A Speech and Language therapist (SLT) who is a specialist in autism works three days a week at Spa Bermondsey. The aim of the SLT is to help students understand the communication of others. This involves assessment and therapy which takes account of all aspects of communication and social functioning, not just speech and language. It also involves having a role in the decision making process for the education of students.
Assessment and intervention involve coordination with classroom staff, parents, carers and other relevant professionals or individuals. The SLT’s targets are integrated into the students’ curriculum through their Individual Education Plan. Speech and Language therapy has a link to all subjects taught in the school, and has a particularly strong link with National Curriculum English.
Intervention usually takes place in class groups or in small groups. A range of therapy approaches is used depending on the needs of each student. Therapy is designed to be relevant and functional, taking account of each student’s unique developmental profile, experience, motivation and interests. The SLT shares knowledge and findings about all interventions with staff who work with the students so that they are they are able to continue with these interventions in a range of settings, giving opportunities for skills to be generalised. The SLT measures the effectiveness of therapy carried out.
The SLT has links with an adult service so that there is a coordinated transition from child to adult services at the end of their time at Spa.
