Coronavirus

I AM NOW OFFERING SCHOOL AND HOME VISITS AGAIN FOLLOWING A PERIOD OF ONLINE SESSIONS ONLY DURING LOCKDOWN. I HAVE RECEIVED BOTH VACCINATIONS AND TAKE THE RAPID FLOW TEST TWICE A WEEK. ALL SHARED EQUIPMENT IS CLEANED WITH ANTI-BACTERIAL WIPES BETWEEN SESSIONS, AND IF POSSIBLE, I WOULD ENCOURAGE SESSIONS TO TAKE PLACE IN A ROOM WITH OPEN WINDOWS. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS THEM..

Early Years and School-aged Language

I work with children from the age of 2 years with delayed language and communication skills. Input may involve a block of Parent Child Interaction therapy or a consultative service for children under the age of 3, or direct 1:1 therapy for children aged 3-16yrs. This is normally provided in your child’s school or nursery. I have very limited after school availability.

Autism and Complex Needs

I have specialist knowledge and experience of children and young people with ASD, Learning Difficulties, and complex needs including challenging behaviour. I have lead speech and language therapy services in several special needs schools and units for children with autism. I offer assessment, written evidence for SEND Tribunals, therapy and advice. I am trained in Attention Autism, PECS, Makaton, Intensive Interaction, TalkAbout, and Anxiety and Autism.

SEND Tribunals

I have 10 years of experience providing assessment and written reports as evidence towards Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunals, and if required, am able to attend the Tribunal.

I am a member of the Medico-Legal SIG and the Expert Witness Institute, and have attended a number of EWI courses including Advanced Report Writing, and completed the Bond Solon course.

I have links with a London-based speech and language therapy service, who contract out medico-legal work to me; an occupational therapy service with whom I do joint work for Tribunals, and Maxwell Gillott Solicitors, a large legal practice specialising in education, health and community law.

Speech and Stammering

I offer a speech service to children and young persons aged 3-21yrs and stammering service for children between 3-7 years. Speech difficulties involve the 'phonemes' (or speech sounds) that make up words, and that impact upon the clarity of what the child says (articulation). I work with speech impairments including dyspraxia, phonological disorder, oral-motor difficulties, tongue thrust and lisps. I am trained in the Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme and Palin PCI stammering therapy.

Please contact me for details of services available and fees.

Profile Picture of Melissa

About Me

I am a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, working with children and young people aged 3-21 years, and have been practicing for over 15 years. I started in the NHS, where I worked for 6 years, and started building my private practice 12 years ago. I offer therapy in the South West London, East Surrey and West Sussex areas, in your child's home, school or nursery. I also carry out specialist assessments for SEND Tribunals.

I am also in the process of setting up social skills groups in the TW2 part of London. Please contact me if you are interested.