FAQs

During the first appointment or consultation is usually when an assessment will be conducted. The SLT interviews the caregiver or parents, to obtain and record as much information as possible about the general and medical history of the patient. Reports or notes from previous doctors, therapists or hospitals are also reviewed by the SLT. Thereafter, depending on the nature of the problem and on the client’s age, the SLT may perform a formal evaluation using norm-referenced assessment tests or make an informal observation of the client’s speech, language, communication, oral motor skills, swallow function or voice difficulty. At the end of the assessment parents/caregivers always receive a verbal feedback of the evaluation as well as information regarding the need for therapy and its frequency. We do provide a written assessment report on the parents/caregivers request.

In the case of children, this depends on the speech and language communication milestones that are expected at every age. Therapy can start as early as 9-12 months for communication skills. In the case of feeding/swallowing difficulties, we provide intervention as early as few weeks of birth.

There are no norms or rules. In some cases therapy lasts over a year, and in other cases few months may also be adequate. It depends on the type and severity of the problem as well as consistency with which one attends therapy and follows up at home. You may ask the therapist after few sessions, of progress achieved or how fast is she/he learning.

Yes. Parents should be present especially during the initial evaluation, so the therapist can conduct a case history and clarify any doubts on the spot. In the case of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCI) we encourage parents to sit in during therapy sessions. This enables explanation of techniques, recommendations, and suggestions for follow-up. In many cases, we suggest a parent sit out so the child can get used to sitting and performing independently. Often having a parent in a session can be a distraction for the child. In such cases, it is may be recommended that a parent sits in once a month and observe how the session is conducted. SPARC allows a client to be accompanied by domestic help, or an adult relative. Please inform in advance who will accompany the child. The caregivers present during the session are requested not to interrupt the treatment unless they require or wish to provide a clarification. Whenever applicable, we do include caregivers in the session.

Usually not. This may distract the child and the therapist away from a focused session. However, we do allow siblings to sit in if it happens occasionally. Please inform us in advance if you are not able to arrange supervision for the sibling.

Yes, of course. At SPARC we require suitable intimation 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment. Please inform us in advance of any cancellation so we may allocate your slot to someone else in need.

It is important for parents or family members to participate directly or indirectly in therapy sessions, especially for younger children; enabling parents to create a language learning environment at home. Usually with older children, the treatment plan and progress is discussed at the end of every session and often practice ideas or homework is given by the therapist. For adults, the treatment goals are required to be followed up regularly by family members at home.

A wealth of recent research shows that the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices or programs does not impede speech or communication. Rather, it facilitates it. AAC is a method of communication that does not involve direct speech. It involves the use of gestures, facial expression, drawing, writing, sign language, and/or electronic devices for communication. AAC is often used when speech is not developing typically, as in the case of nonverbal children or in the case of adults who have lost their ability to verbally communicate (voice patients, neurological cases etc). AAC programs often speed up speech development. By providing a client (patient) with a socially acceptable means to communicate, an AAC program or device may reduce frustration or behavior problems which may otherwise arise due to the inability to communicate.