Speech and Language Therapy

Whether you are looking for an initial Speech and Language Therapy assessment or therapy session, be it face to face or online, The Owl Centre can help. We have a wonderful team of Owl staff ranging from Speech and Language Therapy Assistants (SLTAs), Speech and Language Therapist specialists through to our highly experienced SLT Clinical Leads.

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Children’s Speech & Language Therapy

Our Speech and Language Therapy Team can offer assessments, reviews, EHCP reports, tribunal reports, targets and recommendations, training, workshops and bespoke programmes tailor made to suit you and your child’s needs.

We collaborate with educational settings, NHS SLTs and other professionals involved with your child when needed. By letting us know what you are looking for and the needs of your child, we can match you to the Speech and Language Therapist with the specialisms required, either locally or online via teletherapy.

Adult Speech & Language Therapy

Our specialist team is dedicated to working with you and your family, to support your communication needs, whether it’s following a stroke, or a neurological diagnosis, or whether you stammer, have voice difficulties or a language disorder.

We can work in your home, care home, day centre, or online – wherever you feel comfortable and most supported. With your consent, we will collaborate with anyone involved in the individual’s care, for instance, staff in a care home setting, NHS SLTs and any other professionals involved with you, if you want us to.

Developmental Language Disorder

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a developmental condition that affects the understanding of and/or production of spoken language. Some individuals may have a diagnosis of Specific Language Impairment (SLI), an older name for this condition or SCLN (Specific Communication and Language Needs).

Our Speech and Language Therapy Team can offer assessments for DLD in both adults and children. These assessments can often be arranged quickly, and can take place online if preferred. In our reports we include recommendations to support you in school or the workplace.

Stammering

Stammering, otherwise known as stuttering, is a difference in the way some people speak. This might involve a sound or syllable getting repeated, stretched or blocked. It can also involve a sense of anticipation that a word may be about to become stuck. Stammering can vary hugely from day to day, or from situation to situation. No two people’s stammers are alike, and stammering can impact people’s lives in very different ways.

Our Speech and Language Therapy Team can offer prompt and flexible online assessment and therapy for adults who stammer. We work in collaboration with you to help you make the changes that you would like to see in your life and communication. Goals may include reduced tension and struggle in your stammer, or increased freedom and spontaneity in your talking, with less avoidance of words, conversations or speaking situations.

Selective Mutism

Selective Mutism is an anxiety-based communication difficulty where a child is unable to speak in certain settings, despite speaking freely in others, most often at home. It typically becomes noticeable when a child starts nursery or school and doesn’t speak to staff or peers, even though they are talkative with family.

This is not a behavioural choice or stubbornness; it’s a genuine inability to speak due to high anxiety. Without support, Selective Mutism can impact a child’s social, emotional, and educational development. Our specialist Speech and Language Therapists are trained to support children with Selective Mutism and the families around them.

We offer:

Thorough assessment and early identification
Practical strategies for parents and carers
Support and training for school staff
Gradual, anxiety-reducing therapy tailored to each child

Our aim is to reduce the pressure to speak, build confidence, and support the child to communicate comfortably across different environments. The Owl Centre works closely with families and education teams to ensure consistent, supportive approaches.

We offer flexible, accessible support, both online and in person. If you’re concerned about a child or young person who may be experiencing Selective Mutism, we’re here to help. We also support adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in an assessment?

The assessment process aims to find out as much as possible about the way the child / young person / adult is communicating.

We consider spoken language, understanding of language, non-verbal communication (gestures/body language), speech sounds, and interaction with others.

We do this through:

Detailed case history – about the child / young person / adult’s general development and life so far.
Standardised (formal) assessments – which are usually picture books and set questions
Informal assessment – through age appropriate play and activities
Observation of your child / young person / adult in their own environment(s) – this may be in an educational setting / at home / provided by you on a video.
Dynamic assessment continues throughout therapy – whereby the therapist will be measuring outcomes of therapy intervention.

How much does an assessment cost?

SLT Therapy – £96
SLT Assessment – £350
SLT School Day – £495

What happens if my child does not engage in the assessment?

Don’t worry – depending on your concerns – it may be more appropriate to discuss and work with parents / carers in the child’s environment. Also our therapists gather information through observation, discussion and informal assessment through play. We may ask for your permission to talk with teachers or other professionals to build the complete picture of strengths and needs.

We have lots of tricks to encourage interaction and co-operation – and understand that children cannot be expected to maintain attention and concentration for long periods of time.

What happens in a therapy session?

We use evidence-based therapy approaches. This means that the interventions are well researched and have proven success.

We will explain the targets of our therapy intervention.

During the session, we will use activities that are motivating and age appropriate to enable the person to feel comfortable and at ease, whilst targeting work at the specific areas of need.

Home practice is essential to success (little and often ensures the best progress). Resources and materials will be provided and suggested for home practice.