeks. However, we will update you accordingly about any possible waiting times when you contact us.
How do I refer my child to the clinic?
You can self refer by simply filling out our online contact us form and one of our therapists will contact you! We also accept referral from healthcare professionals.
How do I book an appointment?
Click book an appointment at the top of our page, fill out the contact form on this page, email us at info@kerryslt.ie. Email is a preferrable option.
Is it covered by health insurance?
Most insurance policies now offer cover for Speech and Language Therapy appointments. Prior to commencing speech and language therapy, it is advisable to contact your insurance provider about your policy. We will provide receipts for all therapy assessments and sessions, which can be used to claim therapy expenses.
How do I know if my child needs SLT?
If you have any concerns about your child's speech, language, communication or feeding skills, it is advisable to contact us for more information and a therapist from our team would be happy to discuss any concerns you may have.
My child is showing indicators of autism. How can you support my child?
At Kerry Speech and Language Therapy Clinic, we do not currently offer formal diagnostic services for autism. However, all therapists are trained in recognising indicators of autism and supporting your child’s differences in communication. We will discuss your concerns and implement offer neuroaffirmative goals and supports for your child. This means that they can start therapy while they are waiting for the formal diagnostic process. Our therapeutic approach is based on the Early Start Denver Model - ESDM
My baby may have a tongue tie. What can I do?
Please see article
My child is not talking the same as other children his age. Is he just a 'late talker' and will catch up in time?
Some children are 'late talkers' and do catch up with other children of their own age. However, some children do not. Each child is different but if there are not functioning at the same level as their peers, it is advisable to contact a speech and language therapist.
My child appears like she doesn't understand what I'm saying or asking her to do. What should I do?
If your child doesn't follow what you say or ask her to do, this may be due to difficulties with understanding (receptive language), their attention skills or hearing abilities. At Kerry Speech and Language Therapy Clinic, we recommend a referral to audiology to assess your child's hearing, as it may have an impact on how your child hears sounds. We will also your child's level of understanding and observe their attention skills.
My child has difficulties pronouncing some words. Do they need speech and language therapy?
All children experience difficulties saying words as they are learning to communicate. However, some children do not correct these errors as they develop or they may present with speech errors that are not seen in typical speech sound development. Each child is different but if there are not functioning at the same level as their peers, it is advisable to contact a speech and language therapist.
My 2-year-old child can't sit down for therapy. How will you work with them?
At this age, your child's assessment and therapy sessions will be carried out through observation and discussions with their carer and through play on the floor.
I had a stroke; can speech and language therapy still help me?
Depending on the type of stroke, Speech and language therapy may help with ongoing speech, language, communication or swallowing problems.
I have a stammer; can speech and language therapy help?
Yes, at Kerry Speech and Language Therapy Clinic, our therapists will carry out an initial assessment, which will determine the severity of your stammer and also allow us to offer an individualised therapy plan, in consultation with your concerns.
I have episodes of coughing when eating and drinking; can speech and language therapy help?
Coughing during mealtimes can be sign of a swallowing difficulty whereby food or drink may be "going down the wrong way". This is call aspiration. At Kerry Speech and Language Therapy Clinic, we can provide an assessment and a relevant management programme, in conjunction with other relevant healthcare professionals.
I am having difficulties with my voice and can often sound hoarse/lose my voice at the end of the day. Can a speech and language therapist help me?
Yes, speech and language therapists provide voice therapy. Following an assessment with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultant, a speech and language therapist can carry out an initial assessment to identify the nature and severity of your voice problem and create a voice programme.